Preventing blank records

[mehronx]

I'd like to prevent users from creating empty records. What is the best approach. Could I write a script that checks the entry as the user exits the record?

[falkaholic]

One way:

Make a new layout and a global field for each field in the database.

In the new layout, have a button for the user to click that checks to see the fields arn't all empty, and if they arn't, make a new record with the globals as the fields.

There should be other ways, but that is just one.

[Vaughan]

If you use FMP6, you don't even need a layout. Use the new custom dialog box for new record imput, or at least the main fields (up to 3).

[stefangs]

what's wrong with simply validating the required fields to 'not empty'. seems to be the most straightforward solution.

[mehronx]

validating could work, but there isn't really one required field. Sometimes there may be no business name and sometimes there may be no first and last name. I could probably make a combined hidden field with first name, last name, and business name and validate that as not empty.

[Vaughan]

"Not Empty" validation on all fields becomes a nightmare for users when they accidentally make a new record, or want to make a new record but don't have all the info yet.

Best to decide which data *really* needs to be there and only validate for that. One or two fields at most.