How do I truncate Text in ASP

bluejean · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-02, 10:07

Hello there

I am using DWMX - and I was wondering if it would be big problem to truncate text from the database. Like displaying like only 32 first letters from the record.

regards

Jean Blahamar

rnealejr · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-02, 23:06

Which database are you using ? Do you mean to actually truncate the data in the database or only truncate the data returned to you ?

hktang · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-02, 22:53

Hi,

Correct me if I understand you wrong.

So you would like to show only first 32 characters of the record in the database?

-> SQL (when you quering the database).
The syntax is :- SUBSTRING(expression, start, length)

For example:
select substring(columnName, 1, 32) as myColumnName from tableName

This will then return the result with 32 characters.

-- or --

-> ASP
myResult = MID(recordset("columnName"), 1, 32)

The record result will be assigned to the variable myResult.

Hope this solve your query.

Quote:

Originally posted by bluejean
Hello there

I am using DWMX - and I was wondering if it would be big problem to truncate text from the database. Like displaying like only 32 first letters from the record.

regards

Jean Blahamar

JonathanB · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-02, 11:00

You can also use either the VBScript functions left(<string>, <length>) or right(<string>, <length>).

Mulligan · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-02, 11:38

Also, bear in mind these VB* functions will throw an error if the length of the string is less than 32 characters, so:

Code:

If Len(myString) >= 32 Then
   myString = Left(myString, 32)
End If

Is a defensive way of coding the statement. I always get nailed by that one

JonathanB · #6 (**permalink**) 12-16-02, 05:03

What version of ASP/IIS/Script Engine are you running as I've never had a problem using left() or right() on strings with less than 32 characters??

teh1337ASPer · #7 (**permalink**) 02-24-04, 03:20

for a super l337 version of truncating you can use the following code:

Code:

<%
Dim intTruncateat, txtMessage, lLen, lCtr, sChar, sAns, intSpaceAt

intTruncateAt = 32
txtMessage = "This will find the final space in this sentence automatically"

if len(txtMessage) > intTruncateAt Then
txtMessage = left(txtMessage, intTruncateAt)

lLen = Len(txtMessage)
For lCtr = lLen To 1 Step -1
    sChar = Mid(txtMessage, lCtr, 1)
    sAns = sAns & sChar
Next
intSpaceAt = instr(sAns, " ")
intSpaceAt = intTruncateAt - intSpaceAt
txtMessage = left(txtMessage, intSpaceAt)
response.write txtMessage & "..."

else
response.write txtMessage
end if
%>

That'll cut the last debris text, in case there is harmful stuff such as:

Code: