Figure 1: Stringing fields together is simple -- The ampersand is your glue.


Figure 2: They get around -- Global fields are known to be the most promiscuous of all the fields.


Figure 3: Oh, behave -- The author continues to scour FileMaker Pro for "Child Behavior" settings, but remains unsuccessful.


Figure 4: Exercise your options -- It doesn't matter what number you start with. Just make sure the second arrow's number is one greater than the first.

The first step is to define your super search field. In FileMaker Pro 9, choose File > Manage > Database and create a new calculation field named "SuperSearch" (in FileMaker Pro 7 or 8, choose File > Define >

Database). Your calculation simply combines the fields you want to search. For easy reading, I separate each field with a paragraph mark. Be sure to set your calculation result to "Text" as illustrated in figure 1.

Although you can theoretically string together as many fields as you want, it's best to keep it down to a handful. Likewise, avoid using calculation fields and related fields in your super search. Following the guidelines I've outlined , your super search will stay snappy.

While you're in there defining fields, add a text field called "g_SearchInput" (figure 2) and set it to global storage by clicking on "options," choosing the "Storage" tab, and selecting the global storage check box.

Now it's time to create the super search script:

# this script takes the content of the g_SuperSearch field and uses it in # a find on the SuperSearch calculation field
#
# don't attempt the search if g_SuperSearch is blank
If [ IsEmpty(Tips::g_SuperSearch) ]
  Exit Script [  ]
End If
#
# perform the find
Enter Find Mode [  ]
Set Field [ Tips::SuperSearch; Tips::g_SuperSearch ]
Perform Find [  ]
#
# display the results
If [ Get ( FoundCount ) = 0 ]
#--- no records found, show a message
Show Custom Dialog
[ Title: "No Records Found";
    Message: "No records match your search term."; Buttons: "OK" ]
Else If [ Get ( FoundCount ) = 1 ]
#--- one record found, switch to form layout
Go to Layout [ "Form View" ]
Else
#--- more than one record found, switch to list layout
Go to Layout [ "List View" ]
End If
Refresh Window
#
# clear the g_SuperSearch field so it's ready for the next search.
Set Field [ Tips::g_SuperSearch; "" ]
Commit Record/Request [  ]

The final task is to place the gSuperSearch on a layout with a button that triggers your new script, the SuperSearch calculation field doesn't have to appear on any layout. You can arrange your search field and button however you'd like, although a few refinements will yield the best user experience. After you place g_SuperSearch on the layout, remain in Layout mode and select it. Now choose Format > Field/Control > Behavior… (figure 3) and check "Select entire contents of field when entered." This option lets users start typing as soon as they click on the field; any existing text will be overwritten. Next, select all three boxes under "Go to next object using" to cause FileMaker Pro to move out of the field when the user presses the Tab, Return, or Enter keys.

The final task is to put the search button in the tab order. Place your search button next to the g_SuperSearch field. In Layout mode select Layouts > Set tab order. FileMaker Pro places arrows next to each field and button on your layout (figure 4). Make sure the search button's number is one greater than the g_SuperSearch field. Now when you switch to Browse mode and type a search term in g_SuperSearch, press return to move to the search button. Press return again to perform the search.

That's it! You are now a super searcher.