serversuperlookup(
QUERYFORMULA
,
DATAFORMULA
)

The serversuperlookup( function searches a database for a record that matches a query formula, then uses a second formula to return other information from the same record. This is identical to the superlookup( function, but instead of searching in the local computer’s memory, the search is done on the server to ensure that the most up-to-date information is returned.


Parameters

This function has two parameters:

queryformula – is formula that determines whether a record should be considered a match. The entire formula must be enclosed in quotes (see Quotes).

dataformula – is the formula that will be used to extract data from the target database. The entire formula must be enclosed in quotes (see Quotes).


Description

This function searches a database looking for records for which the query formula is true. When it finds a match, it stops searching and uses the data formula to return some or all of the contents of that record. Unlike the serverlookup( function, the serversuperlookup( function is not limited to individual fields for determining the match and returning data, but can match based on multiple fields or more complex relationships. This function is nearly identical to the superlookup( function, but the search is performed on the server instead in the local computer’s memory. This means that this function will always return the most up-to-date information, even if that information hasn’t been synchronized to the local computer yet.

In fact, the only difference between this function and the superlookup( function is whether the search is conducted locally or on the server, so please see the superlookup( function to learn the exact details of using this function. (However, the serversuperlookup( function does not support the additional options allowed by the superlookup( function. You cannot control the search direction, specify search wrapping, skip the current record, specify a default, etc. Only the basic query formula and data formula are allowed (however, you cannot use double chevrons in the query formula to specify values in the current record).

Important Note: Since accessing data on the server is much slower than accessing it in the local computer memory, this function will be much slower than using the lookup( function. You should only use the serverlookup( function when you absolutely need the most up-to-date information, no matter what the performance cost. You must NEVER use this function in a situation where it will be used repeatedly, for example when using a select or formulafill statement.


Note: To learn more about the theory and technical details about working with links between databases, see Linking with Another Database. The serversuperlookup( function can also be constructed automatically for you with the Relational Workshop wizard.



History

VersionStatusNotes
10.2NewNew in this version.