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Choice (dynamic) for the groups of Contacts

I recovered my data from the Apple Contacts app into a Ninox Contacts database.

Having created a Letters table in the Ninox Contacts database, I want to propose the selection of a group name from a list of groups.

I manage to put together the list of groups in a formula-field as follows:

 
let List1 := concat((select Contact).Group);

let List2 := split(List1, ", ");

let List3 := unique(List2);

let List4 := sort(List3);

List4

 
If I install this script in Dynamic values of a Choice (dynamic), I don't know how to set the script for Dynamic value name ;-(

7 replies

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    • Fred
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Eric -

     

    Dynamic Choice fields currently look to tables for their values. Each record in the table represents a value in the dynamic choice field.

     

    I'm sure you have already tried it, but if you change Dynamic Value to:

     

    select Contact

     

    and set Dynamic value name to:

     

    Group

     

    Then you will see the Group data from each record from your Contacts table.

     

    But that is probably not what you want. You probably have group names that are duplicated.

     

    I think the only solution, I'm sure smater minds will correct me, is to create a Group table so each record represents one group. Then you can create a dynamic choice field based on the new Group table.

    • Retraité
    • Eric_Plet
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Thanks Fred,

    In this case: I no longer see the difference between a Choice dynamic field and a field linked to a table, especially since the flexibility of the different types of display (Combo Box, Radio Buttons, Swtich, etc.)?

    Apart from maybe getting the same result without going through a link?

    (which would avoid cluttering up unnecessary links ...)

    • Fred
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    I would say that sometimes you don't need to link tables, like you suggested. For me I have a sports db and use to create a choice field everytime I needed to track year or season. I would then have to edit umpteenth choice fields everytime a new season rolls around. Now I can just add a new record in the Season table.

     

    Nioxius says linking tables creates overhead so that will cause your DB to increase in size. Dynamic choice allows you to create "links" without the direct link.

    • KAXIG ApS
    • John.1
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Fred, it sounds to me like you have some experience using the Choice dynamic fields.

    How do you go about getting the chosen value of a Choice dynamic to show in a print/pdf?

    If for instance, you want to print some stats and place the Season Choice dynamic field in your report - how will you make it show the Season and not the ID (from the Season table)?

    I tried to work like this with zip codes, but when printing let´s say invoices, instead of the zip code, it shows the ID of the zip code (ex. "1234 Copenhagen" would be shown as "3" being the ID of this particular zip code)

    Hope you have an idea :)

    Thanks, John.

    • Fred
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi John -

     

    I've seen your question elsewhere about dynamic choice and printing. I am sorry to say I am not the person to talk to about it since I do not print anything. I have stayed away from the Print engine since people call it another application within Ninox. I've been focusing on learning the DB side. I'm just dabbling on the print side now so I have no knowledge to add. Sorry.

    • Ninox partner
    • RoSoft_Steven.1
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    @ John,

    Like I said before in another tread, if you want to display a value from a table trough a Dynamic choice field in the print editor, use this:

    record(SourceTableofYourDynamicChoicefieldWhichIsTheSameUsedNextToTheSelectWord,number(TheNameOfYourDynamicChoiceFieldHere)).TheNameOfTheValueFieldYouWantToShowInThePrintEditor

    Always be aware : a dynamic choice field can only display 100 records/selections, if you have more records, they will be ignored. In this case you better use a linked field.

    If needed, I can send you a sample database or you can invite me to your team.

    Steven

    • KAXIG ApS
    • John.1
    • 2 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Thanks guys,

    Steven before engaging your time, I thought it was best to make a small sample database myself - and miraculously I got it to work.

    Sometimes it's weird how the brain can't see the woods, because of all the trees 😂

    I also figured out that even though the Choice field can only display 100 records, you can filter by typing part of what you are looking for in the Choice dynamic field, which might narrow the options a bit.

    Thanks for your patience (hope you have some left for other coding dummies)

    Have a very nice one,

     

    John.

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