Tables

Tables are used where:

  1. A single field can hold multiple values; and
  2. A value can itself comprise more than one discrete value.

A simple example is the Other Names: (Person Details) field in the Parties module:

Table

This table can hold multiple values (a person could have many Other Names); each row holds a name. In this example there is only one column in the table, but as we see the Associated With field in the Parties module is a table with many columns:

Field table

In this case, while each row is a single value in the table, it stores more than just the name.

There are two main types of table in a Vitalware module:

  1. Those in which data is entered directly into the table: Direct data entry table.
  2. Those which summarize data entered in associated fields: Associated field tables

It is possible to enter values directly into the cells of a Direct data entry table:

Field table

To enter data in a row, click the cell and enter or overwrite data. For instance, to enter a date in the Start Date cell in the second row, simply:

  1. Click the cell.
  2. Enter the date:

    Table

To add a new row, simply:

  1. Select the row with the asterisk Asterisk.
  2. Enter data into each cell in the new line using one of the following methods:
  3. Press ENTER to move from one column to the next.

An Associated field table is a read-only table (it can't be edited directly) which automatically displays data entered in other fields (editing these fields updates the fields in the Associated field table). The Tasks table (located on the Tasks tab) is an example of this:

Associated table

When a value is entered in the Description: (Task Information), Start Date: (Commencement), End Date: (Completion) and Completed: (Completion) fields, the Description, Start Date, End Date and Completed fields in the Tasks table are automatically populated with the same value.

Thus to add values to an Associated field table:

  1. Add values to any of the associated fields using one of the following methods:

As you move to the next field, the value entered will display in the Associated field table.

To enter a new row in the Tasks table:

  1. Select the row with the asterisk Asterisk.

    The values in the fields above are cleared, ready for new data entry:

    Associated table

  2. Enter values in the associated fields. The cells in the second row of the Tasks table will be auto-filled:

    Associated table

    Note: To display the Task 1 values (the first row in the Tasks table) in the fields above, simply select the row in the Tasks table.

Navigating a table

Use the scroll bar or scroll arrows to the right of the table to scroll through the rows in a table.

Use the keyboard arrow keys (or press ENTER) to move from one column to the next and one row to the next.

A table cell must be selected before it can be edited. A cell can be in one of two edit modes:

Cell mode

Description

Achieved by:

Highlight

The value in a cell is highlighted and the cell has a dotted line around it, e.g. Active cell.

Typing a value will overwrite the existing value.

Using the TAB key to move from one field to the next.

CTRL+ clicking cell.

Cursor

A blinking cursor is in the cell, e.g. Edit a cell.

Any value typed will be added to the existing value in the cell.

Placing the cursor anywhere in a cell and clicking the mouse button.

The following table lists commands for selecting cells, rows and columns in a table:

Select

Do this:

A single cell

Press CTRL and click the cell. (Right-clicking a cell will also select it and open a pop-up menu.)

A range of cells

Select the first cell, press Shift and click the last cell in the range.

All cells in a table

Press CTRL+A.

Note: This command will not work in Cell Cursor mode.

Non-adjacent cells

Press CTRL and select cells.

An entire row

Select the row number. (Right-clicking a row number will select the row and also open a pop-up menu.)

An entire column

Select the column heading. (Right-clicking a column heading will select the column and also open a pop-up menu.)

Adjacent rows or columns

Select the first row or column, press Shift and select the last row or column.

Non-adjacent rows or columns

Select the first row or column, press CTRL and select the other rows or columns.

The following table lists commands for deselecting cells, rows and columns in a table:

To deselect

Do this:

A single cell

Press CTRL and click the cell.

An entire row

Press CTRL and click the row number.

An entire column

Press CTRL and click the column header.

Everything currently selected

Press CTRL+ALT+A.

Note: Click any cell to clear all current selections and invoke Cell Cursor mode.

Tables support a right-click or Context menu.

To display the Context menu:

  1. Select a table cell.
  2. Right-click the cell

    -OR-

    Press SHIFT+F10

    Context menu

The Context menu provides commands which can be used to manipulate the contents of the table. These commands include:

Command

Description

Attach

Attach a record to the selected cell.

View Attached

View a record attached to the selected cell.

Lookup List

Display the Lookup List associated with the selected cell.

Cut

Copy one or more selected cells to the Windows clipboard. The contents are stored in text, csv, HTML, BIFF (MS Excel format) and KE Format (KE internal format). The selected cells are then deleted.

Copy

Copy selected cells to the Windows clipboard.

Paste

Overwrite selected cells with the contents of the Windows clipboard. Only KE Format, csv and text clipboard formats can be pasted.

Paste (Insert)

Add new cells above the selected cells and paste the contents of the Windows clipboard into the new cells.

Insert

Add a new cell above the selected cells.

Delete

Delete all currently selected cells.

Clear

Remove the contents of the currently selected cells.

Move Up

Move all selected cells up one row.

Move Down

Move all selected cells down one row.

Sort Ascending

Sort the selected column in ascending order. All rows are adjusted.

Sort Descending

Sort the selected column in descending order. All rows are adjusted.