File: SAMPLES\SOLUTION\DB\INDEX2.SCX
This index sample shows several options you might consider when using a character field to represent a Unique ID (one often comprised of numeric data). An index tag based on a character field will sort based on the ascii values of the data whereas a numeric expression, using the VAL( ) function, will sort on numeric sequences. The following table shows the sort difference of two indexes.
CExpression | VAL(cExpression |
1 | 1 |
11 | 2 |
2 | 11 |
Note When you use the VAL( ) function, all non-numeric values will be converted to 0.
By incorporating the BINTOC( ) function, you can also reduce the size of your index tags considerably.