Formula for non-existing field 1

[markphillipscpa]

A specific data column in my source of data may or may not appear in the database when a Crystal report (v11) needs to run.

Is it possible to create a formula to use a field ONLY if the field really exists.

The database will not contain a column of nulls for the specific field, the column will not exist.

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
If the structure of a table changes ( like adding a column ) Crystal will need to be 'told' about it, using the 'verify database' command, in order to access the new field -

It is an non-standard practice to sometimes alter an existing table's structure and then change it back again, is there a particular reason for doing that?



To Paraphrase:"The Help you get is proportional to the Help you give.."

 

[markphillipscpa]

Yes, the structure of the table will change. The datasource builds the table based upon current data. If a certain field is present, a column is created for the field, if not, no column. The report needs the field if it exists. But, a report user is not available to attend to a 'verify database' or failed formula prompt when the field doesn't exist.

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
not sure that will work with CR's reporting...
Perhaps 2 reports, one with the column and one without ( if unattended, not sure how to choose, however).





To Paraphrase:"The Help you get is proportional to the Help you give.."