Expressions

Expressions are small formulas, written like spreadsheet formulas, that put logic into your app: calculate a value, fill a default, check what people type, filter a view, decide who sees which records, and decide when an automation runs.

[Price] * [Quantity] * (1 - [Discount])
AND([Due] < TODAY(), [Status] <> "Done")
IF(HASROLE("Manager"), "All regions", [Region])

Video coming soon

Expressions in 5 minutes

#Where you use them

Place	Where to find it	Gives back	Example
Formula field	a field of type Formula	text, number, date or yes/no (you pick)	`[First] & " " & [Last]`
Default value	a field's Logic	the field's type	`TODAY()`
Validation	a field's Logic, with a message	yes/no: the record saves only on yes	`LEN([Code]) = 6`
Show if	a field's Logic	yes/no: the field shows only on yes	`[Type] = "Business"`
View filter	a view's settings	yes/no: which records the view shows	`[Status] <> "Archived"`
Only if (security)	Build → Security, per table and action	yes/no: may this person add/edit/delete this record	`NOT([Locked])`
Row filter (security)	Build → Security, per table	yes/no: which records this person sees	`[Region] = "North"`
Trigger condition	an automation's trigger (Only if)	yes/no: run only for these records	`[Total] > 1000`
Continue only if	an automation step	yes/no: stop the run on no	`ISNOTBLANK([Email])`
Step values	Add a record, Change records	the field's type	`[Quantity] - 1`
Templates	email, message, URL and other text settings in steps	text, with `{{ }}` around each expression	`Hi {{[Name]}}`
REST API filter	`?filter=` on list records	yes/no	`[Total] > 100`

#The expression helper

Every expression box helps while you type, so you never have to remember everything:

Suggestions. Type [ for the table's fields (after [Customer].[ the linked table's fields), or a few letters for functions. Inside quotes it offers what fits there: role names in HASROLE(", table names in FILTER(", units in DATEADD. Use the arrow keys and Enter or Tab to pick, Esc to close, and Ctrl+Space to ask for suggestions anywhere.
The function you're in. Inside IF( it shows IF(condition, then, else) with the current argument highlighted, what the function does, and an example.
Checks and results. The result's type and its value on a sample record, or the problem with the spot marked and a fix when there's a likely one (did you mean [Total]?, fields go in brackets).
Functions & fields. A searchable list of the table's fields, the fields of linked tables, the app's roles and every function by category. Click one to insert it.

#Safe to rename

Fields and tables are stored by ID inside expressions, so renaming a field or table never breaks an expression: it simply shows the new name.

#Learn more

Syntax: fields, links, text, numbers, dates, lists, operators, blanks and types.
Functions: every function, with examples.
Recipes: ready-made expressions for common needs.