Percent ("P" or "p") Numeric Format Specifier in LightSwitch 2012

This article describes how to use the Percent ("P" or "p") Numeric Format Specifier in LightSwitch Visual Studio 2012.

This format specifier multiplies a number by 100 and converts it into a string with by a percentage symbol. The precision specifier indicates the desired number of decimal places. 

Note: This format specifier applies to all numeric types.

Use the following procedure to create a sample use of the Percent ("P" or "p") Numeric Format Specifier on a Screen.

Step 1

Open the LightSwitch Application in Visual Studio 2012 and go to the Solution Explorer.



Right-click on "Data Sources" and choose "Add Table".



The table appears in the table designer window. Insert the records in the following table.



Step 2

Now once again go to the Solution Explorer, right-click on "Screens" and choose "Add Screen".



The Add New Screen dialog box appears. Select the "Editable Grid Screen" from the Screen Template, inside screen information, choose "Employee" under screen data and provide some name to the Screen and click the "OK" button.



The Screen Designer appears as shown below.



Step 3

Press F5 to run the application. Provide the information. 



Step 4

Now stop debugging the application. From the Table designer select the "Salary" record as shown in the figure below.



Then go to the Format Pattern of Property window in the table designer and enter "P" in the format pattern as shown below.



Or you can enter enter "p" in the format pattern as shown below.



Once again press F5 to run the application. This time we will get the following output.



Step 5

Once again stop debugging the application. From the Table Designer select the "Salary" record.

Then go to the Format Pattern of the Property window in the Table Designer and enter "P1" in the format pattern as shown below. Here P1 represents one digit after the decimal point.



Once again press F5 to run the application. Provide the information. This time we will get the following output.