Dynamic Creation of Variables

   Combining the techniques and principals set out in the above sections allow you some pretty powerful results.

•Dynamic creation of variables

Let's say that you need two 'identical' documents for two people whose information is stored in a single data record. (A classic example of this would be reciprocal Wills one for the Husband and a substantially identical one for the Wife.) You could create two separate Wills (one for each) and use "[Testator]" and "[Spouse]" as the variables to identify the  necessary parties templates.

But let's now say that you want to create both wills at the same time. By using <<*Options*>> text block in conjunction with a !GroupName!, you can cause Pathagoras to dynamically select the variables. Here is an example: <<*Options*!Whose Will First!*[Husband Name]/[Wife Name]>>

With this setup, you could create both Wills in the same document. (To insert the proper 'other spouse' variables, simply reverse the listing of the variables, thusly: <<*Options*!Whose Will First!*[Wife Name]/[Husband Name]>>.

The table below presents a 'fuller' example of the above. Note that upon the selection of the first Option (which contains the !Whose Will First! group, all variables are properly selected and ready for completion. This example can be copied from here and pasted into a Word document. Then. 'process' the document from the screen to cause Pathagoras to act on the <<*Options*>> blocks. The resulting document will be a 'perfect' reciprocal Will set, with all variables in their proper places.

Note: If you use prompts or questions to assist the end user, remember that you need them only in the first instance of the group. The prompts/questions do not need to be repeated in subsequent members of the group.

You can use {Simple Options} to accomplish the same end. Remember that options with the 'Simple' approach much be separated with '/OR' --caps mandatory.:

•Dynamic creation of 'identical' (but incrementing) variables.

   Pathagoras offers another type of dynamic creation of variables in its <<*Repeat*. . .>> function. That function allows you to create multiple instances of essentially the same variable, but each resulting variable is properly 'incremented' to take into account multiple members of the group. This is discussed more fully (and with examples) at this link.

   The <<*Repeat*. . .>> function inserts variables into your document at 'processing' time (as the document is being constructed but before it is personalized for a specific client or customer). But sometimes you want to provide values to your variables before the document is assembled. I.e., you want to complete an intake sheet (also called a 'Mask'). An alternative approach, discussed at this link, allows you to place a simple  '[Number of . . .]' variable in your mask. When you double click on that variable, Pathagoras will ask 'how many?' and then automatically create the proper number of variables to capture the values you need.

•Dynamic selection of documents

   Instead of using <<*Options*>> and !Groups! to dynamically select the proper [variable] for a document, <<*Options*>>/!Groups! can lead to the selection and automatic insertion of a clause (or an entire document). This ability of Pathagoras to insert the content of text in this fashion is discussed more fully (and with examples) at this link.

•A "Big" Example

   To see a larger example of the above, with many more Pathagoras elements in play, click here.