Query syntax to fill a field if empty

[louise]

Hello,


In a query, I would like to fill a field with the contents of another field if it is blank/null. Otherwise (i.e., if it is already filled in) leave it alone.

So, in the query field, this task: VersionTwo: IIF(<VersionTwo is blank/null>, <Make equal to VersionOne>, <Otherwise, i.e., if it's already filled in, leave it alone>)

And, I would need to be able to later edit VersionTwo, however it got filled in at the outset.

I have tried a number of different syntaxes with no luck. Any help would be great!

Thank you!

[CJ_London]

there are two options

1. blank/empty means null (not a zero length string)

VersionTwo: nz(VersionTwo,VersionOne)

2. blank/empty means null or a zero length string

VersionTwo: IIF(nz(VersionTwo,"")="",VersionOne, Version2)

[CJ_London]

And, I would need to be able to later edit VersionTwo, however it got filled in at the outset.

the code provided in the previous post is a calculated value so is not editable. Also just noticed you cannot have it call itself so you would need something like

LatestVersion: nz(VersionTwo,VersionOne)

[louise]

How would this work since VersionTwo is an empty field until this expression is effected?
Is there a way to have the field filled, and then not be a calculated field unless it is empty?

[CJ_London]

I'm just going by what you said here

So, in the query field, this task: VersionTwo: IIF(<VersionTwo is blank/null>, <Make equal to VersionOne>, <Otherwise, i.e., if it's already filled in, leave it alone>)

A column in a query can either be a field from a table/other query or it is calculated, it can't be both

Perhaps try explaining again what you are trying to do, use some example data and from that example data, show the outcome you require