Finding unique values

[charlefr]

Hi,

I'm new to FM, so please bear with me. I want to be able to find all the unique values in several fields--one field at a time. What is the best way to do this?

Thanks!

Charlene

[Lee Smith]

The simple approach would be to use the ! (Exclamation Mark) in the field, and then "Omit" the found set. You would have to do this with each field.

HTH

Lee

[LaRetta]

Finding the unique value in a field is where Value Lists shine. Simply create a value list (based upon field values) on each field. Or if you want to just see one of each unique entry in a field ON THE FLY, CTRL-I to display the field's index.

BTW, Lee, your method will display both records which make up the duplicate (in one field). So then omitting the found set will short you that unique entry as well.

If we knew the purpose, we could give more specific suggestions. The best way would depend upon whether this is a one-time thing, a User action requiring script, export etc. :wink2:

[charlefr]

Finding the unique value in a field is where Value Lists shine. Simply create a value list (based upon field values) on each field. Or if you want to just see one of each unique entry in a field ON THE FLY, CTRL-I to display the field's index.

BTW, Lee, your method will display both records which make up the duplicate (in one field). So then omitting the found set will short you that unique entry as well.

If we knew the purpose, we could give more specific suggestions. The best way would depend upon whether this is a one-time thing, a User action requiring script, etc.

Hi all,

What I'm trying to do is a one time thing. Specifically, I'm wanting to visually check for misspellings of specialized terms used in our database--i.e. if some of the namesare off by one or more letters, etc.

Thanks,

Charlene

Thanks!

[LaRetta]

Hi Charlene,

Then "to just see one of each unique entry in a field ON THE FLY, CTRL-I to display the field's index" is the way to go. I use it frequently to check data integrity through my fields.

[charlefr]

Can CTRL I be used on a Mac? What mode do I need to be in, and do I need to select the field I'm interested in?

Charlene

[charlefr]

Nevermind...I figured out how to do it!

Thanks!

Charlene

[Lee Smith]

oops. I don't know what I was thinking with that response. Must have been a Senior Moment.

Sorry Charlene for the miss information.

:)