[Typo3] foreign lookup tables and multi column/field updates

[Frank Schepers]

Hi,

I have created an extension that uses a database table and where backend 
users can add records (rows) to. After storing the records, these 
records can be rendered in the front-end. Nothing special, just the 
regular stuff.

One of the fields (columns) in the extension is called 'city'. With the 
help of a foreign table backend users can lookup the required name of 
the city and copy the contents into the custom table. All defined in 
TCA.php and works just like the Typo docs say.

My problem is that I not only want to copy the 'city' field but also the 
  'state' field when the required city has been selected. The foreign 
table is provided with the columns 'city', 'state' and 'zip'. Double and 
triple hits of a cityname in the table can occur e.g.:

city         state
Springfield  IL
Springfield  MI
Springfield  MO

When selecting Springfield (Michigan) I want the contents of the city 
column "Springfield" _and_ the state column "MI" copied to the custom 
table (as defined in the TCA.php and ext_tables.php of the extension) 
with the same column names. So selecting one item in the selector box 
should create a multi-column update in the custom table.

Is this doable in typo3?

Thanks in advance.


Frank