In DBT & CS we need an additional field type, "Computed String", similar to "Computed Number" and "Computed Date". The usage is straightforward, the field definition contins a string equation. We know this violates the "third normal form" of relational databases, but, in our opinion, the usefulness outweighs this negative, as in the other 'Computed' fields.
Our usage is in preparing fields for export to MARC records. Some local fields are exported as 'Note' fields, and without their local field names, they need a few words of additional explanation. Also, we need various combinations of call numbers, our local number for field 099, our local LC-style number as field 090.
We observe the functions needed are already in InMagic's DBT and CS, for form boxes. We can build everything we need for fields in displays and reports. The request is to make these same features available in a database field definition.
(Incidentally, in form designer, it would be nice to have the "Separate items or entries with spaces" button on the "Format" "Added text" tab. Took me a long time to find it on the "Paragraph" tab. Maybe put it in both places?)
You can get the "Computed String" behavior you describe by using Write Report to File>Plain Text with a specific form, instead of Export, to write out your data.
