how to find specific records by ID

[broberts7usa]

Need to set up a way for users to enter a specific set of record ID numbers into a "find" window (scripted for them) and dump those records into a list report. Help? I'm stumped.

[LiveOak]

The easiest way to perform a "find" on a set of record numbers is not to use a "Find" at all. Instead, use a relationship based upon a "multi-key".

Create a global text field:

gRecIDs (global, text)

Create a self(with the same file) relationship with:

gRecIDs <--> RecID

The user enters all the desired record numbers into the field gRecIDs, separated by carriage returns (this is the "multi-key"). Entry of the Record ID's is done in Browse Mode!

The "FIND" button then runs a script containing the step:

Go to Related Record[Relationship, Show only Related Records]

This is MUCH faster than a traditional find, but you do need to learn just a little about relationships.

-bd

[broberts7usa]

Thanks bd!

It's not relationships I need to learn about (already had to tackle those, including self-relationships, I've got 6 related DBs going and related-record portals etc) it's global keys and multi-keys now that I'm getting further with things and scripting buttons etc ... the books I've been using don't tell how to use them (globals) very well, so I kinda missed them. (I've been "developing", if you can call it that, way ahead of my learning curve!)

I appreciate the help and I ^think^ I understand how to do it - do I need to loop and cleanout the globals in the script (from the last search)? And how to format so the users will use the carriage returns (I can always put instructions on the "find" page --

Thanks for giving me a head start!

- Bonnie

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Hi,

The globals could be cleared if the records you're looking for are not displayed in a portal using the newly created relationship g_Multkey::ID...

Well, I personnaly clear globals when tabbing out (within the interface buttons scripts).

In order for the user to add new rows in th global field, you could add a little "+" button just next to your field, that script new entry in the global field.

[broberts7usa]

I like the one-line-portal idea better than anything ...

Clear the globals when tabbing out? an exit script? if so I guess I can figure it out (am extra crispy this late at nite so suggest away ...)

Also I like the little "+" idea to idiot proof things --

thanks Ugo

- Bonnie