Database Reference
In-Depth Information
When you look at the result of this calculation back in Browse mode, you see that FileMaker
replaces the names of the fields with the actual First Name and Last Name data in the records
you're viewing, adding a space between them.
Using Constants in Calculations
As handy as it is to refer FileMaker to a field to find the values in your calculations, you
don't want to have to store everything in fields just to use it in a calculation. When a value is
going to be the same for every record, it's time to call in a constant. You simply include that
value right in the calculation.
Number Constants
Sales tax is one of the most common constants. If you need to add sales tax to your order,
you can just type the percentage right in the calculation, since it's the same for everybody:
Order Total * 1.0625
You can enter numbers in any of the formats supported by number fields:
▪ 37
▪ .65
▪ 28.3
▪ 6.02E23
Text Constants
You can also use a constant to have FileMaker plunk some text in with your results. If you
want a text value instead of a number, put it in quotes:
Age & " years old"
Everything within the quote marks is a
text constant
(some people call it a
string
as in “string
of characters”). Those quote marks in the calculation are very important. Suppose you have a
field called Car, and a calculation like this:
"You should see my Car"
The quote marks enclose the text that is also a field name, so the result of this calculation is
always (
constantly
) “You should see my Car”. FileMaker makes no connection whatsoever
between the Car field and the word “Car” in the text, because the text is in quote marks.
Forgetting quote marks around a text string, putting them in the wrong place, or omitting op-
erators can make FileMaker whiny. If you make the following calculation:
