Dynamically populate a validation script message

You can dynamically populate a validation script 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 something in a field that does not match what the script for a field expects. For example, a numeric field, such as Quantity, can have a script attached to it that says the number in this field cannot be greater than 100. If the user enters a number greater than 100, a custom error message appears.

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

<form> 
      <validationScript dp_scriptMessage="message1"/> 
</form>

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

<form> 
      <validationScript dp_scriptMessage="DP Script Message - The quantity must be less than or equal to 100."/> 
</form>

When you merge the data file with the form design, and you type a number in the Quantity field that is greater than 100, an error dialog box appears.

View full size graphic

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

<form> 
      <validationScript dp_scriptMessage="Entrez un nombre inférieur ou égal à 100."/> 
</form>

When you merge the data file with the form design, and you type a number in the Quantity field that is greater than 100, an error dialog box in French appears.

View full size graphic

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 Numeric 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 Quantity.
In the Script Editor, select Validate from the Show list.
In the Script Editor, select a language from the Language box.

For example, select JavaScript from the Language box.
Type a script for the object.

For example, type this script for the Quantity field:

this.rawValue <= 100
In the Object palette, click the Value tab and then click the Validation Script 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_scriptMessage.

View full size graphic
The following string appears in the Binding box:

$record.validation.dp_scriptMessage

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 a quantity greater than 100.