How to stop dates/times from updating when synchronising the app?

[JackReman]

Good Morning,

I have a virtual column in my app that contains a date. This date updates to the NOW() date, based on the status of the data in another column.

For example, I have a 'Yes/No' button and when the user presses 'No', the date in the virtual column needs to update to the NOW() date. Otherwise the column is hidden from view.

I have this function working correctly using the following formula;

IFS([État du Remboursement] = "Fermé", NOW())

However, every time the App is synchronised and the condition is met, the date NOW() is being updated.

How can I have this function work one time, and then not update the date NOW() when the app is synchronised?

Thanks in advance,

Jack

[Gustavo_Eduardo · Accepted solution]

¿Cómo estás? En lugar de utilizar una columna virtual (que se calcula y recalcula automáticamente cada vez que la aplicación se sincroniza), utiliza una columna real.

Intente establecer la expresión de recálculo en el "valor inicial".

Then check what suits you best (whether the value should be reset or not). If you need it to be reset, make sure you have the "reset on edit" button checked, otherwise it should remain unchecked.

[JackReman]

Thank you very much, using a real column seemed to solve my problem.

The date/time is no longer updating with every sync of the app - perfect!

Thanks again and have a good day!

[Gustavo_Eduardo]

Same to you! Happy 2025. I see you are a new member. I recommend two posts.

https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/Tips-Tricks/Democratic-post-to-discuss-best-practices-for-ap...

https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/Tips-Tricks/Appsheet-Work-Standard-Protocol/m-p/853517#M1035...

[stefanasks]

If you need a now() time only on creation of the row, you need another column in your database and set the Auto Compute -> Initial value to now() and use this column as source for the time.
IF([État du Remboursement] = "Fermé", NOW(), [your_column])
Would be the expression then.

But if you need this time to be updated under special conditions automatically, you also need to create a bot to do that.