Self Join to find records - need help

[emjay]

Let's say I have a table with two fields - Name and Number. The Name field is is a combination of first names and last names. The Number field is just a phone number.

Here's what I want to do -

In one layout I want to have a search field where I'd enter part of the name, either first or last name, then press a button and either it will go the only matching record or populate a portal with the possible matches.

I believe I should be able to do this with a self join but I can't figure it out.

I looked at http://www.kevinfrank.com/demo-files.html (his contact finder) but I can't quite understand how it works. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[aldipalo]

You need to take his file apart, piece by piece, in order to try and grasp his concept. Basically, the g_fields are global fields and the c_Fields are calculated fields related to the fields you want to filter on. Both reside within the same table.

Take a look at filter.zip:

http://www.newcenturydata.com/downloads.php

by New Century data. Perhaps you'll find it a little easier to understand.

Either way it will take a little time to understand the concept. However, it is a great learning experience.

[emjay]

Thank you for the referral.

Cheers