Would I use a summary field for this?

[jharlin]

I'm trying to create a field that takes text from five different fields and strings them all together. It's the same approach as having a separate field for "first name" and "last name" and then a third field that would display the two halves of the name together. Only, I'm using 5 different text fields which, together, end up creating a catalog number. Does this make sense? If so, is a summary field the right way to go? Or does a summary field only deal with number fields?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Hi,

This is a calc field, not a summary field.

You could use severalf text functions (Right, Left, Middle) and "concanate" all the 5 fields together.

[Mike D.]

You can use a calculation field to concatenate the fields together. FirstNameField & " " & LastNameField & " " & etc.

HTH, Mike

[jharlin]

Works perfectly now. Thank you.

[photoman007]

I have 30 fields ( used car options) I only want to end up with a list of options that I have answered yes to. Showing the options available on a used vehicle would a calc. field handle this as well?

[LaRetta]

Hi Photoman,

If you are talking about displaying 'yes' items on a form (such as your window sticker), you don't need a calculation for this. You need a Value List defined as a checkbox or radio button. If you have a form with 30 options (fields) appearing on the form and you only want the "Yes" options to be 'checked' or marked, then try this:

I assume you have your window sticker (form) in place listing each option, and that you have each option field placed in front of the option. Decide whether you want a checkbox or radio button 'look'.

Right-click your first field and select checkbox or radio button. If you don't have a Value List defined, create one now.

If the values in each of your 30 fields contains only a "Yes" or "No" then create a Custom Value List and type 'yes' and 'no' as two lines in the list. Call this Value List 'Select'.

Now, go to your next field, right-click, select same type (radio or checkbox) and select this SAME Value List. Repeat with all of your fields.

When you go to browse, if the field is "yes", the checkbox (or radio) will be selected.

One more thing ... if you have a Car as a record in your Main db and the 30 options are fields within that one car record, you may not be structured very efficiently. It's usually better to have your 30 options that relate to that one car, as individual records in a related file (1:n one to many).

If you wish to search for all 'yes' items, for instance, you will need to individually search all 30 fields. If they were in a related db, it would be very easy. Ideally, your options would be a Value List.

LaRetta

[Lee Smith]

Hi photoman,

Take a look at this sample file

One Line Value List Display by: Don Wieland his URL is:

http://www.dwdataconcepts.com

This is the format I use.

HTH

Lee