Using FoxPro Text Merge Feature with Multiple Databases (94349)

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: This example only works using the FoxPro 2.x sample files.

The memo field contains all text to be merged. Page spacing (top, bottom, and side margins) is controlled within the memo field. A memo field can appear similar to the following example:

   <<DATE()>>

   <<ALLTRIM(PROPER(CONTACT))>>
   <<ALLTRIM(PROPER(COMPANY))>>
   <<ALLTRIM(PROPER(ADDRESS))>>
   <<ALLTRIM(PROPER(CITY))>>, <<ALLTRIM(STATE)>> <<ALLTRIM(ZIP)>>

   Dear <<ALLTRIM(PROPER(CONTACT))>>:

   This area includes the body of a letter to be
   sent to the contact.

   Sincerely,


   Name

   ENDTEXT
				

The following program connects the information from the two databases. Work area 1 includes the database (INVOICE) with memo fields that contain form letters. Work area 2 includes a database (CUSTOMER) that contains names and addresses that should receive the letter. The program will execute from work area 2.

This example assumes that you have a customer database (CUSTOMER) with account status information and a database (INVOICE) with multiple form letters for different account statuses.

   SELECT 1
   USE INVOICE
   SELECT 2
   USE CUSTOMER
   CLEAR                               && Clear screen.
   SET TEXTMERGE ON                    && Enable evaluation of components.
   SET TALK OFF                        && Prevent printing of commands.
   SET TEXTMERGE DELIMITERS TO         && Set default delimiters.
   SET MEMOWIDTH TO 80                 && Set memo width for 80 columns.
   SCAN                                && Force top-down processing.
     FOR J=1 TO MEMLINES(invoice.memo)
        X="\"+MLINE(invoice.memo,J)  && Process each line in memo field.
        &X                        && Macro substitution.
     ENDFOR
   ENDSCAN
				

For more information about performing text merges, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: