Struggling with Loop script.

[nycL45]

We have a timesheet input file that sorts chronologically (ascending) and we want a record number for each record (from 1 to 25 records) starting with the first record, automatically entered in +1 increments and ending with the last record. I have created the script below to do this but it does not work.

Suggestions welcomed.

Thanks.

L.

[bcooney]

You could just use the Replace function.

However, here's the proper Loop in pseudo-code.

Sort

Go to Record First

set variable $counter = 1

Loop

 Set field Invoice Record No; $counter

 set variable $counter = $counter +1

 Go to Record Next exit after last

End Loop

What are you doing, though? You wouldn't set timesheet record IDs this way. You would create an auto-entered serial in the Timesheet table that assigns a unique non-meaningful id to each record.

If you're just looking for line numbers on a report, you could use the @@ symbol.

*this code requires FM8.5 (variables), otherwise use a global field for the counter.

[nycL45]

Thanks bcooney.

Your code is for 8.5? I am 7.

What am I doing? Looking for a shortcut to the spice islands or it might seem that way to you. : (Kidding.)

The number is an entry number for internal purposes.

I will try replacing your $counter variables with a global field for FM7.

Thanks

L.

Edited November 22, 2008 by Guest

[bcooney]

Yes, FM7 doesn't have variables, so you'd use a field with storage option set to global.

Just hoping that the recordID that is used in relationships, the key, is not being set thru this routine.

BTW, I strongly recommend an upgrade. FM7 has lots of issues.

[nycL45]

I am not doing too well translating 8.5 to 7. Would you translate this line: set variable $counter = $counter +1. I tried using Set field [invoice timecard::record_no.; serialincrement (1;1)] plus others and it is ng.

No to this: Just hoping that the recordID that is used in relationships, the key, is not being set thru this routine.

And, I will upgrade. Would like to now but it will have to wait.

Edit: this script returns 2 in all the records instead of a numerical progression starting with 1.

Edited November 23, 2008 by Guest

[Raybaudi]

Sort

Go to Record [ First ]

Set field [ gCounter ; 1 ]

Loop

Set field [ Invoice Record No; gCounter ]

Set field [ gCounter ; gCounter + 1 ]

Go to Record [ Next; exit after last ]

End Loop

where gCounter is a global field.

[Søren Dyhr]

Would you translate this line: set variable $counter = $counter +1. I tried using Set field [invoice timecard::record_no.; serialincrement (1;1)] plus others and it is ng.

Not necessarily, in recursive scripting would this very likely be stored in the scriptparameter, instead!

--sd

[nycL45]

Daniele, that worked! The struggle is over . . . and I learned a lot.

Soren, not being a coding/scripting person, I do not understand what "recursive scripting" and "scriptparameter" are. Is there a glossary to check out?

My thanks to bcooney, Daniele and Soren for your help.

Relieved,

Leonard

[Søren Dyhr]

Recursive scripts are scripts calling themselves, which is an alternative to looping.

A quick stab at showing how Barbaras script would be like as recursive:

If [ IsEmpty ( Get ( ScriptParameter ) ) ] 

      Go to Record/Request/Page [ First ] 

      Perform Script [ “MyScript”; Parameter: 1 ] 

Else If [ Get ( RecordNumber ) = Get ( FoundCount ) ] 

      Set Field [ Untitled::InvoiceNumber; Get ( ScriptParameter ) ] 

      Exit Script [  ] 

Else 

      Set Field [ Untitled::InvoiceNumber; Get ( ScriptParameter ) ] 

      Go to Record/Request/Page [ Next ]

      Perform Script [ “MyScript”; Parameter: Get ( ScriptParameter )+1 ] 

End If 

...where both the script and the called script is script is called "MyScript"

--sd