Understanding `#EFLD` in Omnis Classic

A powerful and underused feature for generic field handling in Omnis 7 / Omnis Classic.

What is `#EFLD`?

#EFLD is a read-only field reference variable in Omnis Classic that holds a reference to the current data entry field. It is equivalent to Fld(#EN) but is more efficient.

Type: Field reference (not a string)
Set during: Field procedures and data entry
Use case: Access or modify the contents of the currently active field, without knowing its name

How is `#EFLD` Different from `#EN`?

Feature	`#EN`	`#EFLD`
Type	String (field name)	Field reference (object)
Usage	Identification	Direct access to field contents
Equivalent	n/a	`Fld(#EN)` (but more efficient)
When Useful	General field tracking	Generic or high-performance logic

Examples

1. Modify current field value

Calculate #EFLD as "Default value"

2. Set the current list based on the list field in focus (safe version)

If type(#EFLD) = kList
  Set current list #EFLD
End If

3. Conditional logic based on user input

If #AFTER & (dat(#EFLD) = #D)
  OK message {User has entered today's date}
End If

Notes

Works in field-level procedures or library control procedures
Great for generic validation, auto-fill, or field change tracking
Does not work outside a field context (e.g., menu or timer events)

Summary

If you’re writing reusable procedures or need to track what the user is doing without hardcoding field names, #EFLD is the safest and cleanest way to interact with the current field object in Omnis Classic.

Pro tip: It’s obscure, but officially documented in older Omnis 7 manuals — it’s not a myth!

Understanding #EFLD in Omnis Classic

What is #EFLD?

How is #EFLD Different from #EN?