Accumulate multiple drop down list selections (with custom text) into one text field in a form

[Sullinet]

I have 7 dropdown lists with custom text. I would like to some how populate the selections from these drop down lists (with the custom text) into a single text field in a list format. However would it be possible to exclude certain drop down list selections from being populated into the text field. 

Each drop down list has the following slections:

" ", "N/A", "C1", "C2", "C3"

When either "C1", "C2", "C3" are selected. I would like this to be copied into the text field along with the custom text.

When either " " or "N/A" are selected. I would like these not to be populated into the text field.

My Javascript knowledge is very limited so any info would be greatly appreciated.

[try67]

Where is the "custom text" coming from, exactly?

[Sullinet]

The custom text would be manually typed in each time, as sort of a brief description. 

For example I select "C3" from the drop down list and then type in more details in the same box. So it might end up being "C3 - missing schedule"

[try67]

OK... And what are the names of the drop-down fields?

[Sullinet]

"DropDown7a", "DropDown7b", "DropDown7c", "DropDown7d", "DropDown7e", "DropDown7f", "DropDown7g"

[try67]

And how do you want to concatenate the values? Should each one be on a new line (if it's a multi-line field), or separated by a comma, or a space?

[Sullinet]

Each value to be on a new line please.

[try67]

Use this code as the custom calculation script of the text field where you want to show all the values:

var values = [];
var a = "a".charCodeAt(0);
for (var i=a; i<=7; i++) {
	var f = this.getField("DropDown7"+String.fromCharCode(i));
	var v = f.valueAsString;
	if (v!=" " && v!="N/A") values.push(v);
}
event.value = values.join("\n");

[Sullinet]

Thanks for the code. I've tested it out on my form and the text field doesn't seem to be populating with the drop-down field selections. Javascript debugger did pop up, but I couldn't make heads or tails of it. I've attached a screen shot if you wouldn't mind taking a look.

[try67]

It looks like you're running it in debug mode.

Go to Edit - Prefs. - JavaScript and tick off "Enable JavaScript Debugger" and then restart the application and try again.

[Thom Parker]

Code Correction:

var values = [];
var a = "a".charCodeAt(0);
for (var i=0; i<=7; i++) {
	var f = this.getField("DropDown7"+String.fromCharCode(a+i));
	var v = f.valueAsString;
	if (v!=" " && v!="N/A") values.push(v);
}
event.value = values.join("\n");

[Sullinet]

Have now ticked off the debugger, restarted and have inserted the new code. Still no joy though. Any ideas?

[try67]

Can you share the actual file with us?

You can attach it to the original message using the tiny paperclip icon at the bottom when you edit it, or upload it to a file-sharing website (like Dropbox, Google Drive, Adobe Cloud, etc.), generate a share link and then post it here.

[Sullinet]

Unfortunately I'm not allowed to share the original form I intended to use this script on. However I have created a simplified version with 7 drop-down fields and a text field to test the code. Hopefully this will be enough. I have attached it to the original message.

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Change this line:

for (var i=0; i<=7; i++) {

To:

for (var i=0; i<7; i++) {

[Sullinet]

Just tested it and it's working perfectly. Thanks very much for all your help.

[try67]

Thanks for the correction, Thom!

[Sullinet]

Sorry to be a pest. Is it possible to alter this script to combine 31 drop-down fields  with exactly the same values instead?

The names of the drop-down fields are "Result1", "Result2" etc. up to 31.

I attempted to try and alter the code myself, but with no luck.

[try67]

Yes, in fact, with those names it's easier. Try this:

var values = [];
for (var i=1; i<=31; i++) {
	var f = this.getField("Result"+i);
	var v = f.valueAsString;
	if (v!=" " && v!="N/A") values.push(v);
}
event.value = values.join("\n");

If it's not working open the JS Console (Ctrl+J) and check for error messages.

[Sullinet]

That works great. Thanks again!