Parsing field in this format: SMITH ROBERT A

[newyorkny]

Hi friends:

I am importing data from a very old database (70s vintage) and it stores names in a 27-char field whose output is like:

SMITH ROBERT A

I would have thought that, even in the 70s this would have been a bad design, but there you are.

That goes into a field 'name' in the temp table I import into.

Would some kind 'Tipper guide me on how I might take that field and split it into a more appropriate format, i.e. "LAST" and "FIRST" and "MIDDLE"? The format of the orig is always LAST[space]FIRST[space]MIDDLE1[space]MIDDLE2[space]. (Some people have two middle initials).

I am most grateful for any assistance!

Thanks!

NY

 

[PHV]

Take a look at the InStr and Mid functions.
If ac2k or above you may consider a public function playing with the Split function.

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ222-2244