Value Lists and Multi-Key Fields

[LaRetta]

I'm a bit unclear (when aren't I ) on the differences and similarities between Value Lists and Multi-Key fields and their corresponding application. They appear to be (or CAN be) the same thing. FM help isn

[Vaughan]

A value list is just a list of values that FMP stores. It could be the names of the months of the year, titles of people etc. Value lists can be entered by hand (custom) or generated automatically by the records in the database (based on field or relationship). Either way it's just a list of values.

Multi-key is all about making one record related to more than one record in another file.

Really nothing to do with each other, though a value list is often used when building the interface to a multi-key system -- but that's only for convenience.

[LaRetta]

Thanks for the information Vaughan. Well, when I place the two fields, a Value List and a Multi-Key field in a table, the resultant data looks the same -- both are single fields with multiple-line entries. And am I wrong in assuming that any field can actually hold multiple entries within it? Even a running list of items, generated through script?

Hey, did you ever find your wayward star that fell off? I was hoping it was heading in my direction but I guess not

[Vaughan]

Ok, think of it this way.

You have a grocery list when you go into the supermarket. After you have done the shopping you have a trolley that has the shopping list in it too, right?

No. The grocery list is just a list. The trolley is full of real groceries (data).

Perhaps the confusion arises because you have a field (say a global field) with multiple entries in it that you are using to *generate* a value list. This is like going shopping, then making the shopping list based on what you have bought. The list is still separate from the groceries.

Regarding my stars... the "ten stars" was just a joke, and meant to be a short-lived one at that. However last time I tried to change my pic the server wouldn't let me, so I'm stuck with it!

[LaRetta]

Thanks for the clarification Vaughan! Well, I think you should have all ten!

[LaRetta]

Well, you know, I really would like more input on this ... I can't leave this one alone. I think there's power and flexibility if I can really understand this. My reasons for asking is, as Vaughan said, it can be used during development -- and that's what we're all here for, right? I guess my question more addresses a FIELD populated by a Value List than the value list itself. For instance, if I used a script to insert data into a Value List field, would it appear on the value list? Please everyone re-read my questions and see if you can satisfy my desires!

I simply can't stand not understanding each underlying aspect or option available and that means *seeing it* from all sides. Pleeease?

[CobaltSky]

I suspect that what you are thinking of is the use of the ValueListItems( ) function in conjunction with a value list based on a relationship. The role of this function is certainly important, but is not the same as that of a multi-key field (though in certain circumstances it can be used to retrieve data with which to set a Multi-Key field).

In this situation, the multi-key field is the thing which allows you to establish a many to many relationship, upon which many things can then be based, including (but not limited to) value lists. By contrast, a value list (and therefore also the ValueListItems( ) function) returns the related values associated with an existing relationship.

In this sense, there is a connection between the ValueListItems( ) function and Multi-Key fields - each can be used in certain circumstances to facilitate the creation of management of the other.

A significant part of this is that both are concerned with CR-separated arrays of data - and those arrays are frequently grouped in a way which has to do with one or more aspects of the data relationships within a solution.

However it is worth bearing in mind that there are quite a lot of uses for both the ValueListItems( ) function and for Multi-Key fields, and some of them bear little comparison to one another, so despite the points of connection, they are nonetheless different beasts. Hence Vaughan's shopping list vs pile of groceries analagy!

[LaRetta]

Thanks for clearing up my confusion, Ray! Yes, indeed I was confusing Value Lists and ValueListItems() functions. I had read about using them with Multi-Keys in certain circumstances. I'm glad I was set straight ... I was heading in the wrong direction on this one! And thanks, Vaughan for being so patient with my ignorance!

Now, I'll need to go back and re-think this whole piece. Well after all, what ELSE would I do with my time? It's a labor of love!