Value List Sort

[agaperrk]

I am using tables to create my value list. When I put in a new value in the list in a particular order. When I pull down the list it sorted the list and takes them out of order. I then added a field to group them in a particular order but it will show in the pull down if I sort them by the group.

Is there a work around.

Thanks in advance.

[comment]

Is there a work around.

Sort of:

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/184044/post/237956/#237956

[agaperrk]

The only problem with the List is if I have more than one that has the same sort number it will only show one.

Example

1 Math

1 English

It will only show

Math

[comment]

Well, then don't (have more than one with the same sort number). B)

[agaperrk]

That is funny but is there a work around

[LaRetta]

If the number field is truly number, and you wish to add a value in the middle, sort them in ascending order. If you want to add a value between 5 and 6, create the new entry as 5.5 (or anything between 5.0 and 6.0). A value list which is a number will sort as a true number and the decimal will appear in the proper order.

[agaperrk]

I really did think of that but I will asking someone else to duplicate that for all the Courses. And I will not have success on getting multiple teachers to do the same thing.

1 equals Elementary

2 Middle School

3 High school

Classes

[LaRetta]

Are you saying that the teachers would be adding values (records) to this table? The teachers should only need to select from the value list. I don't even know what value needs to be planted in the field. If there are many classes it should be the ClassID but I don't have enough information.

Otherwise, use a custom value list so you can insert values in between but if you have many classes, that would be PIB. YOu could then also insert a dash to separate them into Elementary, Middle and High School in that order. You can also script resetting the order. But we just don't have enough information. If you would like to fill in the holes, we'll try to assist further. :wink2:

Edited December 6, 2007 by Guest
Modified sentence

[agaperrk]

Yes they will be adding Classes, like algebra might be 1 or a 2, Each teacher will classify what they call there classes. I have 2 fields now one is the name of the class and the other is a sort field. I created a calc field the puts the 1 math 1 reading together, and I use that field too sort but when i do it will drop one or the other of class with the 1 group I just need it to show both.

I am using a new table for the value list.. If the value list would leave the table alone, I could have them "teachers" put the new table of courses in an order. For some reason if you use the value list pull from a field it "at least to my knowledge" sorts them alphabetical.

Like I say if the pull down list would leave the list alone it would be better for me.

What each teacher wants is there own order for there classes. Grouped the way they use it the most.

[comment]

I think you could either renumber the values with a serial number every time they have been edited, or replace the drop down with another method of selection, e.g. a new window with a list view.

[agaperrk]

When I insert a new Course I have a new window pull up in list view so they can insert a new course. It is the pull down window i am have trouble with, This must be a problem with filemaker because it is not an easy problem.

[Søren Dyhr]

Without a prefixed number will they sort alphabetically, so if you wish to change a position away from the given, must you live with the prefixing which then needs to be stripped off when the value is entered via a updating autoenter

...or put the values to select from into a portal which can be sorted to you hearts desires.

--sd

[agaperrk]

Yep I have added an additional field to group them and then strip off the Group Field, But it will only show one value of the group when I need it to show every value of the group.

Example 1 english 1 math 1 social studies

It will show only one of the group.

1 english

I need it show all of them.

I do not have a problem using a portal but not sure weather the layout will be conducive to the portal. The field are turned sideways.

[comment]

This is getting more and more confusing. I am not sure what you mean by "pull down window". I thought you were selecting from a value list, using either a drop-down list or a popup menu. I think you have basically two choices:

1. Select from a portal (or a list view) INSTEAD OF from a value list. This means that when you click on the selection field, a new window will open, you will click on the record you want, and the window will close. Your selection will then be inserted into the selection field.

2. To keep on using a value list, you will need to add another field to your table of values. Every time you modify that table, you will run a script that sorts the records by your Group field, then replaces the new field with serial numbers. You can then use this new field to sort your value list.

[agaperrk]

ok I have not used a portal to select a list, but it is a value list i am talking about. All I really wanted is the value list to stay the same as I put in, I am using a table to insert the list because when I do updates it is the only way to update what has been added.

So when I put in the list it automatically sorts alphabetically when all I wanted is the list to stay just like I typed it in. So I added another field to use as a group.

I do not want to use serial numbers because that will leave a serial number up to the person typing it in. I only need 3 groups 1 group 2 group 3 group.

When I put them in a group the value list sorts and only shows one entry a group when I need all of the group to show. if all the entrys showed I would be done. Or if the Value list would not sort the list unless I tell it to.

[comment]

I do not want to use serial numbers because that will leave a serial number up to the person typing it in.

No, it would be done by a script and users need not to be aware of this at all. You only need to find a way to force users to run the script once they are done editing the list (for example, by not letting them leave the edit layout other then by clicking a "Done" button).

if all the entrys showed I would be done. Or if the Value list would not sort the list unless I tell it to.

Yeah well, that's wishful thinking. The fact is it doesn't work that way.