Often, not all of the records in the file need to be in the display window. We can limit the records to only those which meet a specific criteria by using the Filter Data Above button.
The window allows you to build a filter expression. Once you are comfortable with the process, you may end up typing the data straight into the filter box, but until that time you will use the builder.
A filter will be based on values that exist in various fields. You may have several values set in the filter, and they might be for one field, or for many. You will see examples of various filter strings at the end of this page.
The Expression Builder
Field Name
You will highlight the field you wish to use for filtering
Operator
The operator compares the value of the field to the actual value you enter. Each operator has a specific task.
•=The field value equals the specified value
•!=The field value does not equal the specified value
•<=The field value is less than, or equal to, the specified value
•>=The field value is greater than, or equal to, the specified value
•< The field value is less than the specified value
•>The field value is greater than the specified value
Matching Files Test Item ( aka: specified value )
This is a value you wish to use in the comparison to the field
Continue Filter
Select AND or OR option if you wish to add more comparisons to the filter
OK to add the above to filter
Once you have the above items selected, select this button and the equation will be added in the box below.
Activating the Filter
Filter as shown above and exit
Once you have built the filter, you can then select this button to activate the filter, and just see the designated records displayed.
Remove entire filter
Use this option to remove the filter completely from the file, restoring the display to contain all records.
Examples:
To select a range of company names from the first A to the last C:
company >= "A" .AND. company < "D"
To select a range of dates from January 1, 2000 to February 29, 2000:
workdate >= CTOD( '01/01/2000' ) .and. workdate <= CTOD( '02/29/2000' )
To select clients in a zip code:
zip code = "90310"
To select work that is completed in January:
workdate >= CTOD( '01/01/2000' ) .and. workdate <= CTOD( '01/30/2000' ) .AND. finished = .T.