The firstlast function converts a text value from the format: LastName, FirstName [M.] to the format: FirstName[M.]LastName. The [M.] is an optional middle initial (or name).

This function is used when names are stored in a single field. The contents of the field are rearranged so the first word (i.e., the last name) becomes the last word in the returned string. If the name is followed by a comma, the comma is deleted.

If there is only one Word the function will do nothing.

Text Value

Examples

firstlast("Anthony, Susan B.")

Returns: Susan B. Anthony

firstlast("Eliot, T.S.")

Returns: T.S. Eliot

firstlast(FULL NAME)

Returns: Thevaluein the FULL NAME field in the format shown above for every record that is processed. If a record contains thevalueHolmes, Sherlock in the LAST NAME field, thefunctionreturns Sherlock Holmes.

firstlast

Type

Text Function

Purpose

The firstlastfunctionconverts a textvaluefrom the format: LastName, FirstName[M.] to the format: FirstName[M.]LastName. The [M.] is an optional middle initial (or name).

Syntax

firstlast(TEXT VALUE)

Returns

A textvalue.

Usage

Thisfunctionis used when names are stored in a single field. The contents of the field are rearranged so the first word (i.e., the last name) becomes the last word in the returned string. If the name is followed by a comma, the comma is deleted.

Examples

firstlast("Anthony, Susan B.")

Returns: Susan B. Anthony

firstlast("Eliot, T.S.")

Returns: T.S. Eliot

firstlast(FULL NAME)

Returns: Thevaluein the FULL NAME field in the format shown above for every record that is processed. If a record contains thevalueHolmes, Sherlock in the LAST NAME field, thefunctionreturns Sherlock Holmes.