adding a string based on established value. Removing string on event change

[Sean5C60]

I am working on a combobox that is one of several inputs that populate a one field. I use the SetFieldValues to achieve this.

if (level.value>=3){
SetFieldValues(event.value)
function SetFieldValues(cName){
if (this.getField("Other Proficiencies").value !=="")
{this.getField("Other Proficiencies").value= this.getField("Other Proficiencies").value += "," + LangProf[cName].prof;}
else
{this.getField("Other Proficiencies").value=LangProf[cName].prof;}}}

My first issue is that I have to recommit the combobox value to trigger the function. I am looking for a way to have it read the value already present and add accordingly without overwritting the target field.  

My second issue is when the value changes, the previous string remains in the field. I don't mind deleting it but if there is a way to do it automatically, it would have multiple applications for my project.

Thanks for reading and also for any help!

[try67]

Where did you place the code?

Did you make sure to tick the option to commit the selected value of the drop-down field immediately?

[Sean5C60]

I have it placed on the combobox under custom keystroke and the value is commited immediately. I just realized if the correct user value is present, and then I switch to any new value, that is when the string will pop up. It seems to ignore the current value and waits for the next value to be selected.   

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Use event.change, and check that event.willCommit equals false first.

[Sean5C60]

Thank you for the advice! This sounds like the way forward. I will do my reading to see what I can do. 

Is there a way to remove the string after the fact? I was thinking I could just subtract LangProf[cName].prof but that sounds like it would just cancel out rather than undo.

[try67]

You can simply delete the contents of the field.

[Sean5C60]

I have tried to implement this advice but cannot seem to wrap my head around it. Considering the code I provided in the original post, how would you amend it with !event.willCommit and event.rc? I don't mean to waste any of your time but the resources I find online are beyond my ken. Thank you for the help you have already given.

[try67]

Just move the code to the Validation event, it's easier...

[Sean5C60]

I will try this. Thank you again for the response.