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  • 1.  about duration and variables

    Posted 01-22-2019 09:17
    My objective is the calculate the duration between end and start (in minutes).
    In the end I want to allow the user different ways to enter end and start:
    - set a flag in a checkbox that will create a 'DateTime-field' timestamp for end and start
    - entering a manual end and start time as 'DateTime-field'. In case they missed the TimeStamp itself)
    - entering a duration manual (bypas end and start time) in minutes as 'Numeric-field'. In case they completed a task without knowing precise end and start anymore
    You can plan everything via a strict procedure in QB or another tool but the daily realistic fact is that they will perform always tasks without being able to flag a task or without having access to the app for a longer period and I still want to track some basic indication on spend time without the need to simulate a precision level they don't have.


    I was thinking to create variables for the different fields and do some ?f-else calculations with these variable to calculate the best possible final duration.
    If a timestamp is known use it, if not use the manual given time instead if not use the manual estimated duration.

    But...step by step creating the right format I encounter the following mystery that I can't solve.
    This time and duration conversion is so confusing.

    I'm testing with just 3 fields now
    1. 'FormulaDuration' field [Duration]
    2. 'DateTime' field [EndTimeStamp]
    3. 'DateTime' field [StartTimeStamp]
    The following formula works:
    [Duration]=
    [EndTimeStamp]-[StartTimeStamp];

    But when I convert it to a variable formula it doesn't work anymore
    [Duration]=
    //declaration
    var DateTime end=[EndTimeStamp];
    var DateTime start=[StartTimeStamp];
    //calculation duration
    end-start;

    What is my mistake here?




  • 2.  RE: about duration and variables

    Posted 01-22-2019 13:48
    When you say something does not work, you should explain if it is a syntax error (and post the error) or an unexpected calculation result.
    In your case it is a syntax error.  That will solicit quicker responses from the Forum Community.

    When you define a formula variable and then subsequently to refer to it in a formula, you need to put a $ in front of the formula variable name so Quick Base knows that you are referring to a formula variable.

    So, that last line needs to be:

    $end - $start.




  • 3.  RE: about duration and variables

    Posted 01-23-2019 01:20