Hi I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I've come across a rather strange problem (which I'm positive is user error).

first of all, what is the difference between a field that is automatically populated via a calculation, and a calculation field?

second, I have a number field that is populated by a calculation that concatenates the values from two other number fields in the table that includes a vertical pipe bar as a text separator. for some reason, the field gives a wierd number result. If I change the field to a text field theirs no problem, but then I can't sort it correctly. My question is, what does a single vertical bar (AKA pipe) character mean in a number field in filemaker...

the calculation looks like this FIELD1 & " | " & FIELD 2 and as long as the field is set as a number field yields some crazy number if it's set as text it gives me what it's supposed to be (a combination of numbers and text seperated by a vertical bar character.

thanks so much!

first of all, what is the difference between a field that is automatically populated via a calculation, and a calculation field?

You could probably get this from the help manual but... a calculation field can't be edited and will always update when any of the fields it references are changed, a field automatically populated from a calculation can be changed and by default won't update if the fields that it references change (you can change this within some limits). There are some other differences depending on what settings you select (e.g. an unstored calculation field doesn't store a value and automatically recalculates whenever it needs to.

A number field is supposed to store numbers (0123456789.,) not characters, it might be pulling the character code or something. You'll need to explain what you're trying to do but a number field will not behave appropriately if you stick text into it.

... Why don't you just sort by field 1 (which i'm presuming is the number field) and display your text based calculation?

My question is, what does a single vertical bar (AKA pipe) character mean in a number field in filemaker...

I think you are asking why did [someone] place a separator between the two concatenated values?

If so, the answer is: to make a distinction between:

"1 | 23"

and:

"12 | 3"

FIELD1 & " | " & FIELD 2

Read about the Text Operators in the Help,

FileMaker Online Help

& = Concatenate

Appends the text string on the right to the end of the text string on the left. Text strings can be fields, constants enclosed in quotes, or certain functions.

HTH

Lee