Creating last name, first name value list

[filemakerlearner]

Hello,

I am sure this is probably very simple, but I am having trouble figuring it out.

I have a table that contains last name and first name as two separate fields. I would like to create a value list of the format "Last name, First name" so that someone can select from this dropdown list when editing records.

How do I create a value list in this format?

[Lee Smith]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum,

Create a new calculation field;

Last name & ", " & First name

Note that the comma has a space behind it.

Lee

[filemakerlearner]

Thank you.

So I would need a whole new calculation field in the table -- I can't just create that on the fly when I want to show the dropdown list?

[LaRetta]

Hi filemakerlearner,

If this new value list is to be used to select a person (and I suspect it is) then you should not use their name but rather their PersonID. You would still create a calculation called cFullName (as indicated by Lee) and, in your other tables where you wish to insert a person, have a field called PersonID.

Attach to this field the value list which would be based upon field values and all values (based upon the Person table). In the left pane, you would select the PersonID. In the right pane, select 'also show values from' and select the cFullName field. Then below, select 'Show values only from second field.' The type of value list you then attach to your PersonID MUST be a pop-up because only a pop-up will 1) protect from entering invalid data and 2) insert the PersonID after selection but display the person name.

If you use a value list based upon name alone, there is also the possibility that you will have two Bill Smiths and the second Bill Smith would NEVER be selected because he would never appear in the list (only one of each cFullName ever would appear; duplicates are dropped). Use your IDs for this process instead.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

I can't just create that on the fly when I want to show the dropdown list?

No. FileMaker is different that some other databases (such as Access) in this regard (calculations are not created on layouts but rather they must exist in Define Databases). They may seem like a limitation (and in some respects it is). But overall, it allows much more flexibility and power to a system. I envision some day, FileMaker allowing calculations be defined directly on layouts as well but that's future wish. And value lists must be indexed which is specific function of field definition so I wouldn't think that a concatenated calc could be defined in value lists in future anyway (but I could be wrong).

Edited April 13, 2009 by Guest
Modified sentence.