[xmpie-users] Trying to get going...

[George Marsh]

Tim

A good starting point is to create some logic in uDirect/InDesign using the menus, and then you can see the QLingo. This can be helpful if you can't follow the help file examples. 

There are some template functions in uPlan which can help if you can't remember the syntax. 

Unfortunately I've not found a lot online that helps as QLingo is quite specific. An awareness of general programming or scripting principles will help as there are some similarities, or for some more complex things you can write Javascript or VBScript functions.  The XMPIE customer 1to1 site (recently renamed) has quite a few resources, and the salesforce support site does too (and some is a bit dated), but you need to know what you are looking for!

An SQL reference is very useful for user views (used for tables and charts). 

My recommendation is to start off with small steps which you can combine together. Save as frequently and keep lots of versions in case you need to go back. Create small test plans to try out the step you are struggling with, when you've tested it you can add back in to the main plan. 

Creating functions are useful if you have lots of dates/currency fields to format. 

Remember that the errors shown are helpful, but may not appear until you try to run a proof set. You can't do certain things with a null field so get used to checking using IsNullOrEmpty first, before comparing or formatting. 

You can nest if statements. You don't need to define an else if it is null or an empty string. 

Make friends with a local XMPIE rep or whoever you pay maintenance to. Some problems are quite simply explained and is better than a support call. If you can afford it, XMPIE offer remote training. 

You'll get good advice here, and if you can clearly explain what you are trying to achieve and what you've already tried, you'll get a better answer more quickly. 

Best of luck

George