Description
Returns the result of evaluating a dictionary item.
Syntax
value = Calculate (expression)
Remarks
You can use the Calculate function in place of the {} (Braces) function. Calculate must be used if the column name is not known at compilation time. The expression specified in the Calculate function must evaluate to a column name in the file that has been opened to the system variable @DICT.
See also
Example
The following example shows how to evaluate column values by reference to the dictionary column name.
/* The following code fragment opens the SAMPLE_PRODUCTS table then the dictionary for that table,
then reads the desired row, using @ID, then calculates the desired column value,
using the dictionary column name. It returns the price of the specified item. */
table = "SAMPLE_PRODUCTS"
key = "TCHBUL" ;* the technical bulletins product
Value = "" ;* initialize the return variable
@ID = key
Open table To tablevar Then
Open "DICT. ":table To @DICT Then
Read @RECORD From tablevar, @ID Then
dict_field = "INV_AMT"
* The following three code segments are equivalent:
Value = {INV_AMT}
Value = Calculate("INV_AMT")
Value = Calculate(dict_field)
End Else
status = Set_FSError()
End ;* Read
End Else
status = Set_FSError()
End ;* Open dictionary
End Else
status = Set_FSError()
End ;* Open table
/* Notice that in each case, the dictionary item INV_AMT is calculated. */
