Calculated fields - table vs browse

[ABRIO]

I have a form with fields with record list/combo boxes, and these refer to Table 1. Table 1 has a 'Fname' field and a 'Lname' field. Using "Fname' and 'Lname', I'd like to create a 'Fullname' field that can be used in the record list/combo box instead. I did a calculated field in Table 1 and referenced 'Fullname' to the record list/combo box, which worked - until I noticed that there were 16-32 warning errors in the related form. After more study, I created a browse from Table 1, and did the calculated field there. But now the browse doesn't come up as an option for the record list/combo box in the form. What important step am I missing/ misunderstanding? Do I need to think outside of the "box"? - Sharon

[Mortie]

Re: Calculated fields - table vs browse

Are you referring to calculated field as in it is an actual field in your table versus a calculated value, which is an expression field created outside the table but based on actual fields in a table?

Confusing at times, yes, but once you understand the difference it gets easier.

for a calculated value I suggest you try alltrim(fname)+ " "+alltrim(lname)

the " " will put the space in between. If yo uwant last name first you could try alltrim(lname)+", "+alltrim(fname). This inserts the grammatically correct comma.

alltrim does nothing more than remove the blank spaces that might be at the beginning and end of the data actually in the lname and fname fields

Calculated fields in a table often have to wait for information from the table before they actually can and will calculate.

What is generating your error messages I cannot say as there is not enough information to address it further.

[MoGrace]

Re: Calculated fields - table vs browse

I have a form with fields with record list/combo boxes, and these refer to Table 1. Table 1 has a 'Fname' field and a 'Lname' field. Using "Fname' and 'Lname', I'd like to create a 'Fullname' field that can be used in the record list/combo box instead. I did a calculated field in Table 1 and referenced 'Fullname' to the record list/combo box, which worked - until I noticed that there were 16-32 warning errors in the related form. After more study, I created a browse from Table 1, and did the calculated field there. But now the browse doesn't come up as an option for the record list/combo box in the form. What important step am I missing/ misunderstanding? Do I need to think outside of the "box"? - Sharon

Hi Sharon,
If you want to add a calculated field to your table using the values from other fields in the table you will need to run an Update Operation on the new field first before you make it a calc type. The Recalc field rules does not recalc in the existing records. Or at least it never has for me in this type of scenario. You would have to put each existing record in change mode to get the new field to calc. After you update the existing records using your calculation, go back to field rules and change the type from User to Calc and save with the same calculation expression.

[ABRIO]

Re: Calculated fields - table vs browse

Thank you for the 2 suggestions. I'll give them a try on Monday.