Summarizing Text from Child File

[ljm]

I have a child file of contact names usually there are less than 6 entries, sometimes 0. On reports I often throw a small portal to show up to three values. I'd like to create a calculated field in the parent that is a text summary of just the names from all the related contact records, and then the reports can just show the summary.

Could anyone help with a recommendation on how to do this?

Thank you.

Edited October 11, 2006 by Guest

[BobWeaver]

Use the List() function.

List(ChildTable::Name)

If you need to include several fields Like First Name, Last Name and phone number etc., then make up a calculated field that concatenates the values:

FullContactInfo = LastName&", "&Firstname&" - "&Phone

And then use that field in the list

[ljm]

Thanks I never even knew the List function existed. This will make the process a lot easier.

Linda

[Fenton]

List() doesn't exist is FileMaker 8, introduced in 8.5. You can use Bob's suggestion of a concatenated field (must be stored), then get it in earlier versions via ValueListItems ( file name, "value list name"). You have to first create a Value List using the portal's relationship.

Another way is to use Custom Function(s). The GetNthRow(), GetRows() custom functions work together to do much the same. I like it better because, 1. The rows are in order of the relationship, not alphabetical., 2. A concatenated field, with its extra bulk, is not needed., and 3. No "hard-coded" name values, which can break later if you forget and rename the file or value list.

GetRows() is by Bruce Robertson, and is available at

http://www.briandunning.com/filemaker-custom-functions/list.php

Or you could upgrade to 8.5 -]

[BobWeaver]

Sorry, about the inaccuracy. When I upgraded, I jumped from version 7 directly to 8.5, and assumed that List() had been available in 8.0.

[ljm]

It's ok, it makes me want to upgrade to 8.5, but others I work with are not able to buy the upgrade right now, so I think it will have to wait. If I go the custom function route, do I have to install those on all the machines that use this db?

Thanks,

Linda

[BobWeaver]

Instead of a custom function you can create a value list based on your relationship, and then use the ValuelistItems() function, which will then do the same as the list function.

[Fenton]

No, there is nothing for the user to install. Custom Functions are in the file itself. You define them in File, Define, Custom Functions. Only FileMaker Pro Advanced can see them, but they also work in FileMaker Pro (or else they'd be of little use -).