Install menu set when...

[IdealData]

In my solution I am applying custom menus based on a calculation, using the 'specify' option for 'Install menu when'

 

The basis of the calc is

 

Install menu set when [isEmpty (GlobalField)]

 

My GlobalField is definitely a global FIELD (not $$var) and I use this to track whether a script is running or not. If a script is running then I want the custom menu to be removed, so I set the GlobalField during the script execution. Unfortunately the menu does not disappear as intended, however the calculation is correct.

 

I tried manually entering data into GlobalField and still the menu does not remove.

 

If I change window mode then the menu responds and is removed.

 

Whilst I also know I can use the script step 'Install menu set' this is not desirable as I have hundreds of scripts using the same technique.

 

Any one know why the 'Install menu set when' feature does not respond in a dynamic way - I didn't see any limitation in the FM docs.

 

Many thanks

[hbrendel]

Instead of setting a global during script execution you could use the script step Install Menu Set [standard FileMaker Menus]. You'd have to change this in hundred of scripts. Why did you create a hundred scripts with a function that's not working yet?

 

I'm not aware of a calculation function "Install Menu Set when ... ". Please elaborate.

 

I'm also curious why you would get rid of a menu set during script execution. And what happens after the script has finished execution?

[bruceR]

There is no "Install Menu Set when" calculation.

 

But there is an "Install Menu when" calc that is part of the definition of a custom menu.

[IdealData]

BruceR: Thanks for the correction, this is the option I am discussing

 

hbrendel: I didn't create hundreds of scripts with a function that doesn't work (yet) as my original system design pre-dates Custom Menus - in fact my method of script arbitration has been running for 15 years!

 

The menu I want to install/remove provides direct access to some 15+ other files that comprise the solution and it's necessary NOT to be able to use some menus whilst a script is running in the current file.

 

I understand what my options are in terms of modifying the scripts, however, my question is:

 

Any one know why the 'Install menu when' feature does not respond in a dynamic way?

 

Thanks

[hbrendel]

'Install menu when' operates - as it says - the moment a menu is installed. So it does not when some data (field / variable) changes.

Most of the times menu options are not available during script execution. Are they in your case? Did you test this? Could you describe it?

I didn't create hundreds of scripts with a function that doesn't work (yet) as my original system design pre-dates Custom Menus - in fact my method of script arbitration has been running for 15 years!

 

But did you add a script step 'Set Variable [$$xxxxx]' to each script? You could as well have taken 'Install Menu Set' in place.

[IdealData]

My design is also before global variables.

The question still remains as I said.

There is no docs that say it should not work.

[bruceR]

HBrendel: have you even tried that? Have you looked at the documentation? That's a circular; and incorrect; statement.

 

https://fmhelp.filemaker.com/fmphelp_13/en/html/fmpa_custom.23.8.html#1028579

 

IdealData:

I think you're looking in the wrong place. How does FileMaker know when a field value has changed?

I suspect you will have to do something that refreshes the window, either a direct refresh, change of record, etc.

[hbrendel]

@IdealData: I think the answer is in my previous post.

 

@BruceR: I'm not sure what statement you're refering to.

[Wim Decorte]

 

IdealData:

I think you're looking in the wrong place. How does FileMaker know when a field value has changed?

I suspect you will have to do something that refreshes the window, either a direct refresh, change of record, etc.

 

Agreed.  The menus live at the file/application level, not at the data level so I would not assume that there is any data notification going on.

[bruceR]

Hbrendel: "a menu is installed when a menu is installed." What?

Maybe you mean when a menu SET is installed.

[hbrendel]

Well... yes.

 

It doesn't change the essential of my answer however.

 

I'm getting tired of this discussion. Wish you success.

[Rick Whitelaw]

What about the obvious. Script commits the record, the If(Test) Install menus set?