howdy everybody!

Trying to get a hang of this relationship thing and it's coming along sloooowly...

I have 2 databases, one is a more complex one is a project database and the other is a simple contact database. When I enter the contact information for someone in the project database i want it to automatically create a new record in the contacts database (without making duplicates of course). I've created a relationship between the two tables (projects and contacts) with an "equals" relationship between the coresponding fields (first name, last name, email, etc.). I've also checked the box allowing for creation of new records in the contacts db. but when i enter in a new contact in the projects db, nothing happens in the contacts db. i know i must be missing a few steps. do i need to perform a script or link the fields more explicitly?

I very much appreciate any help you all could provide.

relationshipsgraph.pdf

Hi chasm

The check box for allowing creation of new records does not do what want.

What it does do is allow one to create new 'related' records if the 'related' records are displayed in a portal.

You need a field in each table which links the contacts to the project. (sorry I have not downloaded your file cos I am in a bit of a rush) i.e if your project table has a field called 'project' with an entry of 'make a cup of coffee' for one of your projects then each contact associated with that project must also have a field called 'project'that says 'make a cup of coffee'

Relate the two tables on the field 'project' and you have then linked all the relevant contacts to all the relevant projects.

Once you have your relationship established you have a couple of options to do what you want

The best would be to use a 'PORTAL' to display all the contacts already existing for that project.

IMPORTANT:Format the portal to get the related records from your 'project/contact' relationship and for it to have scroll bars

Place the fields that you wish to display from the contact table in the top row of the portal

IMPORTANT! Do not forget to get the fields via the relationship as you place them

Now the 'allow creation of new records' box comes into effect

with that box checked the portal will have a blank record at the bottom of the list where you can enter any new contact.

The final step would be to place a button in the top row of the portal with a script that will set the fields in the current table to those in the related table

This will allow the user to enter a new record in the contacts table via the portal and then choose any contact for the project table via the button

Get back to me if you need any more help

Phil