# Recency relative text

It is possible to use Text variables on elements of the Recency and Relative options within ‘on the fly’ aggregations. More specifically:

- Recency select Nth
- Recency select Nth Distinct
- Relative

Text variables are not, however, supported in the same way as other variable types used for ‘on the fly’ aggregations because the result of the calculation returns an integer. This is a lookup number into the data file records for that particular item variable which can then be turned into text using a new Expression function:

**VarValueText**(variable reference, lookup number)

This will look up the relevant text value from that particular variable.

## Configuring the expression

Let’s consider an example in practice:

- Open a new Expression window and click on the **Add Aggregation** icon

To access the ‘on the fly’ options:

- Click onto the **Frequency(Bookings)** tab
- Select **Recency** from the Type drop-down menu options
- Set the Grouping Table to **People** and the Transactional Table to **Bookings**
- Order records by **Booking Date** from **Earliest to Latest**
- Drag the **Destination\_Product** text variable onto the Pick the drop-box

The **Data Type** at the top of the window indicates that this will create an **Integer**. To convert this to text:

- Switch to the Expression tab and add the function

  Note: The variable reference should be used (here “bo1CE2X2”). You can see this when you expand the System explorer window:

## Verifying the results

Use a Data Grid to verify the results:

- Open a new Data Grid
- Add **Destination**, **Product** and **Booking Date** to the display, group by **Person URN** and **Sort Ascending by Booking Date**
- Name the Expression and drag and drop onto the Data Grid display
- Build

This feature can also be used for **Recency select Nth Distinct** – simply check the Distinct box in the Recency set-up window:

You can also use the **Relative** option to find, for example, **what is my next Destination\_Product transaction**.

See also [Expressions: Aggregations on the fly - Recency](<https://help.apteco.com/en/faststats/expressions/aggregations-on-the-fly/recency/index.md>)