Creating a global text field

[skemper]

Sorry for the very basic nature of this question. I am writing a script that apparently requires a Global Text Field. The field in question was created as a Text Field when it was defined. How do you create a global text field? Can an existing text field be changed to a GTF without loosing existing text? What are the characteristics of a GTF (ie limitations or advantages)?

SK

[Lee Smith]

Hi skemper,

Unfortunately, You can [color:"red"] Not switch it either to or from a global field without losing the information. It is logical, as a global field is the same information for all records and a regular text field is unique to all records.

Why not just create another field that is a global and use it instead?

HTH

Lee

[skemper]

Thanks Lee for that explanation. This gets more complicated as I peel back the layers. This all started with my thread in the Scriptmaker forum. I am trying to insert the same text into a text field of specified records. I use the field to record when and what promotional mailings are sent to each prospect. If, out of a total database of 1000 names I may send a promo to 500 and need to record the date and type of promo sent in the field for just those 500. Next time it might be a mailing of 750 which would include some or all of the previous 500. So, I need to be able to periodically add to the field when I send out new promo pieces without affecting the existing text in the field. I'm not sure where to go from here.

SK

[skemper]

Is this one beyond everyone?

SK

[Vaughan]

I'd think about creating a relational database to hold the name of the promo sent out. That'll make getting reports out very easy.

Alternatively, you can add to a text field using the Set Field [] script step: to prepend some text

Set Field [field, "new text" & field]

To append text use

Set Field [field, field & "new text"]

You probably need a global field in your process somewhere to add the text to the field, but the field that holds the promo text in each record should not be global, since you want it to contain a different value for each record.