Hello,
Am I struggling with something or what! I fear that I'm trying to do too much with FMP9 and certainly more than my brain can handle!

Simply put, I want to use a search string to filter a portal. Is this simple?

On the Master table I have records of unique reference numbers (think contracts) consisting of an alphanumeric string, at least 9 characters long. On the portal table, I want to enter a string of 2 or 3 (random) numbers, then, (contract-side) perform a Position calculation which determines whether or not the string is contained within each record's reference number. The match and the filter would be based on Position equalling 1 (not 0).

Problem 1: the Position calc is non-indexable so the relationship can't be made.

One potential solution I've researched is to introduce a ValueList comprised of the record number and the Position calc result, in a self-join, then have the original Master table do a look-up on this TO. The new problem however is that having succeeded in indexing the field and making the relationship work, the indexing needs to be refreshed each time a new search string is entered...

I'm into three tables and two more TOs currently. Constant fiddling and tweaking in an effort to fix the problems has probably broken more than it's fixed! I'm snow-blind, clueless and currently can't even make a script do this! Has anybody got any suggestions how to go about this more successfully?

Check out Kevin Frank's demo here: http://www.kevinfrank.com/demo-files-78.html

Look for Simple Filtered Portals.

 

I'm pointing this demo out to you, since you are using FM9. FM11 introduced filtered portals, and so the techniques to accomplish your goal are different.

Check out Kevin Frank's demo here: http://www.kevinfrank.com/demo-files-78.html

Look for Simple Filtered Portals.

 

I'm pointing this demo out to you, since you are using FM9. FM11 introduced filtered portals, and so the techniques to accomplish your goal are different.

 

Thanks for the pointer. Unfortunately Kevin Frank's solution is predicated on a strict left-right match whereas what I'm looking for is a search based on a more random consecutive string, hence my Position calc approach...

 

Yes, it would be nice to have FM11 rather than trying to invent the wheel!

Automatic message

This topic has been moved from "FileMaker Legacy Versions 7 – 9" to "Portals".

 

The General topic for FileMaker Legacy Versions  is a reserved topic for discussion of the Tools and Features that were released with those versions of FileMaker, and not for asking how-to questions.

 

If you have any questions about this action, please contact me by Private Message.

 

Lee