Extracting last and first initial into another field

[DSM0802]

Hello -

I'm having some difficulties with Javascript and was hoping someone could help.

I have a full name field (Field Name: Project_Initiator) and would like to extract the last name and first initial into another field  (i.e. Dan Smith = Smith, D.).

I am using Adobe Acrobat XI Pro Mac.

Thank you for your help.

[try67]

What if someone fills in three names? How will you know if it's two first names, or two last names?

I would recommend you don't do this automatically. It's too risky and if you get it wrong people can get really pissed off.

[DSM0802]

It's internal - and for my use only.

[try67 · Accepted solution]

OK, then you can use this code as the custom calculation script of the Initial field:

var fullName = this.getField("Project_Initiator").valueAsString;
if (fullName=="") event.value = "";
else {
    var names = fullName.split(" ");
    event.value = names[names.length-1] + ", " + names[0].substring(0,1)+".";   
}

[DSM0802]

PERFECT! Thank you so very very much!!

[Angus24]

Hi try67, I'm in that very situation. I have come across someone with three names. I need to extract just the first initial of each name.

How would I go about including the middle initial on those rare occasions when it comes up?

Thanks!

[try67]

Try this code:

var fullName = this.getField("Full Name").valueAsString;
if (fullName=="") event.value = ""; 
else { 
    var names = fullName.split(" "); 
    var initials = "";
    for (var i=0; i<names.length; i++) initials+=names.substring(0,1).toUpperCase()+".";
    event.value = initials;
} 

[Angus24]

Thanks! Just what I needed. Much appreciated.