Write a new value to an existing table

[dhdevans]

Seems like it should be simple enough. I have two sheets:

Sheet 1: Colleague input data

Sheet 2: Values for a field

Process: Colleague creates a record in Sheet 1 for a thing they are doing. In field 'Model' there are values (Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3) which are lifted from Sheet 2 via a data validity formula (Column[Value]). 

There are times when 'Model' is not Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3 and could be HIPPOPOTAMUS. 

How do I allow them to select 'Model' in the app then create a new value in Sheet 2 for HIPPOPOTAMUS?

[Marc_Dillon]

https://help.appsheet.com/en/articles/961426-references-between-tables

[dhdevans]

As much as i appreciate you replying, RTFM hasn't helped here. I have read and re-read this article since Friday as well as watched the video, implementing the suggested changes but I cannot reach the very simple solution of:

Sheet 1 column 'Model' must list values from Sheet 2 column 'Model' and then allow to create new values in Sheet 2.

I have seen the following with trying the article above:

- No values in dropdown

- One value in dropdown

- No ability to create new values in dropdown

- Schema errors requiring unique IDs to be created for both sheets

- The field disappearing completely from the app

- Having to regenerate table structures multiple times

- Having to save multiple times

- Having to deploy and prototype and deploy and protoype and.... many many times

I am tearing my hair out with this one. It's such a stupidly simple thing and it's simply not working.

[Marc_Dillon · Accepted solution]

So, you have a Model table, and an Input table. Ensure Model table allows add, and set a column in Input as a Ref type, pointing to Model. On the UI, the user will see a dropdown of existing Models, and on top will see a selection for "New" which allows them to add a new Model record on-the-fly.

[dhdevans]

Thank you Marc, this is helpful to see step-by-step. Now, this allows me to add new records but the values that are in Model are no longer options:

I set the data validity for the column to look at Model[Model] to verify the values but the above is what is pulling through.

[dhdevans]

Mysteriously saved it again (twice) and it is now working 🤣

Thank you again Marc.