Using the Data Viewer (FileMaker Pro Advanced)
You can use the Data Viewer to monitor expressions like field values, local and global variables, and calculation formulas. You can monitor expressions while running scripts or while testing them in the Script Debugger. You can also monitor field values and variables in the database file.
The Current tab shows:
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Fields used by the currently running script whether they are referenced directly in the script or indirectly in calculations.
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Local variables used by the currently running script.
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Global variables independent of any script. Global variables are displayed even if no scripts are currently running.
The Watch tab monitors expressions. You can enter expressions, one per row, in the Data Viewer. When you use the Data Viewer with the Script Debugger, the Watch tab displays expressions from paused scripts letting you see how data changes as you step though a script. Expressions remain in the Watch tab until you delete them manually.
To monitor fields and variables in the currently running script:
1.
Choose Tools menu > Data Viewer, or click Open/Close data viewer button in the Script Debugger.
2.
Click the Current tab and do the following:
 
To
Do this
Edit or copy local or global variables
Double-click a variable in the list.
Sort fields and variables in the list
Click a column heading.
Items in the list are grouped by type, then sorted in this order: fields, global variables, local variables.
Add an expression to the Watch list
Click Add to Watch.
FileMaker Pro switches to the Watch tab where the expression appears.
View restricted-access expressions
Click Lock button, then log in to an account that has full access privileges.
Note  If you log in to edit restricted-access scripts in the Script Debugger, your access privileges also apply to the Data Viewer. If you log in from the Data Viewer, your access privileges also apply to the Script Debugger. In either case, your editing privileges last until you close the Script Debugger or the Data Viewer. For more information, see Debugging scripts (FileMaker Pro Advanced).
To monitor expressions:
Click the Watch tab and do the following:
 
To
Do this
Add an expression
Click Add button.
Edit an expression
1. Select an expression, click Edit button or double-click the expression, then define or edit the expression. See Working with formulas and functions.
2. Click Evaluate Now to display the result of the expression or click Monitor to add the expression to the Watch list.
Update the values for calculations displayed in the list
Click Refresh Values.
Values update as you scroll through the list.
Duplicate an expression
Select one or more expressions, then click Duplicate button.
Delete an expression
Select one or more expressions, then click Delete button.
Change the order of expressions in the Watch list
Drag the arrow Open/Close Data Viewer button next to the expression up or down.
Notes
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Expression values in the Data Viewer automatically refresh when you use the Script Debugger.
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Expressions remain in the Watch tab until you remove them.
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You can add local and global variables to the Data Viewer. Local variables begin with $ and global variables begin with $$. For more information, see Using variables.
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In the Current tab:
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You can see global and local variables that are declared outside of scripts only if you have full access privileges to the file.
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If you double-click an expression, the Current Value dialog box opens to show the expression’s entire value, which you can copy. You can modify the values of variables, but not field values. Close the dialog box to commit the modified values.
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Repeating fields are listed only if they contain values, like this: <fieldname>[<value>]. The first repetition is shown without brackets. If the repetitions are calculated, the values are not shown until the script step is reached in which the calculation is solved.
Related topics 
Working with formulas and functions
Defining calculation fields
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