Behaviours getValue() data return on freetext - conditional compare issue

[Steven Mustari]

I have a behavior I am attempting to only set form default value on if the form is empty. In the intialiser I have an if statement checking the freetext field for a value. I've tried about every combination of logic to check the field for data and I keep getting unexpected results.

What is the return on a free text field? For error checking I've added HelpText of the value being read in from the field using getValue() and I am consistently seeing "null" being returned even when there is data in the field.

What would be code used to check for an empty free text field? I feel like this rudimentary as I use it all over in other places scripts and behaviors, does the initialiser behave differently?

I've tried booleon comparison, string comparison, and nothing seems to be working well.

[Leo · Accepted solution]

Hi @Steven Mustari,

This seems to be a known issue with Behaviour's initialiser,

as a workaround you can add a field level behaviour to fix this

def field = getFieldByName("Field Name")

if (!field.getValue()) { 
     field.setFormValue("Default Value")
}

BR,

Leo

[Steven Mustari]

This should satisfy the requirement.

Thanks again Leo!

[Steven Mustari]

@Leo 

Well sort of, unfortunately, it wont let me submit a blank form. I need this to only run once. Could I trick it some how to only run one time when the field loads with out using the initialiser section?

[Leo]

Hi @Steven Mustari,

I don't think there is a way to add condition like this. but below workaround would meet your requirement if not 100% at least 80%

Instead of adding this behaviour for a needed field, add/map this behaviour to "Project" field so that this script will run only when create form loads

and it won't run until unless you change Project field value

Normally I map Issue type as I need different values based on issue types but for your requirement Project field should be appropriate one

BR,

Leo 

[Steven Mustari]

@Leo 

So in essence any field mapped will run one time when the form loads, and then will run again when that field is interacted with?

If I understand this correctly, you've provided me with some excellent insight for future configs.

Regards,
Steven

[Leo]

exactly, behaviour will run only when mapped field is affected with change(s)