Duplicate data from field to field

[roduenas]

I would like to duplicate the data in a field to a different field for a found set of records.

Is there a way to do this besides copying and pasting the data one record at a time?

The field needs to remain editable, and the copy/paste can effect only the found set of records.

Edited March 25, 2009 by Guest

[comment]

Replace Field Contents can do this, but - are you sure you really need to do this? Note that this (or any other method) can fail if some of the records happen to be locked by other users.

[LaRetta]

duplicate the data in a field to a different field for a found set of records.

Find the record with the field data you want to duplicate. Place your cursor in the field then run your script of:

Set Variable [ $fieldData ; YourTable::YourField ]

... perform the find to isolate your found set

Replace Field Contents [ by calculation ; newField ; $fieldData ]

Back up first. And remember to trap for record locking if the file is being served, ie:

Set Error Capture [ On ]

Replace Field Contents [ bla bla ]

If Get ( LastError )

... or

If ( Get ( LastError ) = 201

[LaRetta]

You beat me!! I must be losing my edge!! :laugh2:

[comment]

It's easy when one is - what's the word? - ah, yes: concise. :

But I thought they wanted to duplicate the data "internally" in each record:

Replace Field Contents [ Table::Targetfield ; Table::Sourcefield ]

[LaRetta]

Oh. <--- uber concise (true, not nearly as good a comeback)! Oh wait! Mine offers depth!

It looks like I misunderstood their need. Then the request implies data shuffling and I would wonder why the need has arisen.

Roduenas? Is this a one-time cleanup issue or is it an ongoing process? If strictly for cleanup then sometimes we do what we need to do; if for on-going process, I would question why it is needed.

Every time you move data - whether from one field to another; whether from one record or one table to another; whether importing, pushing ... it all indicates manipulation which can break in the middle of a script with power outage, User performing 3-finger-salute etc. The least you touch data the better you are.

Edited March 26, 2009 by Guest

[comment]

It looks like I misunderstood their need.

Or I did. Either way, some clarifications would be useful - esp. regarding the purpose.