Editing a field across all records (I should know this but...)

[Bookseller]

Considering I've had FM since FM5, I should know how to do this.

 

A field for sequential serial numbers needs to be amended to include a one-character prefix letter (7,000 existing records from 0001 to 7000). I need to create different copies of the entire database with the serial numbers starting with a letter prefix (e.g., A0001 to A7000).

 

Sorry for such a novice question; everything I've tried has failed.

[Lee Smith]

Hi BookSeller, and welcome to the Forums,

 

This topic has been moved from "FileMaker Pro 12" to "Calculation Engine (Define Fields)".

 

The General Topic Areas are for questions about the Tools, Functions and Features that were introduced with that version of FileMaker, and not for asking How-To Questions.

 

I think your answer if the Replace Function.

[doughemi]

Replace Field Contents (YourField; "A" & YourField)

[Bookseller]

Thank you, Doug. I appreciate it.

[doughemi]

Make sure that you show all records first.  Replace Field Contents() only works on the found set.

[Lee Smith]

Glad you agree Doug.

 

You can't UNDO Replace, so be sure you do this on a copy of your file.

[Bookseller]

Thank you both. Yes, I caught that 'show all records' caveat at the very last moment. Thanks.