a5v10: Java Character Counter

[lampro77]

I need help with code for java client side event. While typing text into a "text area" field, the code should work as a counter, count the characters on each key stroke and show the number of characters on another field. The number of characters changes at the client side on each key stroke.

Any help?

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

I probably don't need to remind you that you want javascript, not java.

The best I could do on short notice is the following:

Create an unbound field where you want the counter to show (I called my QTY)
In the field whose length you want to count (I called mine ITEM), add this to the inline java script on the onKeyPress event:

var myString = {grid.Object}.getValue('G','ITEM',{Grid.RowNumber});
var vNum = myString.length;
var vNum = vNum +1;
{grid.Object}.setValue('G','QTY',{Grid.RowNumber},vNum);

Remember, javascript is case sensitive.

See if that works.

It does not work quite correctly if you press the backspace key and delete some of the characters, but if you start adding characters after the deletion, it does correct the count immediately.
I hope this helps.
Jay

[bea2701]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

here is an example for javascript

function countWords(){
document.form1.wordcount.value = document.form1.inputString.value.split(' ').length;
}

Place the following code in the document body:

<form name="form1" method="post">
<textarea name="inputString" cols="50" rows="4">Text to count</textarea>
<br>
<input type="button" name="Convert" value="Count Words" onClick="countWords();">
<input name="wordcount" type="text" value="" size="6">
</form>

there more examples google " javascript character count "

hope this helps

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

@Jay Talbott, Javascript and not java. Thanks :)
I have followed your instruction but it does not work pls. However, I did not use an unbound field because the data in the "Qty" field (that is, the final count) also has to be submitted.

@bea2701, your code looks to me like raw javascript fto be directly inserted into web a page. I'm sorry, I forgot to add that I'm using a grid component.

Please see the attached, where I used Jay Tablott's code but which did not work.

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Change the QTY field from a label to a text box, and put 1=2 in the enable expression.
It will then work.
Best of luck,
Jay

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Thanks Jay,

It works just the way you said, (the backspace and delete keys don't count). Can we add one or two more codes to make the backspace and delete keys count?.


Also, it works it does not work on firefox browser but it works on Internet explorer.

Bless you.

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Move the script below to the onKeyUp event.
(Note: using the onKeyUp event eliminates the need for the line I have remmed out with the //. Also, space bar strokes show up in the count.)

var myString = {grid.Object}.getValue('G','ITEM',{Grid.RowNumber});
var vNum = myString.length;
//var vNum = vNum +1;
{grid.Object}.setValue('G','QTY',{Grid.RowNumber},vNum);

It works in my firefox browser.
Jay

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

@Jay, you are simply great!

The space and delete keys now count. I feel good. However, I'll have to check why it's not working in my fire fox and Google chrome. It works fine in Internet explorer.

Before we close this thread, please let us try one more thing. Let's add one more field and call it "pages". This field value changes to "1" when the user starts typing and if the "Qty" field value increases above 160, the value of "page" field changes to "2" and again to "3" after exceeding an additional 160 characters.

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Thanks, that is very nice of you to say.
How about you try and figure this out.
This is the part where you get to eat for life, not just for a day <grin>.
Jay

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Hint # 1. Look up the Math.ceil() javascript function.
Hint # 2. You only need to add two more lines of code to the above script.
Jay

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Give me fish and you feed me for one day, but teach me how to fish and you feed me for all days.:)

Let me try.

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

I've been all over the place searching for the past 4 hours.

The say ceiling "Returns the smallest integer that is greater than or equal to the specified Number". I've tried many potions but none of them worked. Pls help!

[Jay Talbott]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

var myString = {grid.Object}.getValue('G','ITEM',{Grid.RowNumber});
var vNum = myString.length;
var vPages = Math.ceil(vNum/160);
{grid.Object}.setValue('G','QTY',{Grid.RowNumber},vNum);
{grid.Object}.setValue('G','PAGES',{Grid.RowNumber},vPages);

Notice I have added a field called Pages.

See how that works out.
Jay

[lampro77]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

Thanks a lot Jay. Everything works real fine and it's started working in my firefox and google chrome too. Big "Cheers' to you.

[Steve Wood]

Re: a5v10: Java Character Counter

In case it matters - What count would you expect for the following (four lines, no line return after the '4'):

1
2
3
4

Should that be counted as 4, or perhaps 7 including one count for each hard return? It unfortunately counts as 10 with the latest javascript in this discussion.