Hi,
Here is a short note on diagnosing and resolving errors in IDEA's Equation Editor.
The Equation Editor is IDEA's powerhouse of arithmetical, conditional, what-If, statistical computations.
While building equations/criteria/logic within IDEA's Equation Editor we may come across specific error states. The note below will help us understand the error states and resolve them appropriately.
Error State 1 - Invalid Parameter
Every condition statement must have three components - viz - Field, Arithmetical Operator and Value/Field
As an example - AmountPaid > 50000
In the condition above, AmountPaid is the Field, > is the Arithmetical Operator and 50000 is the Value
When any of the three components are missing you will receive an error 'Invalid Parameter'
Another example - Disbursement Date < LoanSanctionDate
In the condition above you have two fields and one arithmetical operator. Here again any component missing will throw up an error 'Invalid Parameter'
While using @Functions in the Equation Editor is you build an incomplete @Function like @age(OutDate, ) it will give you 'Invalid Parameter' as the equation should be @age(Date1, Date 2). So always refer to the @Function help with the Equation Editor and read up the Syntax for the relevant @Function before you apply it in the Equation Box.
Error State 2 - Mismatch Field Type
While building a condition with a character field reference like Narration = "" the field is Narration (Character) and the Value or String is "" which stands for blank.
Now if you inadvertently use Narration = 0 it will throw up an error 'Mismatch Field Type' as you are trying to equate a Character field with a numeric value.
Error State 3 - Incorrect Syntax
The most common type or error encountered is when you try to build an equation with a field which is not in the active database.
As an example the database has a field Narration. The saved equation you received from a prior audit or another team member has Text = ""
If you open Text = "" in an active database containing the field 'Narration' and not 'Text' you will receive the error 'Incorrect Syntax'.
So first experiences always leave lasting impressions. So if you are new to IDEA and are trying to use the Equation Editor please don't get dejected when you receive an error. Try and diagnose the same with this post and the online help within IDEA.
Kind Regards
Jairam