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.

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

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.

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).]

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

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.