FM Losing Zeros?

[Tigerstrike]

Howdy,

I'm trying to create a simple calculation field. The field combines two other fields into one. The first of the fields is simply text (ie: ABC), the other field is a serialized number field (ie: 00123). The problem I'm running into is when I try to combine the fields, using a simple calc, FileMaker truncates the leading zeros in my serialized number (ie: ABC + 00123 = ABC123, no zeros).

a) Why on earth does FileMaker drop the zeros?

Is there a simple way around this issue?

As always, thanks for any/all help.

Cheers...

Tigerstrike

[DanBrill]

Check your field definitions. You probably have one set to number when you want it set to text. 0123 is an acceptable text value, but will become 123 when it is used in a calc unless both it and the calc are set to be text.

HTH,

Dan

[MoonShadow]

I agree, Dan. A serial of 0023 really isn't a number anyway - it is text. But one could leave that as a number if they wished and use text & Right("00000" & num, 5) to convert it pretty easily.

TigerStrike, your resultant calculation should for sure be text however.

[Lee Smith]

Hi Tigerstrike,

Why shouldn't FileMaker dorp them?. They have no value when used as leading zeros in a numeric field. However, if the field is Text, then they have value as characters, and will be retained.

Change the field to Text and you will have your leading zeros.

HTH

Lee

[Tigerstrike]

MoonShadow,

Man, that calc worked like a charm! Thanks much!

Cheers,

Tigerstrike