Need help with layout "parameters"

[dmontano]

I am trying to figure out a method that I can always use to define my buttons for navigating to various layouts in a solution. I want to set my parameters for this without hard coding the parameter value - I like the idea of referencing a field. I would rather reference a field value that dynamically gets its value from a calculation so I do not have to worry about breaking the script. I do change layout names during the course of development because they are used in other areas like window titles, etc.

In the FileMaker Pro Bible (page 443), there is an explanation about using two calcs in order to obtain the LayoutID instead of the layout number or layout name. Since the layout ID can not change - I thought this was the solution I was looking for.

One calc is used to determine that layout name, and the other calc is used to determine the layout ID - I think. I created those calcs and got them to display the layout id, but was not sure if these were suppose to be fields that I create to get the value, or if I am suppose to use the calcs in the "Go To Layout" script step "Layout by calculation" specification dialog?

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Fitch]

LayoutIDs(fileName)returns a list of all layout IDs in fileName, separated by carriage returns. I don't see how that is going to help you navigate.

At any rate, you can only go to layout by name or number, whether calculated or not.

If you pass in a parameter such as "invoice" to your navigation script, then you can branch your script like so:

If (Get ( ScriptParameter ) = "invoice"

Go to layout( my invoice layout )

Kind of cumbersome, but even if you move or rename "my invoice layout" the script will not break.

Maybe you could give a more concrete example of what you have in mind; I'm not sure I really understand what you're hoping to accomplish.