Finding the first word and last word in a string - use case: splitting full name into first and last name

[Michael_Skok]

Can anyone help me do this in Coda?
In excel it is done as explained here
It feels like we are missing the “find” function but maybe there is a workaround?
Any help is appreciated!

[Thierryvm]

Hello @Michael_Skok ,

Concerning the formula to find the first or the last element of a list for example, please consult the doc at this page (First, Last, Nth, and Slice | Coda Help Center)

Sincerely,

Thierry

[Scott_Collier-Weir]

Hey there!

To account for variations in names (and individuals who have two first names) this is the most secure method I have found:

For last name

For first name

Simpler methods would include:

fullName.split(" ").first() //First Name
fullName.split(" ").last() //Last Name

But this won’t account for all circumstances

[Thomas_Oldroyd]

In the First Name column use the formula:
thisRow.Person.Name.Split(" ").First()

In the Last Name column use the formula:
thisRow.Person.Name.Split(" ").Last()

Technically the First and Last refer to the first and last items in a list not the first and last name.

[Michael_Skok]

Super helpful @Thomas_Oldroyd - thank you so much for joining the community and this as an example of a great reason we need people like you in it!
Best, Michael

[Michael_Skok]

Thank you so much @Scott_Collier-Weir - I appreciate the detail too!

[Michael_Skok]

Thanks @Thierryvm that’s just the pointer I need and I will read the docs to learn more too!