[pilot-db-list] Field Editing Hacks

[Tom V. <tw...@ss...>]

One of my databases uses a lot of (>32) fields, with many views. And I 
chose to leave certain, infrequently used, fields out of _any_ view -- 
if I need them, I get them through the Edit Record dialog. I'm 
wondering about usability...

1. It first strikes me that I'd like best to be able to tap on a record 
near a particular field to bring up the Edit Record dialog 
_already_scrolled_and_focused_on_the_tapped_field_for_immediate_editing_
so that I don't have to hunt for my interesting field to edit it. I 
think I wouldn't want text selected, just the cursor at the start of 
the field (if appropriate).

2. Alternately, I suppose I could set the "use this view to edit 
record" checkbox, but then I wouldn't be able to reach all fields. And 
if in such a restricted edit view I toggle the "All" button in the 
upper right hand corner, I again lose my place, the edit record dialog 
being repositioned at the top of my list of fields -- could the field 
I'm focused in remain in the top or center of the screen when "All" is 
toggled?.

3. Or, should I just add a set of extra "Edit-only" views that include 
the hidden fields? E.g. for travel & expense, I already have a Lodging 
view which includes only about 7 relevant fields but leaves out the 
often unused "Reservation Confirmation Number"; should I add a Lodging-
Edit view which includes it rather than defaulting to the All Fields 
view to find it when I might need it?

Any experiences or suggestions which way would be best?

Finally, I also wish for an addition to List field drop-downs in the 
Edit Record dialog: "Edit List..." that takes me to the List editing 
dialog for that field, allowing me to modify the valid entries for a 
List field from the Edit Record dialog (and then rebuilding the 
database), without having to jump over to the Edit Database dialog.

Thanks again.

        twv@
        -- 
        Tom Vrankar
        Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Portsmouth
        Region N17 (M/S 190, Bldg 1W)
        1847 West Main Road
        Portsmouth, RI 02871-1087
        tw...@ss...
        (401)842-4380  Fax: (401)842-5208