Chronological Sort

[ejpvi]

I have been reading through several posts, and this has probably been answered in some regard. But I still can't find the answer I am looking for.

I simply want a value list to be displayed Chronologically. Unfortunately, when I use the drop downs, it changes the sort order completely. The value lists are Jan 08, Feb 08, etc..... I put them in the correct order on the Table that I am referencing... they also have Serial ID's in the order of earliest to latest, but the drop downs re-sort it based on English I guess.

Any ideas?

[Josh Ormond]

Couple ideas that I might look at. I'm sure some others will have some good ideas.

Using a value list:

• Include the ID field (as first or second field), sort by that.
• Use a Pop-up menu...it can store the ID or date, but show the Month Name in the value list.

Using a portal

• Insert a portal to select the month...since they can sort on a field that isn't actually showing in the portal.
• Name a tab panel to move back and forth between a portal for selection and the selected month.

Using a second layout

• Make a second layout specifically for displaying/selecting the month.
  Then script the navigation to and from the 2nd layout using a button or a field as a button
  
• Use the 2nd layout to emulate an overlaid graphic or such to display either a portal or list of options for the months.

[ejpvi]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will play around with those ideas, and see what I can come up with.

[Josh Ormond]

Also, if you wanted a drop-down list instead of a pop-up menu...you can stack a non-enterable field over top of the ID or date field that displays the Month Name.

When you click on the field it will activate the underlying field that stores the ID or Date, show you the value list, and update the value when you make a selection. Then it disappears back under the second field stacked over top of it.

[Lightbox]