|
Working with Formulas > Using the Formula Builder
The formula builder is used in a variety of data operations, such as creating calculated fields, filtering your data or copying records to a new table. It is used for creating formulas as well as viewing and editing existing formulas.
The formula builder has four main parts:
| • | Formula Box: This is the place where you enter your formula. It can be entered either typing directly or by clicking on the items available in the builder. |
| • | Function Names: The functions available for building formulas. You may double-click on a function and it will appear in the formula box. Also, note that if you hover over the function, its syntax will appear in a tooltip. Also, when you click on a function, its syntax appears at the bottom left of the formula builder. For further help, click the "More..." link, which will open a help web page for the function. |
| • | Field Names: The fields available within your data set for building formulas. You may double-click on a field and it will appear in the formula box. |
| • | Operators: The mathematical operators available for building formulas. You may double-click on an operator and it will appear in the formula box. |
To use the formula builder, do the following:
| 1. | Enter the formula, either by typing directly into the formula box or by double-clicking on the functions, etc. so that they appear in the formula box. |
Finally, there are two other items in the formula builder to help guide your experience:
| 1. | Function tool tips. This feature is found when you type in a valid function name in the expression builder. A tool tip will pop up showing you the correct syntax for the function you are about to use. |
| 2. | Formula colors. Color-coding occurs when you type an expression into the expression builder. For example, if you type in a valid function, the text of the function will turn blue. |
Learn More
Click here to learn more about using formulas in calculated fields.
|
