File Utilities

OUTPUT Transform

Sometimes, you might want to display a field differently from the way in which it is stored. For example, a Social Security Number can be entered and stored as nine digits, but you may want it to always be displayed with punctuating hyphens. The Output Transform option allows you to make this kind of specification by associating with any field a computed expression that operates on the value of that field

NOTE: For details about using M code in an OUTPUT transform, see the "OUTPUT Transform" topic in the "Advanced File Definition" chapters in the "Developer Tools" section of the "VA FileMan Programmer Manual."

In the dialogue that follows, you'll encounter the responses that you would enter if you want your SSN field to always appear with inserted dashes.

Select OPTION: UTILITIES 

Select UTILITY OPTION: OUTPUT TRANSFORM 

MODIFY WHAT FILE: PATIENT
Select FIELD: SSN 
SSN OUTPUT TRANSFORM: $E(SSN,1,3)_"-"_$E(SSN,4,5)_"-"_$E(SSN,6,9) 

REMEMBER:

• The transform does not apply when you are inputting data -- thus, don't enter the dashes when using the Enter or Edit File Entries option.
  
  
• To retrieve the internal, stored value of a field that has an OUTPUT transform, you can refer to the INTERNAL(SSN) function.
  
  
• The internal form of the date is automatically invoked when you are sorting by a DATE/TIME valued field.

Reviewed/Updated: March 4, 2007