pass or export fields to other programs?

[David H]

Is there a way to pass certain field information to another program without having to export the information in FMPRO first?

Currently I have a script that exports the info I need to a data file, then I have FMPRO run a perl script which retrieves the data and does what I need for it to do (actually it then creats a batch file, which FMPRO then runs as the third step).

The problem is that when I put this ALL in one script (activated by a button), I think when script is run and FMPRO exports the data my perl script is run at the same time, thus the data file (the exported file) isn't created yet....so I have to run the script again to get the data from the previous run. I could probably do some type of delay, but I was hoping there is something simpler?!?

Is there an easy way to use *send mail* or some other script function and pass along parameters based on my filemaker pro fields?

I'm sure there is an easy solution to this, I just can't seem to find it.

thanks,

David H.

[LiveOak]

The ways I can think of to get data from FM are:

1) Export

2) AppleScript (Mac Only)

3) ODBC

4) Web Companion

5) Lasso

-bd

[BobWeaver]

I'm not familiar with perl scripts but I expect it may be capable of the following:

Put a loop in your perl script that checks to see if the export file exists. If not, keep looping. If it exists, exit the loop and continue with the script.

[David H]

ok thanks. I think I found a workaround by doing just that (looping until file is made).

one more quickie. When I perform a find/search in FMPRO and it pulls up X matches, how do I just select the current record I am viewing only, so that the other 29 records won't export along with my *export script*?

is there a way to do this in the script dialog?

thanks again.

David H.

[This message has been edited by David H (edited February 20, 2001).]

[LiveOak]

To isolate the current record in a found set, I would use a relationship. Create a global field (number is fine) gRecord. Give each record an auto entered serial number field called SerialNo. Create a self relationship between gRecord <--> SerialNo.(call it SelfBySerial). Then the script to isolate the current record in a found set is:

Set Field (gRecord, SerialNo.)

Go to Related Record (SelfBySerial, Show only related records)

-bd

[DykstrL]

Another quick and dirty way is a short script:

Show All Records

Omit Record

Show Omitted

This will give you a found set with just the one record you were in when the script was run.