Variables Management

[mlpremoli]

Hi all, I'm trying to make my code, more efficient. As far as I understand, global variables take memory that filemaker might use for other tasks. So, if this statement is correct, how would I free that memory? Should I set my variables to "" after using them? Any other way to do it? Thanks Regards. Mariano

[bruceR]

Why are you using global variables in the first place?

Do you really need them?

Can you describe how you use them?

[Wim Decorte]

http://www.soliantconsulting.com/blog/2014/01/all-variables-should-be-global-or-not

[mlpremoli]

http://www.soliantconsulting.com/blog/2014/01/all-variables-should-be-global-or-not

 

Thanks Wim, this link was really helpful and allow me to have a better understanding on how to manage variables.

Probably, as I'm an intermediate and a learner, I was making a couple of mystakes. Thanks again.

Regards.

Mariano

[mlpremoli]

Hi BruceR, thanks for your answer

 

Let me give you my quick example which, by the way, doesn't mean I'm doing things right (at all)

I have three layouts, L1, L2 and L3. I want to navigate from L2 or L3 to L1,

In L2 and L3 I have a button, that basically says: "Go to L1:, and in L1 I have a "Go Back" button which takes me back to the layout I'm coming from.

The way I have managed to achieve this, in L2 or L3 is setting a global variable $$myLayout, and assign the value of the layout with the Get (LayoutNumber) function when I press a button on L2 or L3. Then my "Go Back" button in L1 is a Go to Layout, script step and in the specify drop down I use "Layout Number by calculation" in which I use the $$myLayout content.

I've tried with the GetScriptParameter function, but the issue is that in L2 or L3, when my script finishes sending me to L1, then I cannot get the parameter as the value doesn't last after the script finishes.

Have I explained my self? Can I do this in a way avoiding Global Variables?

[bruceR]

Yes, that is a good use for global variables.

But - this whole thread is about setting a single global variable?

If that's all you're doing, then you are a very long ways away from having any issue with globals and memory.

[Lee Smith]

Please real field, layout, script, etc. named when describing your needs. This helps us see the logic in your schema.

 

You can also attach a file, see here LINK on how to do this. A file will often help us to speed up the process of solving your questions.