IIF( ) Function
Returns one of two values depending on the value of a logical expression.
IIF(lExpression, eExpression1, eExpression2)
Parameters
- lExpression
Specifies the logical expression that IIF( ) evaluates.
- eExpression1, eExpression2
If lExpression evaluates to True (.T.), eExpression1 is returned and eExpression2 is not evaluated. If lExpression evaluates to False (.F.) or null (.NULL.), eExpression2 is returned and eExpression1 is not evaluated.
Return Value
Character, Numeric, Currency, Date, or DateTime
Remarks
This function, also known as Immediate IF, evaluates a logical expression and then returns one of two expressions. If the logical expression evaluates to True (.T.), IIF( ) returns the first expression. If the logical expression evaluates to False (.F.) or null (.NULL.), IIF( ) returns the second expression.
Tip
This function can be used in place of IF ... ENDIF for simple conditional expressions, and is especially useful in report and label expressions that conditionally specify field contents. The IIF( ) function also executes faster than an equivalent IF ... ENDIF.
Example
The following example uses IIF( ) to check if the notes field in the employee table is empty. If it is empty, "No description" is displayed; otherwise, the contents of the memo field are displayed.
CLOSE DATABASES
OPEN DATABASE (HOME(2) + 'Data\testdata')
USE employee && Open Employee table
CLEAR
SCAN
? IIF(EMPTY(notes), 'No notes', notes) && Empty memo field?
ENDSCAN
See Also
Reference
IF ... ENDIF Command
#IF ... #ENDIF Preprocessor Directive
IF Statements
ICASE( ) Function