Database Reference
In-Depth Information
A simple descriptive name is the best policy for database elements. In this case,
you're matching the value list's name to the field you'll be assigning it to.
6.
Click in the “Use custom values” field and then type the numbers
12, 24
, and
36
,
without any commas, and press Enter (Return) after 12 and 24, so each number
is on its own line. (
Figure 3-16
)
.
You're typing the number of months in 1, 2, and 3 years, and each has to be on a sep-
arate line. Each line represents one item in the drop-down list you're creating.
7.
Click the OK button until you're back on the layout
.
The Lease Duration value list now shows in the Inspector's “Values from” pop-up.
8.
Click the “Include arrow to show and hide list” option
.
The arrow gives users a visual clue that the field contains a drop-down list.
Switch to Browse mode to see the new drop-down list in action. Click its arrow to see the
drop-down list and then make a selection to see how data is entered into the field.
Figure 3-16. When you name elements in your database, it helps to give them descriptive names. In
this case, the new value list will be used to limit the data entry in the Lease Duration field, so even
though it's the same name as the field itself, that's the best name to give the value list. Notice that
each value is on its own line. Take care not to accidentally type an extra Return at the end of your
list. If you do, you'll get a blank line in your value list. That's not a big deal for a drop-down list,
but it's pretty confusing if you choose a radio button or a checkbox set.
