Using Regular Expressions for Field Merging
One of the most exciting aspects of working with an empowering tool like FileMaker, is just how quickly you can see the results. The process of discovery is just as exciting as solving the problem.
Some times, the problem can be a bit overwhelming and the tool itself can be a bit limiting. This is where it pays to know about other tools and technologies. A few years back, I went on the hunt for a plug-in for FileMaker. I found the plug-in, but it never quite made it into the spotlight. After getting to know the developer and using the plug-in for myself, I decided to showcase what it can do. If you've ever wanted to know the SINGLE most powerful method for merging content from fields into a template - such as HTML code or a form letter - then search no more! (You just may have to wait a while for it)
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A better plugin for Regular Expressions
When I originally shot this video, I had been using an unreleased version of a plugin that took advantage of the open source code at pcre.org. The developer did not feel like charging for the plugin - yet he never released it.
A number of months later I was shown another plugin that is MUCH MUCH better. It's a bit larger in size, but you get access to more power than you would know what to do with. The plugin is the PHP plugin from SCODIGO. If you're going to use Regex within FileMaker then I suggest you use this newer, better plugin.
-- Matt Petrowsky - ISO FileMaker Magazine Editor