Multiple Highlights on a list box to populate a record 1

[dabowles]

Hi,
Is there anyway to bind multiple highlights to a field in a record, so that the highlights that are chosen are separated by commas? If not, is there even a way to save the highlights after a multiple selection on a list box? The way I have my list box set up now, I can make multiple highlights, of which the contents of the list box are bound to a set of records on a table, but whenever I move to another record and come back the highlights disappear and nothing is entered inside the field that the List Box is bound to.

Thanks,
David Bowles

 

[JerryDennison]

The First Normal Form states that attributes(fields) should be atomic. Specifically, this means that a field should contain a single value NOT multiple values separated by a comma or other delimiter. What you are suggesting goes against this Form. Instead, you should setup a related table and add a record for each value that is pertinent to the primary entity(record).

 

[dabowles]

Well if that is the best way to do it, how could I implement that strategy and still use the list box as the means to enter my data? Let me explain why I am so intent to use a List Box. I work for a state health care agency. The services we provide for our customers are numerous and as dynamic as the wind. Every week we add, change, or remove a service or two. I want to be able to link a List Box with a table of service names that way it is easier for me to go in and changes though either manually in the table or set up a form to add and remove the services. If you know of a better way to set this up, I'd be happy to entertain those ideas. Also this table of services are going to be used on multiple forms within the database, not only in our customers medical plan form, but in other forms as well.

Thanks,
David Bowles

 

[JerryDennison]

You must have one record per list box selection to fulfill the 1NF. This will require the use of a main table and sub table joined to the main table via a 1-many relationship. Then use the dropdown list in the sub table/sub form.