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"not in list rule" lookup question

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    #1

    "not in list rule" lookup question

    Simple question (I would think) but I can't find how to define a lookup for a field that will allow the user to select the value from the table or type in something else if it does not exist in the table.

    Ideally, it would add the new value to both the record and to the lookup table.

    I know about the "not in list rule" but that doesn't seem to make any difference.

    Please advise.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

    A dropdown box is going to limit you to what is in the dropdown list. The Not In List rule just allows the dropdown to include any value that is already in the field, but not in the list.

    A Lookup will let your user enter any value in the field, or click to make a lookup and select from that list. Once they make a selection, they can overwrite it with any value. Normally you don't want this and have to put in error checking to ensure they don't change the value.

    To add any new value to the lookup database will require some code. Are you using a Grid or a Dialog. Lots easier if the answer is Dialog.
    Steve Wood
    See my profile on IADN

    Comment

      #3
      Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

      If you are doing a lookup from a table, you could use a filter expression in the lookup similar to the one below.

      .NOT. exist(Your_Field_Name_to_exclude,"table_for_lookup","table_for_lookup_index")

      If the above is not enough information for you, then please attach a .zip with further instructions.

      Comment

        #4
        Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

        Steve,

        Thank you for clearing this up. I am new to Alpha and there is a learning curve and I wish Alpha provided more web application samples to examine.

        I do need the ability for the user to be able to "lookup" and enter data from a list and if it is not there, still be able to enter in a new value.

        Would you have a sample bit of code that I could look at?

        Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again.

        Comment

          #5
          Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

          Originally posted by Scholin View Post
          Steve,
          Would you have a sample bit of code that I could look at?
          No I do not. Please attach your application in a zip with specifics about the table and field name you want to create the rule for and the table to lookup from. If you do, I and others will be more than glad to help.

          Comment

            #6
            Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

            There is no 'code' involved. Find this section in the Help: "Defining Lookups for Text Boxes".

            Select the desired text box in your Grid/Dialog. Go to Properties and check the Lookup box. Configure the lookup as per the Help document. It is completely easy. The only mental hurdle is that you need to create a Lookup Grid. The Lookup Grid is a normal Grid, but designed (by you) to show only the one or two fields you want the user to see when they click the lookup button. It has to be reasonably narrow so it does not take over the screen when the user clicks the Lookup link/icon.

            Since the lookup is placed on a normal text box, the user can either a) enter a value in the text box, ignoring the Lookup, b) click to popup the lookup grid and select a value to return or c) change the value after they select something from the lookup.
            Steve Wood
            See my profile on IADN

            Comment

              #7
              Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

              Scholin,

              An approach I've used is to put a checkbox on the main form that says something like "Save value". As long as the user has to type the value(s) somewhere, why not use the form you've already got.

              So, if the value you want is not in the lookup, then you can check the box and when the record is saved, add the values entered to the lookup table.

              For example, I have an event application. Part of the entry is to enter the event location. I have a lookup to a table of frequently used locations. If the location is not in the location table, the user can choose to check the "save this location" box (or not) and save (or not) the location entered to the locations table.

              This is all easier if the entry form is a dialog.

              Pat
              Pat Bremkamp
              MindKicks Consulting

              Comment

                #8
                Re: "not in list rule" lookup question

                Thank you Steve, Pat and Melvin - this is without a doubt one of the best and most useful forums I have used.

                Steve, I now fully understand how this is done, it is working fine and I like your idea Pat and will try that. Thanks again for you help, it is truly appreciated.

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