Can portal data be exported to a field?

[donetrawk]

First post.

I have been using Filemaker for about 3½ years, but not at the level of expertise typified on this forum. I have been reading in several threads, attempting to find a solution, but have been unable to do so thus far.

Here is what I am attempting to do: In attached files, a given range of sizes is valid for a given Section and Group. (This data is in the TempeTallas.fp7 file.) The file I07ZA holds variable data temporarily, modifies the data, and exports it to another application. I am using a portal to show the range of sizes, however, I must perform some calculations on the range of sizes - and export them in one field separated by spaces.

Is it possible to export the data from the portal to another field? I have not yet been able to do so. I have attempted to use a second layout, and write a new script in which one record would be created in the second layout containing a new field with the data from the portal.

If this is not possible, any ideas pointing me in the proper direction would be most appreciated.

Mike

portal_to_field.zip

[Stuart Taylor]

In more recent times the List ( ) function has been added to achieve this.

filemaker advanced offers the ability of creating custom functions that can also go some way to achieving a reliable but limited method of doing this.

Your profile says you are using version 7.

I believe that the following method will work for you although it may seem a bit odd.

1. Create a new Value List called "Related_Values" from a field.

2. Select the table and field you want the data to come from. (that of your portal)

3. Make sure you select only show Related Values starting from your table. (the table occurance of the layout your portal is on)

Ok save the related value list.

4. Create a calculation field in your table.

5. calculation is as follows:

ValueListItems ( Get ( FileName ) ; "Related_Values" )

Note: the result of the calc should be text.

Hope that helps :B

[donetrawk]

Greetings,

Thank you very much for your help. This is very nearly exactly what I am looking for. I now understand that I should have used a Value List instead of a portal.

One thing has me confused... when I delete records from the I07ZA_001 file and reimport, the Value List loses its data. Is that normal?

I have been reading about Value Lists in the help, and this is what it says for the message:

"If the value list uses values from a field in another file, the file has been moved or renamed or your access privileges don't allow you to access it."

I don't think any of these instances apply. All of my relationships are the same for the linked data, and the files involved haven't been moved or renamed. (I have a script to automatically open them when I open the main database.)

This also shouldn't be a permissions issue. I have found that I can delete the Value List and recreate it, then I get the data to appear again.

When finished, these files will all open as part of an automation routine to handle variable data... there will be no manual intervention. My goal is to be able to accomplish my calculation on whatever data is imported to the file, then export the results of the calculations.

I hope I have been clear enough in my description of my task. If there is functionality in Filemaker 8 that will accomplish this, perhaps I can convince my team to upgrade.

Mike