Value List from Another File

[Poida]

Hi all

I have a value list which people can choose a certain criteria (Criteria 1). I want another value list (Criteria 2) to appear next to it in another field based on what they have originally chosen. Essentially I want value list 2 to be determined by what has been chosen in value list 1.

Hope that makes sense

[QuinTech]

Hi, Poida, that makes perfect sense and it's an often-used feature of FM. First question: Where do the values for ValueList2 come from? Specifically, is it from a different file (table if you're in v7) or from the same file (table)? I will assume the values are from a different file, because i think it's easier to grasp conceptually.

Let's say you are creating a restaurant PO database. Criteria1 is FoodType, Criteria2 is FoodName. You have a file called Foods containing all foods known to humanity, with two fields (Type and Name).

In your main file, create a relationship between Main::FoodType and Foods::Type. Again in your main file, create a value list called Names. In the value list options, select "Use values from field:", then in the Specify dialog, select the name of the relationship you just created and then the field Names.

Now attach the value list Names to your FoodName field. Whenever you select a FoodType, that value list will be populated only with matching values for that type.

Please update your personal info to indicate what version you are using. If you're in version 6 or earlier, i can attach a simple example for this technique.

Jerry

[Poida]

Many thanx for your help, I was able to get it to work but have now stumbled across another problem. When the value list 2 is displayed the text in each choice simply goes off the end of the field box.

Is there a way to force it to wrap at the end of the field box? Extending the box isn't really an option.

Many thanx in advance

[QuinTech]

Sorry, no. If there were, imagine the confusion it could cause. The list:

Alan Adams

Brian Boru

Charlie Chaplin

Darnell Dickerson

Edna Edwards

Could become, given size limitations and wrapping:

Alan Adams

Brian Boru

Charlie Chaplin

Darnell

Dickerson

Edna Edwards

Too confusing. One thing you could do is display a second field in the value list that is shorter (you will see this option at Use Values From Field>Also Display Values From:).

In the example above, i could create a calc field that evaluates to the person's initials. Then, in the Specify Field options, i would Use values from the field: Initials; and Also display values from: Name. Then my list would appear as follows:

AA Alan Adams

BB Brian Boru

CC Charlie Chaplin

DD Darnell Dickerson

EE Edna Edwards

And, if size restricted it, as:

AA Alan Adams

BB Brian Boru

CC Charlie Cha

DD Darnell Dic

EE Edna Edward

Which may be better for you.

HTH.

J