Expression for comparing two pieces of text in a formula
Using text comparisons (string comparisons) in product variables
("@TOP@"="WHITE")
In this example the product variable (@ variable) TOP is compared to the fixed string WHITE. The contents of TOP depend on the answer entered for the TOP variable. The formula evaluates to 1 if the comparison is true and 0 if the comparison is false.
The comparison ignores case so that White is the same as WHITE.
Do not use a quotation mark in a string
Spaces are evaluated so that WHITE M is different to WHITEM
Keep the comparisons in brackets so the formula is easier to read
A simple example of the use of string comparison is a custom product where there is a choice of material for some parts.
For example, use a single product definition to deal with a custom unit that is made with 2 BROWN doors if the top is BEIGE or 2 GREEN doors if the top OFFWHITE
Code Description X Width Y Height Z Depth
DESK/S1 Exec. Unit 600 400 500
Memo:
Code Qty Material
DOOR-1 =2*("@TOP@"="OFFWHITE") GREEN
DOOR-2 =2*("@TOP@"="BEIGE") BROWN
TOP 1 @TOP@
BACK 1 MDF15
In this example the doors are represented by the parts DOOR-1 and DOOR-2.
If the TOP colour is chosen as OFFWHITE the formula in the QTY box evaluates to 2 for DOOR-1 and evaluates to 0 for DOOR-2. So 2 GREEN doors are produced and 0 BEIGE doors.
2 BROWN doors are produced when the TOP colour is chosen as BEIGE
DOOR-1 =2*("@TOP@"="OFFWHITE") GREEN
DOOR-2 =2*("@TOP@"="BEIGE") BROWN
Use the symbol = or == for EQUAL TO
Use the symbol != or <> for NOT EQUAL TO
=2*("@TOP@"!= "RED")
Comparing blank strings in formula - compare a string to a blank (or empty string). This can be useful, for example, to test that a variable is not blank.
("@COLOUR@"!="")
That is, is the variable colour not equal to blank. The quotation symbols "" stand for blank. This is a simple way of establishing whether a variable has been answered or not.
Notes
The symbol '<>' can also be used for 'not equal to'.
