How do I learn about the << >> text operator?

#1

I've come across text fields that display dynamic info by using << ...

Quote:

in several of the template files, but I can't find any information about how to use that functionality in the help. I'm sure it's there, I just don't know what it's called. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!
Kevin

#2

Look under Merge Fields.

The purpose of using the <<field name>> method is to manage the layout and
style of form letters or printouts based on your data.

For example, if you have a contacts database with the fields Name, Address,
Phone, you can create a Print Contacts page that looks like this,

<<Name>>,
<<Address>>, <<Phone>>

This is better than dragging and aligning fields on the screen.

A better use of this feature is in letters:

Dear <<Name>>,

Our records indicate the your current address is <<address>> and your phone
number is <<phone>>. Please confirm.

Good luck
--
Brian in Orillia/Barrie
<audleman (AT) quasika (DOT) net> wrote

Quote:

I've come across text fields that display dynamic info by using << ...
in several of the template files, but I can't find any information
about how to use that functionality in the help. I'm sure it's there, I just

don't know what it's called. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Quote:

Thanks!
Kevin

#3

In article <a-WdnRk1u5wHeTnfRVn-ig (AT) rogers (DOT) com>, essayhelp (AT) rogers (DOT) com
says...

Quote:

Look under Merge Fields.

The purpose of using the <<field name>> method is to manage the layout and
style of form letters or printouts based on your data.

For example, if you have a contacts database with the fields Name, Address,
Phone, you can create a Print Contacts page that looks like this,

Name>>,
Address>>, <<Phone

This is better than dragging and aligning fields on the screen.

A better use of this feature is in letters:

Dear <<Name>>,

Our records indicate the your current address is <<address>> and your phone
number is <<phone>>. Please confirm.

Good luck

Just be sure to check data for apporpriate values

Nothing undermines personalized letters like:

Dear ,
Our records indicate that your current address is 1254 NEWFORD LANe
miami, fl
usa
12394-9432 and your phone number is 55512311231. Please confirm.

You usually want either very clean data, or to create calculation fields
to trim, format, and provide default values as needed. Convert a blank
name to "sir or madam", trim the address to one line, fix the case,
etc...

#4

Point well taken. I just wanted to give a quick and dirty lesson.

--
Brian in Orillia/Barrie
"> > Good luck

Quote:

Just be sure to check data for apporpriate values

Nothing undermines personalized letters like:

Dear ,
Our records indicate that your current address is 1254 NEWFORD LANe
miami, fl
usa
12394-9432 and your phone number is 55512311231. Please confirm.

You usually want either very clean data, or to create calculation fields
to trim, format, and provide default values as needed. Convert a blank
name to "sir or madam", trim the address to one line, fix the case,
etc...

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How do I learn about the << >> text operator?

comp.databases.filemaker comp.databases.filemaker

How do I learn about the << >> text operator? - 06-06-2005 , 04:27 PM

Re: How do I learn about the << >> text operator? - 06-06-2005 , 07:04 PM

Re: How do I learn about the << >> text operator? - 06-06-2005 , 10:00 PM

Re: How do I learn about the << >> text operator? - 06-09-2005 , 07:05 PM