Dynamically populate a validation pattern message

You can dynamically populate a validation pattern message with a value from a data source. This allows you to ensure users enter the correct value in the field.

For example, you can display a custom error message when users enter the wrong pattern in a field.

The schema you connect to could have the following defined for a validation pattern:

<form> 
      <validationPattern dp_patternMessage="message1"/> 
</form>

The data file you point to could have the following defined for a validation pattern:

<form> 
      <validationPattern dp_patternMessage="DP Pattern Message - The order number pattern is: A9A9A9"/> 
</form>

When you merge the data file with the form design, and you type a number in the Order Number field that does not match the pattern expected, an error dialog box appears.

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Another example could be to provide custom error messages for patterns in another language. The data file you point to could have the following defined for pattern validation:

<form> 
      <validationPattern dp_patternMessage="Le numéro de commande doit suivre le modèle suivant : A9A9A9"/> 
</form>

When you merge the data file with the form design, and you type a number in the Order Number field that does not match the pattern expected, an error dialog box in French appears.

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Note: To use non-ASCII text (such as accents) in your data file, ensure the file is suitably encoded and the encoding is correctly identified in the XML processing instruction. For example:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

Before you perform this task, you must ensure the following settings are in effect:

Ensure active labels are on. See Set up dynamic properties.
Ensure you are connected to a data source that describes the data to which form object properties will be bound. See Connecting to a data source.
To test the form with sample data, ensure you are pointing to a data file that has data defined for the form object property. See To preview a form using sample data.

In the Object Library palette, click the Standard category and drag an object onto the form design.

For example, insert a Text Field object.
(Optional) In the Object palette, click the Field tab and type a caption for the object in the Caption box.

For example, type Order Number.
Click the Value tab and click Validation Patterns.
In the Select Type list, select a validation pattern.

For example, select Postal Code (Canada) to display the pattern A9A 9A9 in the Pattern box.
Click the Validation Pattern Message active label.
Select the data connection.

Note: If you are not already connected to a data source, Default Data Binding is the only selection in the Data Connection list.
Click the triangle beside the Binding box and select a binding.

For example, select validation > @dp_patternMessage.

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The following string appears in the Binding box:

$record.validation.dp_patternMessage

You could type this string into the Items box instead of selecting it.
Click OK.
View the error message by using the Preview PDF tab.

For example, in the Preview PDF tab, enter an order number that does not match the pattern.