torch_55 Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 FMT Members, I have not have much experience with using multi-key fields in relationship. Just for a simple case where the input choices were about 10, so I could use a popover and a checkbox field to enter the multiple values. Now I have a case where the choices for the multi-key are about a hundred, so the checkbox is not a good option. What are some ways that I can present the user with a way to select the multiple values from this large list? Thanks in advance for your help. I follow the FMT Forum and really am grateful to the participants and moderators that answer questions and freely give of their knowledge. torch_55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Martino Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 If you could describe more exactly what you are trying to do, I'm sure more help could be provided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torch_55 Posted October 21, 2017 Author Share Posted October 21, 2017 Steve, I am trying to connect individual medical instruments to the various sets (groups) that they belong to. Some instruments belong to more than one set, so this instrumnet would have to have multiple foreign keys assigned to it, one for each set that it belongs to. The problem is that the list of possible foreign keys could have 100 items in it. So, I don't know of a good way to provide an easy way for the user to select these items (foreign keys) from the long list. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for your help. torch_55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHunter3 Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 One method (not necessarily the one you want to go with, but worth considering): Global field A: Dropdown value list in which user makes current selection "Add" Button: Sets Global Field B to: Global Field B & "¶" & Global Field A Global Field B: your multi-key field Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torch_55 Posted October 21, 2017 Author Share Posted October 21, 2017 AHunter3, Thanks. After seeing your suggestion, I do remember that technique. The problem that I still have is that the the Global Field A dropdown value list will be very long. I originally thought it could be up to 100, but after further review, it will be more like 600 items. I guess I will have to figure out a way to do a find to come up with a shorter list. I really appreciate your help. torch_55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Martino Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Maybe attach a type ahead method to the global variable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torch_55 Posted October 22, 2017 Author Share Posted October 22, 2017 Thanks, Steve. I am sure that will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Head Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 I suspect the structure is wrong. Why are you creating a many-to-many? Why not use a join table between instrument and group? And then use some kind of picker to select all the groups needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torch_55 Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 David, You are right that ideally it should be a many-to-many relationship. The problem is the form that the existing instrument data is in. Each set (group) contains a list of its instruments. But, there is no way to tell what other groups a given instrument belongs to. But, would appreciate your suggestions on what picker techniques are good for selecting from a very large list of items. Thank you for your help. torch_55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Martino Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 How about something like this: https://filemakerhacks.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torch_55 Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Steve, Thanks for the link. A very interesting methodology. I never cease to be amazed at what FileMaker developers come up with. torch_55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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