Formula Fields

From ISV Support Wiki

A formula field is a field that contains a formula (as distinct from a field that is used in a formula). Formula Fields provide the ability to calculate dynamic values using Expressions and standard Functions. Formula Fields are added to Objects via Forms.

Examples

Typical formula examples include the following calculations:

• calculate the number of days Past Due on an invoice record
• calculate a discount price (-5%) on orders over $1000
• create logical tests, such as: was this record created last year? last month?
• determine if a record is new, or changed from a prior value

For detailed examples and sample formulas, see Expressions.

To Add or Edit a Formula Field

1. Click Designer > Data > Objects > {object} > Fields
2. Click the [Add Field] button
3. Specify the Label that will appear when the field is displayed.
4. Choose a Display Type: Formula
5. Specify the Formula Return Type

   Additional options may appear, depending on the type of value you select.

6. Recalculate Formula Field Value:

   This option causes the value of the formula field to be calculated for every record in the object, whenever the formula changes (and when it is first added).

   If this option is not selected:

   • Formula field values remain unchanged for existing records when the formula changes.
   • Formula field values remain empty for existing records when the formula is added.

7. Write an Expression in the formula field. Use the Formula Builder to help:
   

   [Choose Field]

   • Click this button to bring up a field-chooser dialog
   • Select a field.
     Note:

   • Lookup fields end with an angle bracket (>)
   • Selecting a lookup field opens the list of fields available in the targeted record
   • Up to 4 lookup records can be traversed, as shown in the example below

   • Click [Insert Field] to insert the chosen field

   

   Insert an Operator

   Optionally, choose an Operator to build the expression

   [Choose Function]

   Choose from a list of available Functions

8. Click the [Check Syntax] button to ensure that you have created a valid expression. If you receive an error message, review the content and revise the expression to correct the problems.

   Field Name

   The name used to access the field value programmatically. The name is automatically generated from the label you entered. Modify it here, if desired.

9. Click [Save] to insert the formula field into the form layout.
   Each record in this object now includes this formula field.

When the appropriate values are entered in the formula fields, the record will display the results dynamically.