Automatic number when importing

[henrik_ahlgren]

I have a field that is a counter for a specific persons records in a file. This works fine so long you manualy create new records. The problem is when I import records then the value don't get any bigger then one (1). To count a persons records I use a self relationship and the following calculation in the field.

code:

---

If( fieldname <> "";

If( Count(Selfrelationship::fieldname <> "";

Count(Selfrelationship::fieldname)+1;"1");"")

It counts the time a record with fieldname exists and put that + 1 in the counter field.

Is there some smart way to solve a problem like this? At second thought the solvation dosen't have to be smart so long it works

//Henkan

[LiveOak]

The calculation is your problem. Change your entire calculation to:

Count(selfrelationship::fieldname)

-bd

[goldraven]

Alternatively, you could create a calculated numerical field for each record where the result is always "1" and use the Sum function instead (ie. "Sum(selfrelationship::C_Constant)".

By using this method, you never have to manually increase any field and even records that are imported will have a value of "1".

[henrik_ahlgren]

quote:

---

The calculation is your problem. Change your entire calculation to:

Count(selfrelationship::fieldname)

---

If I use this calculation the first record for this person will have no value. That will mess things up when I realy want a value in this field and has set the field to "Not empty".

I haven't tried the other suggestion yet but although it seems to solve the problem with no value in the field will the second post realy get 2 as value? Or have I got it wrong that the Sum like Count only sees records that already exists and not the one I' creating? Maybe if I take Sum(selfrelationship::C_Constant) + 1, but I tried that with Count and it didn't work. I have to try that out later today. I'm happy for all suggestions.

//Henkan

[goldraven]

Henkan,

If you utilize my suggestion the record will have a value of "1" in the C_Constant field the moment you create it, and therefore the Sum will count it.

[henrik_ahlgren]

Rob thanks for your answer.

I tested your calculation but I don't get a value into the field. It is empty after the import. What have I done wrong???

What I did was created a field, Calc1, which I equeld with 1. I set the calculation in my counterfield, Counter, to Sum(selfrelationship::Calc1). The selfrelationship is based on my foreign key.

[henrik_ahlgren]

Forget the last post. I figured it out.

The problem was that I didn't have the Count field as calculation fieldtype, it was numeric. When I changed it all works fine.

Thanks again for your help Rob.

[henrik_ahlgren]

On the other hand it didn't work like I thought it would. I can't store the value and FM says something about the reason could be because it referes to a relation field.

This shouldn't be that hard to do, is it me that hasn't got the hold om FM yet? It proberly is