intra-file dependencies

[hemlock]

(I apologize if this is a naive question or inappropriate for this particular forum. Additionally I apologize if my terminology is off--that's been a big problem for me finding how to do this, I think. -))

I have two fields representing computers, manufacturer and model. Appropriate values for the field manufacturer are members of a value list of the same name.

Appropriate values for model would ideally come from a number of value lists, the choice of which would depend on the manufacturer. I suppose I would want to represent that something like

if value(manufacturer) == X,

then value-list(model) = value-list-x

where I would be writing such a conditional statement for every model value.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Additionally, if anyone has a link to a page detailing FMP6 syntax, I would greatly appreciate seeing it. Finally, if we can write our own function definitions, I'd appreciate a link to a description of that process.

Thanks very much!

Bob Lehner

Hemlock Public Schools

Hemlock, MI

[stanley]

Bob:

Welcome to the Forums. While it would sound like you want to use a value list to choose your Model, you're better off using a portal, which points to a related file (in FMP6, table in FMP7). As you are in FMP6, I'll use 6's terminology.

First, you should create a separate file, called Models.fp5. In that file, you need 3 fields: Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number (auto-fill serial number). You'll need a way to add new models as they come into play, and I'll leave that up to you.

Second, in your existing solution, where you are using a value list for Manufacturer, point it toward the Models.fp5 file, and use all values from the Manufacturer field. This should give you a complete value list, with each Manufacturer listed once.

Third, create a relationship from your current solution to the Models.fp5 file, where Manufacturer=Manufacturer. Place a portal based on that relationship where you want your Model value list to be, and in that portal, place the Model field (from Models.fp5). Voila, you can switch between manufacturers, and their models appear.

I'm not sure what you want to do with your value list, so post a follow-up & I (or someone else) will explain what's next.

-Stanley

[hemlock]

Stanley,

Thanks very much for your response to my initial question. I am developing this database for simple inventory purposes, and I would like to use the Model field values as descriptions of any given computer, based on the Manufacturer. I would like that description to be consistent across inputters, and, as such, simple text input would be time-consuming and error-prone. Selecting a value from a list solves that problem for any given record, but placing all models on one list would get cumbersome. So, your solution will potentially work for me. Thanks!

Bob