next record in date order

[ruthcarlton]

I have a DB of events. I would like to create a script that will take the user to the next event. Given that the records may not be in date order, the script obviously must sort first, but a simple, "sort -> next record" always results in displaying the second record. How can I create a script that will simply take the user to the record with the next sequential event date?

[Vaughan]

Before you sort you need to store which record you are currently on (using a serial number or some other unique identifier) into a global field, then sort, then use a looping script to return to the original record again THEN go to the next record.

Set Field [gRecordID, RecordID]

Sort

Go to Record [First]

Loop

Exit Loop If [RecordID = gRecordID]

Go to Record [Next]

End Loop

Go to Record [Next]

The "Go to Record [First]" step is probably redundant since after sorting the first record is usually selected, but I like being defensive.

This simple script could be made a lot more elaborate, but this will suffice. (It does not, for instance, have any code to elegantly handle the situation where there is no record after the original record; and there is no way to break out of the loop in the unlikely event that a RecordID does not match the global.)

[goostree]

If you want to avoid the loop, just store the unique identifier in a global field, create a self-join from the global to the field that contains the unique identifier, and use the Go To Related Record script step. Then go to next record.

[ruthcarlton]

Both those suggestions are great, except I've thrown another factor into the script. I have 3 "DAY TYPES"; show day, travel day and day off. I only want the script to show me "show days" so now the script starts like...

Set Field [gEvent ID, Event ID]

Enter Find Mode [ ]

Insert Test [select, "Day Type", "Show Day"]

Perform Find

Sort

Neither suggestion will work if the current record is NOT a "Show Day"

[Fitch]

Looks like you almost have it. You could do this:

with a global date field, gDate...

Set Field [gDate, Date]

Enter Find Mode

Insert Calculated Result [">" & DateToText(gDate)]

Set Field [Day Type, "Show Day"]

Perform Find

Sort (by date)

Now your next show day is at the top of the list, and you're on it.

[falkaholic]

Another idea is to create 3 self relations based on the day type.

Then have the portal sort by date, then use the go to portal row [next] and go to related record[] combo.

Thats should do it. But other idea here are better tho.