What are Boolean Fields?

Modified on Mon, 23 Oct, 2023 at 1:26 PM

"Boolean" simply refers to a field that contains a true or false indicator.  If you include boolean fields, it can help to optimize your listings for Advanced Search results.   Customers can checkboxes for signed, first edition, dust jacket present, and hardcover, to help narrow down their search results.  Including a boolean field for your signed books and first editions can be a good tool for directing customers to your listings.


For example, "STATUS(A=add)" is a boolean field.  In that case, "add" is the "true" value, and indicates that the listing should be active (listed as for sale).  If any other word is present in that field, such as "delete" or "sold", or if the field is left blank, then the listing would be filtered as inactive (not for sale).  If the listing is already present in your active inventory, it would be removed.  If the listing is not already present in your active inventory, it would simply be processed as an inactive listing.


If you include boolean fields which use "yes" as the true value, please note that the case does not matter.  In other words, you are welcome to upload that data as "Yes" or "No".  You can also simply use "y" or "n" as well.  Using "1" or "0" will also work.  Whichever expression you choose, please be consistent, to avoid any errors in processing your upload.  Just let us know what your "true" value is for any of your Boolean fields.


Here are some common uses for Boolean Fields:


     Book Status:  If you want to indicate the for sale or sold status of the book using a boolean field, we recommend that you include either "for sale" or "sold" in that field.


     First Edition:  If you want to indicate that the book is a first edition using a boolean field, include either "yes" or "no" in that field.


     Signed:  If you want to indicate that the book is signed by the author using a boolean field, include either "yes" or "no" for each book.


     Dust Jacket Present:  If you want to indicate that the book has its dust jacket using a boolean field, include either "yes" or "no" for each book.


     Hardcover:  You can include book format as a boolean field.  We recommend including a field called "Hardcover", with either a "yes" or "no" for each book.


Other fields will be incorporated and used where appropriate.   If you have any questions concerning your software or file upload format, please contact us at [email protected].