Running total field when a sting exists? 1

[butkus]

I want to count the number of instances were a sting of text appears. The word I seek can exist in any number of ways, but the field is not a memo field. Can this be done?

 

[synapsevampire]

Try a running total->count field which evaluates on Use a Formula with something like:

instr("Searchtext", {Customer.Customer Name}) > 0

-k

http://www.informeddatadecisions.com

kai@informeddatadecisions.com

 

[butkus]

I tested it and it seems to work (somewhat).
The field I want to evaluate can contain anything (its free form). I want to search for any instance of "condom" (this database is for a clinic providing services to teen mothers). Some of the data looks like this:

condom
condoms
pill & condom
pill & condoms
depo & condom
condom & depo

you get the idea.

I need something that will catch and count every instance of "condom".

 

[Naith]

The afore-mentioned running total solution should do this, (though I think the example might be the wrong way around). Just switch the components of InStr around.

Alternatively, you can use a variable:

Try:

WhilePrintingRecords;
NumberVar Condom;

If InStr({Contraception},'condom') > 0
Then Condom := Condom + 1
Else Condom;

and

WhilePrintingRecords;
NumberVar Condom;

where you want the total displayed.

Remember to reset the Condom counter to 0 in the group header, if you need it to reset at all.

Naith

 

[butkus]

Thanks, works like a champ.

 

[Naith]

It just clicked that you said the field was free form; so you might need to incorporate case checks, so that you can catch instances like "Condom" and "CONDOM".

InStr(lowercase({Contraception}),'condom') > 0

If you're worried about catching typoes too, read up on the Soundex function. It's a reasonable typo catcher, but also takes a reasonable bite out of performance.

Naith