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Description



[[cfl_ch_3-formulas_and_functions|CFL]] provides a means for creating temporary [[cfl_ch_5-variables|variables ]]which can greatly simplify coding and debugging. This page explains how to create and use these variables. See Also 



[[how_to_use_declare_and_case_statements_to_simplify_layouts|How To Use Declare and Case Statements To Simplify Layouts.]]



===== Concept =====



Basic Discussion of Approach



We use Declare statements to make the code easier to read and follow. Instead of embedding long strings of "If/then" statements or other complicated formulas in one long formula, we break them up using easily understood labels for what each set of code (Object) is doing.



===== Cautions =====



[[cfl_ch_3-formulas_and_functions|CFL]] pulls all the code for a Product into one large formula. We have found that Declare variables, while temporary, should not be duplicated in the formulas used in a product; so we make each one unique to the variable or form it is being used with.



===== Steps =====


  - Open the CFL formula builder where you are creating code: The format is "Declare" followed by the name of the temporary variable. If you inadvertently select a name already in use by a variable, the color will change to blue. Similarly if you select a name which has been used for a Constant, the color will also change to a maroon. If you are going to use your variables in a formula, you can do so but must "Declare" them before the formula. The name is followed by the := (colon + equal sign) after which you enter the formula you want. You terminate the code with a semi-colon for all lines. The last line/set of code in [[cfl_ch_3-formulas_and_functions|CFL]] should not have the semi-colon termination. Unlike some other code conventions you do not need to indicate the type of variable you are creating -- IE string, number, "Yes/No" (Boolean); but when creating "Yes/No" variables, we set the code up so the type is obvious -- E.G. Declare VariableHasAValue := IF MaterialType  "" Then TRUE Else FALSE Endif; You can then use the code in your formula like any other Boolean variable. Using the example code here and combining that with the code below, you could have a formula like -- If VariableHasAValue Then SalePrice * ProductMarkup * Quantity Else 0 Endif.


  - [[code]]



//Create a temporary variable for the Markup %



Declare ProductMarkup :=  IF ProductMarkup > 0 THEN  1/( (100-ProductMarkup)/100)  ELSE 1 ENDIF  ;



//Create temporary variable for the cost of a single unit



//List Price Value returns cost per square foot



Declare SalePrice := ListPriceValue(UnitPriceList)* Area In SqFeet;



//Return the Total Price



SalePrice * ProductMarkup * Quantity



[[code]]



===== Source =====



Contributor: __Steve Gillispie__, Acorn Sign Graphics



Date: 2/20/2011



Version: Control 04.50.1102.0401



===== See Also =====
  * Backlinks [[include_pagepage_componentbacklinks]]