In the example below, a literal string replacer can be used in the email being sent to the form user to add that user's information to the email. If the literal string replacer @@CurrentYear is selected, the user will be able to see the current year when they view the body of the email.

1.         In the FormFlow - Forms feature, click the Manage Forms link. A list of the forms in that instance of the feature appears.

2.         Select the form you would like to edit. The form opens up in the same window.

3.         On the toolbar, click the Tools drop-down and select String Replacers. Example

4.         Click the Add icon. The Name field is now visible.

5.         In the Name field, enter an easily recognizable name for the string replacer.

6.         From the Literal Type drop-down, select "Static" or "SQL Fragment".

·       Static is a string value that will always replace the tag. For example, you can annually update all of your forms to use the tag @@CurrentAcademicYear. If "2016" is entered into the Expanded Value field, then anywhere that @@CurrentAcademicYear is typed, "2016" will replace it. Static tags are infrequently used.

·       SQL Fragment is a SQL SELECT statement that returns the value that should replace the tag. The SQL SELECT statement is entered into the Expanded Value field and will be executed against the database. The resulting value will replace the literal.

7.         If you select SQL Fragment, the Database drop-down list appears. Select the database you are using to create the string replacer.

Only those databases you have established a connection with will be available to be selected.

8.         From the Cache Mode drop-down select one of the following: User, Application or None.

·       User - the value will only be refreshed once per user. This prevents the replacer engine from having to access the database multiple times for the user. These values are typically user specific and do not change (e.g., birthdate).

·       Application - the value will be refreshed once for the entire application. All users accessing this value will receive the same response. These do not change regularly (e.g., @@SchoolMotto).

·       None - the values will not be cached. The SQL fragment will be executed against the database every time it is requested. These may change frequently (e.g., @@ CurrentGPA).

9.         In the Description field (optional), enter in any notes or documentation needed for administrative users defining or editing the literal.

10.      In the Expanded Value field, enter in the value that will replace the literal when it is evaluated.

• If the Literal Type is "Static", enter in the text that will replace the literal.

• If the Literal Type is "SQL Fragment", enter in a SQL statement that will be executed against the database. The resulting value will replace the literal.

11.      Click Save and Test.

12.      Click Done.

1. In the FormFlow - Forms feature, click the Manage Forms link. A list of the forms in that instance of the portlet appears.

2. Select the form you would like to edit. The form opens in the same window.

3. On the toolbar, click the Tools drop-down and select String Replacers. Example

   

4. In the Literal drop-down, select the string replacer you would like to delete. The details of the string replacer appear.

5. Click the Remove icon. The string replacer is permanently deleted.

6.  Click Done.

Where String Replacers can be Used	Definition	Where to Add the String Replacer
A form's description	Displayed in the rich text that will be shown above the form link on the form list view	Form Settings > Definition tab > Description
When displaying a message to a user	Displayed in a rich text message that will be displayed to the end user after the form has been submitted	Form Settings > On Finish tab > Display a Message to the User
When transferring a user to a webpage	Used in a fully-qualified URL that the end user will be transferred to after the form has been submitted	Form Settings > On Finish tab > Transfer to a Web Page
In the text of a field or question	Displayed in the rich text instructions that will be viewed by the end user. Modifications to this text at run-type are not stored with the submission.	Right-click question > Properties > Definition tab > Text
The URL of an image	Used in the URL of an image that is displayed to the end user	Right-click question > Properties > Settings tab > Enter Image URL
In the naming convention of files	Used in the name of the file to be used when saving to the File Path Root	Right-click question > Properties > Settings tab > File Name Format
In a question's default value	Used to pre-populate a form element	Right-click question > Properties > Settings tab > Default Value
In a datepicker question	Used to pre-populate a DatePicker question	Right-click question > Properties > Settings tab > Date From Tag