Creating a Running List

[duncamunk]

So I'm a complete beginner at FM, but I'm trying to put together a database where my lab can store all of our info. To give you an idea of what I'm trying to do, we have a bunch of DNA sequences that we want to put into a list. I've tried modifying the included 'Research Notes', but the sorting does not work. Can someone explain the code behind the sorting (I'd like to sort by plasmid name, size of the plasmid, and who created the plasmid)? Or at least tell me the code I'd have to input into the script so that when I press the header thing the list would resort itself up or down?

My other question is that with the 'Research Notes', you can have a running list (ie, each time you add another entry it adds a whole new line). When I tried making a list like it, every time I tell it to make a new entry the list just overwrites itself. The data is still there (I can use the navigation buttons to go back to it), but it doesn't make this long list of all my data. How to I correct this?

Thanks in advance!

[_henry_]

Hi Duncanmuk,

Your first question about sorting, please try to read the help file first. Here is the link:

Sort Records

You can click on "Specify sort order" and choose which Field do you want to sort first, second, etc. Then, you can specify if you want to sort it ascending, descending or custom order.

...When I tried making a list like it, every time I tell it to make a new entry the list just overwrites itself. The data is still there (I can use the navigation buttons to go back to it), but it doesn't make this long list of all my data. How to I correct this?

On your next question, could you give more information about "overwrite itself?" Did you put the notes on global field? "Global field contains only one value that is shared across all records"

Edited June 13, 2008 by Guest
Update the link

[duncamunk]

I'm sorry, I don't really know what you mean by global. Its not overwriting the data. All the data is there when I use the arrow buttons to the left to move back and forth. What doesn't happen (like it does in the "Research Notes") is that when I press "New" (I copied the layout, fyi), it does not add another row. It just adds another page. So, for example, if I where to input 10 different DNA sequences, I'd get 10 different pages I'd have to shuffle thru with the arrow keys instead of 1 page with 10 rows (what I want).

[duncamunk]

I just found the global thing you are talking about, and its untoggled.

[_henry_]

Hi Duncamunk,

What doesn't happen (like it does in the "Research Notes") is that when I press "New" (I copied the layout, fyi), it does not add another row. It just adds another page. So, for example, if I where to input 10 different DNA sequences, I'd get 10 different pages I'd have to shuffle thru with the arrow keys instead of 1 page with 10 rows (what I want).

I am not sure if I get you right. So, you want to have 1 layout and you want to have "new" button. Every time you pressed the new button, it would generate the new record in the same layout? If that so, it would be called "List Layout." I attached very basic sample of the List layout.

You need to create "New Layout" and choose "columnar list/report."

Hope that helps..

NB: I attached the sample file for you to look at.

EasySample.zip

Edited June 13, 2008 by Guest
Attach the file

[duncamunk]

You figured it out! It was that I was using the wrong type of layout, thank you so much!

One last question, however. How can I make little arrows that point up and down over the headers of each column that point the direction of the sorting? (I managed to code the sorting).

[_henry_]

When you double clicked a filed, for example: PlasmidName, and it would default be "Ascending order". Then if you want to change it, you can click on the Field (on "Sort Order" section and choose "Ascending order", "Descending order", or "Custom order based on value list." Mostly, I would use "Ascending order" and "Descending order."

I hope I answered your question. ]

[duncamunk]

Yes, I managed to get the different columns to sort like I wanted them to, but I wanted to put in a little flair. What I want to do is have an arrow next to the header that appears when you click on the header (which controls the order). If you click on Plasmid header, it would first put all the files into descending order. If you clicked again, its in ascending order (I've gotten this much). However, I want an arrow to pop up next to the header when I click it that points down when its in descending order and up when in ascending. They have it in the "research notes" template, but I can't figure out how to transfer it to my file. They have created a field called Hilitetopic (or in my case Hiliteplasmid) that is an unstored calculation:

Case(HiliteSortedBy = "topicA"; GetRepetition(HiliteLibrary; 1);

HiliteSortedBy = "topicD"; GetRepetition(HiliteLibrary; 2);

"")

Where "topicA" is "plasmidA" in my case. Hilitelibrary is a global container (repitition 2... don't know what that means tho). I can't figure out how this translates to an arrow tho when you click on the list header (it sits next to the header in the layout mode but is invisible in browse). Any ideas?

[_henry_]

Hi Duncamunk,

Can you please post the file without any confidential data?

[duncamunk]

Maybe I'm retarded, but I can't figure out how to upload it...

[duncamunk]

Sorry, figured it out. I've attached the file.

Suh_Lab.zip

[Fitch]

They have created a field called Hilitetopic (or in my case Hiliteplasmid) that is an unstored calculation:

Case(HiliteSortedBy = "topicA"; GetRepetition(HiliteLibrary; 1);

HiliteSortedBy = "topicD"; GetRepetition(HiliteLibrary; 2); "")

... Hilitelibrary is a global container (repitition 2... don't know what that means tho).

Any field or variable can have repetitions, a quirky FileMaker feature that lets you put multiple values into one field, each in its own "box."

Using a global container field to store graphics is one of the few good uses for a repeating field.

By the way, instead of: [color:blue]GetRepetition( HiliteLibrary ; 2);

you can generally use the shorthand: [color:blue]HiliteLibrary[2]

What you need is:

1. to modify that calculated field or make a new field and change "topicA" and "topicD" to your "plasmidA" and "plasmidD" and

2. your script that does the sorting needs to set the HiliteSortedBy field accordingly.