Local Fields

Local fields have two kinds of use: displaying data and holding data

Displaying data

Displaying a value (such as a subtotal) that is not stored
Accessing standard variables (such as showing the current date)

Holding data

Calculating a value using the information in the database
Sharing data between procedures without updating the database
Storing data until an action is confirmed
Setting up program parameters

Local fields can only be accessed in the procedures below or to the right of the one in which they are defined.

The data type of a local field is defined as one of the following (as for database fields):

Character	C
Date	D
Integer	I
Long integer	L
Mixed case character	M
Number	N
Pseudo numeric (digit only character field)	P
Time	T
Upper case character	U
Word string	W
Yes/No	Y

To set up a local field for display purposes:

Under Screen/Form design, edit the main map for the procedure and add a local field
Under Field Processing, set up a local field with the same map field number. Enter a name for the variable
Select the Formula option and enter a value for the field to display, or a formula to calculate the value

To modify a variable that is not displayed:

Under Field Processing, set up a local field
Set the map field number to 0
Enter the name of the local field or standard variable you wish to modify (enter <Ctrl+P> for a pop-up list of local fields on the database)

Select the Formula option and enter a new value for the field or a formula to calculate the value

Temporary Field @

The local field @ is provided for use as a temporary holding variable. You may redefine this variable any number of times in your program and as any type or length. You may redefine @ within a single procedure.

@ is an efficient method of displaying fields that do not need to be remembered, such as the result of a calculation or the input field for a Press any key to continue message. Do not use it in totalling or for testing entered values.