Automated Unique Naming of Export file

July 23, 200421 yr

Newbies

I am struggling coming up with a solution. I need to be able to create a unique export file name using a field. Each export will drop a tab delimited file on an FTP site, but the filename must be unique. I can do this manually, but am looking for a way to use the existing serial number field to automatically create the export file name. Any feedback is very appreciated.

Thank You

Larry

July 26, 200421 yr

Hi, Larry! If your export file name must truly be unique, then using an existing record-based serial number may result in a repeated name if it's the same record(s). You may want to play w/datetime strings in conjunction with some other qualifier just in case there are simultaneous (<1 second) exports. Something exported at 1:41:49pm on July 26, 2004 would be something like

20042607134149-qjxtd or something

Assuming you get a name, though, does FM let you use that name in the export? I assume you are scripting this and doing the export w/no dialog? I haven't done/tried it but it seems interesting...

--ST

July 28, 200421 yr

Author
Newbies

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply. I agree with the naming, Thanks. Right now I just have a script that copies the field to memory and then the user does a manual (CTRL-V) paste in to the export file name dialog box. I was hoping to be able to autmate that portion.

--LArry

August 3, 200421 yr

Hi, Larry. This can be automated with Troi's File plug-in. You'd export the file to C:somePathsomeName.tab, then use Troi File to rename it to the value of some field (you could also change the directory with this plug-in).

AFAIK, there's no other way to do this.

HTH

Jerry

August 4, 200421 yr

I know that for this particular request, the user is on Windows. But for readers who are using a Mac, the "do shell script" applescript command allows this to be done without any plugins. See the Sample File section, http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=117515&an=0&page=0#117515

August 4, 200421 yr

There's a lot i don't like about Macs, but i keep seeing you guys refer to Applescript, and i really really wish there was an equivalent for Windows. Maybe i'll go to the MS Forums website and post this in the "Wish List" section... I hear they're very responsive to their customers.