Abbreviation expander

[George]

I wanted to know if anyone has created an abbreviation expander with FM.

I would like for the user to just enter cp+<spacebar> which would enter 'computer' or cs+<spacebar> for 'consult' etc.

[BobWeaver]

Not by typing the space bar. But, if you have a limited number of abbreviations, you can make up a calculated field which uses the Substitute() function to expand the abbreviations. It can either be a multiply nested Substitute(), if you have only about 10 or less abbreviations, like this:

ExpandedText=

Substitute(

Substitute(

Substitute(

Substitute(

Substitute(InputText,

"abbrev1","fullword1"),

"abbrev2","fullword2"),

"abbrev3","fullword3"),

"abbrev4","fullword4"),

"abbrev5","fullword5")

or if you have a lot more, you will need to store them in a separate related file and run a script with a loop to expand them. Not as neat.

Then, what you can do is superimpose your calculated field directly over your input field with the "allow entry into field" option off for the calculated field. When you click on the field, you will actually be editing the input field, but when you leave the field, the calculated field will display. Make sure the calculated field is opaque and in front.

[BobWeaver]

I should also mention that if you go to the following site and do a search for clairvoyance, you will find a file you can download that does what you are looking for.

http://www.databasepros.com/resources.html

My only complaint about it is that it made my screen flicker too much to be usable.