[tmikkelsen]

I working on converging about 100 separate databases into one large one.

In order to do this I need to add a prefix to one of the data fields. The field is used for the library number. If I combine them, I'll end up with duplicates. Is there an easy way to add a couple of letters to the beginning of the field without losing what's currently there?

I know I must be missing something really easy. Any help is appreciated.

[spiney]

You could make a new field that is a calculation of the prefix plus the old one.

[tmikkelsen]

Originally posted by spiney:
You could make a new field that is a calculation of the prefix plus the old one.

I'm looking to add two letters in front of the number. I think calculations have to result in a number.

I'm thinking that there has to be a way to do this with a script. I just figure it out.

[spiney]

Calculations can end up as number, text, date, or time. In the calculation box at the bottom there is a choice.

So to add two characters to the beginning of another field you would use the syntax:

"AB" & Fieldname

[tmikkelsen]

Originally posted by spiney:
Calculations can end up as number, text, date, or time. In the calculation box at the bottom there is a choice.

So to add two characters to the beginning of another field you would use the syntax:

"AB" & Fieldname

Thanks, I'll give it a shot. Here's another question. Will I be able to remove the calculation and keep the data? I'll need the field to return to a normal one.

Or maybe I could do that with the search and replace? I believe that allows calculations. I don't have Filemaker in front of me to check.

[DoughBoy]

An alternate way is to do a replace. To do this, make sure the cursor is in the desired field and select Replace (or Replace Contents) from the Records menu. Then select "Replace with calculated result" and enter the appropriate calculation.

Before doing this, make sure all of the records are being displayed (Records->Find All).

If you've already created a new field like spiney suggested, then you can simply switch the field type from calculation to text.