text parsing

[billem]

I have a string in foot and inches, 2'-2 1/2", and want to use the position function to return the location of the ' character. I get zero and not 2. Why?

[Vaughan]

Post the exact function you are using.

Is the field's data type set to text or number? It needs to be text for this to work.

[billem]

It is set to text. I've even tried changing the string to something like "this' is a test". still get 0

[comment]

Position ( text ; "'" ; 1 ; 1 )

[billem]

i am using a text field. I've even changed the string to something like " this ' is a test" and still get 0 returned

[billem]

i know that i am using the postion function correctly because if ask it to return the position of "a" in "this ' is a test", i get 11

[RalphL]

Turn off smart quotes and re-enter the " & '.

[billem]

are you suggesting this: Position ( size; "&'"; 1 ; 1 ), which I just tried and got 0

[RalphL]

No, I am saying you must go to the File menu and select File Options, then Text and then unckeck the box that says "Use smart quotes" Now every place you used a " or a ' retype it.

Your calculation should be Position ( String ; "'" ; 1 ; 1 ).

[billem]

thanks Ralph!

[Vaughan]

Well spotted Raplh.

I gues you couls keep smart quotes as well by also looking for curly quotes as well as straight ones.