Create name by extract from field

[UHsoccer]

I have to create a consistent set of names for display using V8.5

Here are a sample of what the data base has and what I need to display

Data base content -> Display on report

Smith, Joe -> Smith, Joe
Smith-ROME, Joe -> Smith, Joe
Smith-Eastern, Joe -> Smith, Joe

What is the syntax

 

[synapsevampire]

For the limited sample, try:

left({table.field},instr({table.field},"-")-1)+", "+
trim(mid({table.field},instr({table.field},",")+1))

-k

 

[lbass]

I think you would need to add a clause to that to allow for non-hyphenated names:

if instr({table.field},"-") > 0 then
left({table.field},instr({table.field},"-")-1)+", "+
trim(mid({table.field},instr({table.field},",")+1)) else
{table.field}

-LB

 

[UHsoccer]

Thanks for the reponse, I just realize that the field name is really just

Smith Smith
Smith-ROME Smith
Smith-Eastern Smith

To I need the extract "up to" the "-" unless there is no "-"

Sorry for the errant innitial post

 

[lbass]

Try:

if instr({table.field},"-") > 0 then
left({table.field},instr({table.field},"-")-1) else
{table.field}

-LB

 

[synapsevampire]

You might want to analyze how these formulas are working as your latest example simply omits part of the existing formula.

It's relatively easy to grasp what it's doing if you spend a few moments on it.

Another means is:

split({table.field},"-")[1]

-k

 

[UHsoccer]

Thanks for the help, it answered my question and several more