I have records that have a field with values that look like this:

1-1

1-2

1-3

1

KG-1

PB-1

2-1

2-2

1-5

5-1

I'm looking for all the values that start with 1 like 1-1 1 1-3 1-5. If I enter a 1 int the find field, I get all those I'm looking for including KG-1 and PB-1, but NOT 5-1 - all three of which I don't want because they don't start with a 1. Oh yeah, it's a text field. Any help on what I'm doing wrong?

I don't see how "KG-1" and "PB-1" fit into your condition "I'm looking for all the values that start with 1 like 1-1 1 1-3 1-5." If you don't need those oddballs, you can do the find with:

==1*

I agree. I don't want those oddballs. My question is why did the results include KB-1 and not 5-1. I really only want any field starting with 1. Something is inconsistent here.

why did the results include KB-1 and not 5-1.

Because "KB-1" is two words and "5-1" is one word. When you search for a string (unquoted), Filemaker will find all records that have words that start with the string.

try

1-

As your search

Hi Michael,

So the word break rules apply?

"one-2" = 2 words

"1-2" = 1 word

I find this subject fascinating and keep a list of these combinations (and exceptions). If anyone else is interested, I suggest Post#176047. Knowing these rules is quite valuable.

L

Edited April 6, 200619 yr by Guest
Changed first sentence

Can't do that because I want the value of 1 without the dash as well (I failed to list it as a possible value)

Could you explain why that is? There are no spaces in KB-1.

Mike

See here and here.

Beautiful. Thanks so much. If I want it to be one word I guess I could make the letter/number combinations without the dash (KB1,1-1,would work). Thanks again.

Mike

I am under the impression that the real problem here is storing two separate facts in a single field.

I am under the impression that the real problem here is storing two separate facts in a single field.

Agreed. Though I wish I knew what this data was.