Set fields depending on stored fieldnames

[ellastic]

I started using Filemaker 5 months ago and I have quite a complicated task to do. I was wondering if there is a way, in a script, to set a particular field whose name is stored in another field.

For example if I want to loop through some fields whose names are field1, field2, etc. So I thought I could store a count in a field (called "count", say) and then use it so that in each pass of the loop it sets the field named "field" + count.

If this is not possible I may have to bombard you all with the task in all its glorious entirety!

[transpower]

Script | Set Field

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Hi,

No, you can't set dynamically select the field to be targetted. It has to be clearly specified in the SetField[ ] script step.

You'd need to loop through all fields, in a "All Fields" layout and stop when Status(CurrentFieldName) = the content of your fieldName.

It may appear tedious, but you may reduce the processing time by dropping your fields in 5 different layouts according to their types (text fields, num fields, hour fields, date fields, Container Fields) and then use the correct layout depending on the FieldType.

HTH

[Fenton]

It is possible to set a field, somewhat indirectly, based on its name; or its relative location on a known layout. But it's tricky.

You cannot directly specify a field to set by name. The only way (I know) is to Loop through the fields, using the Go To Next Field step (after starting at the beginning; definitely ending at the end), on a specified layout and tab order.

You can Exit Loop when you get to the field, by comparing Status (CurrentFieldName) to a name in a global field. Or, as you say, to an incrementing count. You can Set Field [ , the data ], NOT specifying the field; it will use the current field.

Exit Record pulls you out of all fields. Go To Field [Next] will then go to the 1st field.

FieldOnLayout.zip

[ellastic]

Thanks Everybody!

I managed to do it by looping through all fields. It was a bit tricky and I pulled my hair out a lot but it works finally!