Nested Variables

   Sometimes the result of a variable is another variable or series of variables. For example, when composing a real estate sales contract, there may be one seller or multiple sellers. Since you don't know at the outset how many, you could have a multiple choice variable that contains more variables. It might look like this:

[[Seller]/[Seller1] and [Seller2]/[Seller1], [Seller2] and [Seller3]]

   When you make a selection among the multiple choices, Pathagoras will automatically augment the Instant Database screen to include new rows for each of the variables in the selected choice. E.g., if you select the 3rd choice, Pathagoras will add variables '[Seller1]', '[Seller2]' and '[Seller3]' in separate rows immediately beneath the selected variable. (If a variable already exists, it will not be added.)

   Here is a slightly longer example based on the above, with some 'real' contract language. Just copy and paste into a document and press Alt-D. Scan and select one of the choices from each  to see the 'action:'

   This Agreement by and between [[Seller]/[Seller1] and [Seller2]/[Seller1], [Seller2] and [Seller3]], hereafter referred to as 'Seller,' and [[Buyer]/[Buyer1] and [Buyer2]/[Buyer1], [Buyer2] and [Buyer3]], hereafter referred to as 'Buyer'.

(Color coding for illustration only to better show nested variables; colors never required.)
To best follow the example, copy and paste the above into a Word document and repeat the steps 'live'.

   When you scan the document (press Alt-D to bring up the Instant Database, and press Scan), you will be provided a drop down list of the various combinations of buyers and sellers. Chose the proper settings. When you want to create the new variables to reflect the choices you made, simply double click the line at the right containing the selected variables. If they do not already exist Pathagoras will create them for you.

   Other examples of nested variables:

Note: We want to point out two alternative and perhaps better, approaches to handling the 'multiple actor situation.

1. 'Options' function: You can list the various combinations of sellers and buyers (or other actors) in Options blocks. When the document is processed, Pathagoras will ask you to select the appropriate text block from your options list. As a result, the proper number of variables will remain in the document, ready for scanning.  E.g.:

<<*Options*One Seller/Two Sellers/Three Sellers*[Seller]/[Seller1] and [Seller2]/[Seller1], [Seller2] and [Seller3]>>

2. 'Repeat' function: You can tell Pathagoras to repeat and incremented a variable with this function: <<*Repeat*[Seller]>>. When the document is processed, Pathagoras will ask 'How many '[Seller]s are there?" If you indicate '3', Pathagoras would replace the command with "[Seller@1], [Seller@2] and [Seller@3]." Click to read more about the Repeat function.