Variable Selection

 

When you create an expression event (one that uses *’s to populate variables), you use this screen to determine what variables get populated by which * in the event text.  This process is explained in more detail in the events help file.

 

Select Variables Screen Elements

 

 

Event Text Field

This read-only field simply displays the text for the event you are working with.

 

Example of Variable Population by the Event Field

This read-only field simply displays the text for the event you are working with but populates the *’s with the variables you have selected.  It is designed to give you an example of what variables will be populated by what part of the event text.

 

Available Variables List

Lists all variables available for you to populate.  The blue @ designates a user-defined variable, the green @ signifies a system variable and the fuschia @ designates a system-resident variable.

 

Selected Variables List

Lists currently selected variables to be used with this event.  The variable names will be placed into the example text to show you where they will be populated from in the event text.  A yellow @ signifies a dummy variable.

 

Select Variable for Use Button

Moves the currently selected variable in the Available Variables List to the Selected Variables List.  Double clicking on the Available Variables List will do the same thing.

 

De-Select Variable button

Moves the currently selected variable in the Selected Variables List back to the Available Variables List.  Double clicking on the Selected Variables List will do the same thing.

 

Add Dummy Variable

Adds a dummy variable to the selected Variables List.  Use dummy variables for when you want to use a * to match a certain text pattern in an event, but don’t really want the value to be saved for use.  Any value parsed to a dummy variable is tossed away.  Dummy variables will appear as <@> in the Example field (and in the Events screen).

 

Green Up/down Arrows

Moves the currently selected variable in the Selected Variables List up or down in the list.  This allows you to move the selected variables to any * position in the event text.

 

Develop Variables

Pressing this button brings up the Variable Maintenance screen.  Here you can create or edit user-defined variables.

 

Note: If you open the Variable Maintenance screen from this screen, you will not be able to delete any variables.  Open the window from the main screen menu to do this.

 

OK Button

Selects this variable assignment for this event and closes the screen.

 

Cancel Button

Closes the screen without making any changes to the event.