Parsing text - how ?

[jrRaid]

I’m able to go (not even) half way and need some help with this one.

I need to parse out text out of 1 text field and put the data in several fields.

The basic text looks like this:

‘Variable length of text' - Definition 1

Meaning: Variable length of text

Example:

Variable length of text.

Notes:

- Variable length of text

- Variable length of text

'Variable length of text' - Definition 2

Meaning: Variable length of text

Example:

Variable length of text.

Notes:

- Variable length of text

- Variable length of text

Where there will be always at least 1 definition, sometimes 2, sometimes 3.....

Final goal is to have definition 1,2,3, meaning, example, notes 1, notes 2 in separate fields.

If possible with a script or if separate calculations are easier…..

TIA

[Raybaudi]

Hi

are those words ( - Definition 1 ; Meaning: ; Example: ; Notes: ) into the real text ?

[jrRaid]

Yes, only Variable.... is different for each entry.

[Raybaudi]

and:

Notes:

- Variable length of text <-- this is notes 1 ?

- Variable length of text <-- this is notes 2 ?

If so you can use the GetValue( ) function into a recursive custom function.

For example, for notes 1:

GetValue ( TextToParse ; 6 )

for notes 2:

GetValue ( TextToParse ; 7 )

Then repeat the work ( into the custom function ) with NextTextToParse = RightValues ( TextToParse ; ValueCount ( TextToParse ) - 7 )

[jrRaid]

A live sample:

'Answer for' - Definition 1

Meaning: Be held responsible for a problem

Example:

The administration should be made to ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out the problem.

Notes:

- Inseparable

- International

'Answer for' - Definition 2

Meaning: Speak on behalf of someone or from knowing them

Example:

I can ANSWER FOR my partner because I know his idea on this issue.

Notes:

- Inseparable

- International

And I'm afraid Custom Functions are currently a little bit to high for me yet.

I just start with FileMaker and still have to find my way into the regular functions.

So, 'Answer for' needs to come in field Definition 1,

Be held responsible for a problem, in field Meaning

The administration should be made to ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out the problem. in field Example

- Inseparable , in field Note 1

- International, in field Type

Edited September 16, 2006 by Guest

[Raybaudi]

Ok

I'm looking at your profile only now !

But, if the Definitions may are 3, you have to build 5*3 fields ( 15 fields ).

Have I understand you correctly ?

[jrRaid]

Well, yes.

I didn't come up with aonther design.

Or I have to make a sort of duplicate records if is are more than one definition.

After all, that possibilty is real....

For now I have 1600 entries in the database (import from ols Lotus 123 file), and I have no idea how to tackle a +3 definition.

My first concern was/is to populate my fields first, to be able to make search and reports.

Maybe later, in a new and better design, I will be able to just import the 'separated' data.

Like it is now it is not workable.

[jrRaid]

I tried raybaudi's answer, but can't get it to work....

Is there another, not so complicated, solution ?

TIA

[Raybaudi]

Hi

try this

parsing.zip