Formula to Populate Field

[steigrafx]

I have a field called "Ct Atty" with user's initials. I have an additional field that I would like to automatically populate with their full names based on their initials.

I thought I was on the right track with with

If ( Ct Atty = "JS" ; John Smith ).

This must be a very basic problem, but I'm stuck.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Matt Leach]

Use the case function on the additional field:

Case (

Ct Atty = "JS";

"John Smith";

)

Edited November 1, 2010 by Guest

[bruceR]

Wrong approach. This isn't a calculation at all.

We need to know more about what you're trying to accomplish, but you need a table of names and initials. You also need to consider what you're going to do in the case of duplicate initials; Jane Smith and John Smith for example.

[Cabinetman]

But how do you get the initials?

Is this field a calc field or do you manually enter them?

I lean toward a relationship instead of having to enter every initial possibility into a case function....

[comment]

A calculation should not require modification when personnel changes. Put your data in tables and fields instead, and use a relationship to retrieve it.

You should also be using IDs instead of initials.

[steigrafx]

Thank you all for your replies. I think I'll try the separate table and relationship approach.

Thanks again,

Kevin