book

FileMaker® Pro 9 Bible

by Ray Cologon, Dennis R. Cohen

March 2008

Intermediate to advanced

768 pages

21h 46m

English

Wiley

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About This BookAbout This Book's Target AudienceHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: The FundamentalsPart II: Introduction to Database DesignPart III: Beyond the BasicsPart IV: Integrity and SecurityPart V: Raising the BarPart VI: AppendixesIcons Used in This BookWhere to Go from Here
1.1. The Many Faces of Databases: Lists, Tables, and Forms1.1.1. Understanding the limitations of paper-based databases1.1.2. Entering the digital age1.1.3. Preparing to get organized1.2. The Concept of a Relational Database1.2.1. Flat-file databases and data redundancy1.2.2. Opportunities for making connections1.3. The Anatomy of a Database Solution1.3.1. The data: Foundation and substance1.3.2. The interface: Screens, letters, forms, and reports1.3.3. The hidden helper: Process management1.4. How FileMaker Fits In1.4.1. Knowing what FileMaker Pro calls things1.4.2. Using familiar ideas from the real world1.4.3. Integrating processes and information1.4.4. Recognizing that knowledge is power — personal and professional
2.1. What Makes FileMaker Pro Different from Other Database Development Tools?2.1.1. Some common misperceptions2.1.2. A unique approach to design2.2. The FileMaker Product Family2.2.1. Desktop and server2.2.2. Scalability and flexibility2.3. FileMaker's Hidden Talents2.3.1. The cross-platform chameleon2.3.2. Multiple technologies and formats2.3.3. Plug-ins and extensibility2.3.4. The FileMaker calculation engine: Simplicity and power2.4. Resources and Exemplars2.4.1. Examples and brainteasers2.4.2. Other resources and opportunities
3.1. Getting FileMaker Working for You3.1.1. Starting and exiting from FileMaker3.1.2. Creating, saving, and closing files3.1.3. Handling files and data safely3.1.4. Earlier file formats and conversion issues3.2. Finding Your Way Around3.2.1. The modes and their uses3.2.2. Navigating and viewing data3.2.3. Searching and the FileMaker Find/Omit puzzle3.2.4. Screen elements and what they're for3.3. Entering and Editing Data3.3.1. Creating and duplicating records3.3.2. Field definitions: Validation and dependencies3.3.3. The significance of commitment3.4. The Ins and Outs3.4.1. Importing and exporting data3.4.2. Previewing and printing options3.4.3. Send/Save as PDF and Excel3.5. Getting to Know the Relatives3.5.1. Ways to view and edit related data3.5.2. The importance of context3.5.3. Making complexity simple in practice3.6. Optimizing the Application3.6.1. Preference settings for your workstation3.6.2. File options for the current database
4.1. The FileMaker Quick Start Screen4.2. The Help Menu4.3. Learn More Links on Critical Dialogs4.4. Scheduled Software Update Notification4.5. New Calculation Functions4.5.1. Self4.5.2. Get (TemporaryPath)4.5.3. Get (HostApplicationVersion)4.5.4. Asin (number)4.5.5. Acos (number)4.6. Conditional Formatting4.7. Append to PDF4.8. The Send E-Mail Link for Database Sharing4.9. Script Grouping and Editing Tools4.10. Automatic Resizing of Layout Objects4.11. Enhanced Tab Control4.11.1. Default tab selection4.11.2. Tab width settings4.12. Web Viewer Feature Enhancements4.12.1. Progress indicator, location, lock icon4.12.2. Support for data URLs4.13. Field-Specific Enabling of Visual Spell-Checking4.14. Multiple Levels of Text Undo and Redo in Fields and ScriptMaker4.15. Additional Toolbar Controls4.15.1. Save/Send as PDF or Excel, Undo and Redo4.15.2. Layout alignment toolbar4.16. Additional Avery Label Formats4.17. Enhanced External SQL Data Source Support4.18. Supplemental Fields for ESS Tables4.18.1. Creating supplemental fields4.18.2. Using supplemental fields4.18.3. Considering design4.19. FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced4.19.1. Script Debugger enhancements4.19.1.1. Launching scripts from within the Script Debugger4.19.1.2. Working with restricted-access scripts4.19.1.3. Making multiple selections in the Script Debugger window4.19.1.4. Understanding the Pause on Error and Last Error code4.19.1.5. Using step buttons when a script is paused4.19.2. Data Viewer enhancements4.19.2.1. The Current and Watch tabs4.19.2.2. Authenticating to view-restricted data4.19.2.3. Identifying other usability improvements4.19.3. The PHP Site Assistant4.19.4. Database Design Report enhancements

5.1. Creating a New Database File5.1.1. Adding tables and fields5.1.2. Working with the Field Options dialog: Validation and auto-entry5.1.3. Setting up simple calculations5.1.4. Capturing simple metadata5.1.5. Creating relationships between tables5.1.6. Adding aggregating calcs5.2. Viewing and Interacting with Data5.2.1. Looking at the multiple uses of layouts5.2.2. Creating records and entering data5.2.3. Editing or deleting data5.2.4. Finding and sorting data you've already entered5.2.5. Using special find symbols5.2.6. Searching with the range and wildcard operators5.3. Avoiding the Need for Data Duplication5.3.1. Recognizing the visual cues to data relationships5.3.2. Information has a logical flow5.3.3. Anticipating the user5.3.4. Making complex things simple5.4. Getting Started with File Security5.4.1. Working with accounts and privilege sets5.4.2. Setting a default account and password5.5. Thinking About Usability5.5.1. Moving between records5.5.2. Managing context5.5.3. Moving between tables5.5.4. Using and changing views5.5.5. Using buttons for static and dynamic actions
6.1. Initial Layouts6.1.1. A map of Layout mode6.1.1.1. Selection then Action tools6.1.1.2. Drag-to-Layout tools6.1.1.3. Palette and Menu controls6.1.2. Organizing the presentation of information6.1.3. Applying formats to field and text objects6.1.4. Setting up layouts for printing6.1.5. Understanding lists and forms6.1.6. Layout parts and their purposes6.2. The Importance of Visual Structure6.2.1. Adding visual pointers and aids6.2.2. Using white space6.2.3. Ergonomics and avoiding visual fatigue6.2.4. Giving information meaning6.3. Different Kinds of Layout Objects6.3.1. Static and dynamic objects6.3.2. Inherent object properties6.3.3. Conditional format attributes6.4. FileMaker as a Graphical Environment6.4.1. Building graphic objects in FileMaker6.4.2. Default object formats and attributes6.4.3. Controlling stacking and alignment6.4.4. Bringing in graphics from other applications6.5. Interacting with Layout Objects6.5.1. Keyboard control of a layout6.5.2. Setting the tab order6.5.3. Assigning names to layout objects6.5.4. Controlling visual spell-checking6.6. The Tab Control and Its Uses6.6.1. Defining and creating a tab panel6.6.2. Navigating between tab panels6.6.3. Tab panel limitations6.7. Displaying Related Data6.7.1. Working within layout context6.7.2. Setting up a portal6.8. The Magic of Buttons6.8.1. Defining buttons6.8.2. Button scope and button commands6.8.3. The button as an object6.9. The Web Viewer: Inviting in the World6.9.1. Setting up a Web viewer6.9.2. Controlling a Web viewer6.9.3. Complementary data concepts6.10. Reports and Data Output6.10.1. Considerations for printed output6.10.2. Using fonts6.10.3. Page sizes and page setup6.10.4. Paper output versus PDF or Excel output6.10.5. Composite PDFs from multiple layouts
7.1. Working with Tables7.1.1. Table concepts: A room with a view7.1.2. Adding, deleting, and renaming tables7.1.3. Moving tables between files7.1.4. Importing tables7.2. Specifying Fields7.2.1. Adding, deleting, and renaming fields7.2.2. Understanding field/data types and their significance7.2.3. Auto-entry options7.2.4. Field validation options7.2.5. Storage and indexing options7.2.6. Summary and Calculation fields7.2.7. Working with global fields7.3. Basic Calculations7.3.1. Creating a Calculation field7.3.2. Defining a calculation formula7.3.3. Entering literal text7.3.4. Referencing fields7.3.5. Understanding calculation functions and their syntax7.3.5.1. The List( ) function7.3.6. The Count( ) function7.3.6.1. The Date( ) function7.3.6.2. The Round( ) function7.3.6.3. The Length( ) function7.3.7. Doing some simple calculations7.3.7.1. Number of days an item is overdue7.3.7.2. Calculating initials from a person's name7.3.7.3. Compound interest at a known rate over a given period7.3.7.4. Current quarter of the calendar year7.3.7.5. Changing ampersands to "and" in a block of text7.3.7.6. Record navigation text (record n of nn)7.4. The Relationships Graph7.4.1. Common misconceptions about the Relationships Graph7.4.2. Tables versus table occurrences7.4.3. Avoiding circular references7.4.4. Named and unnamed data sources7.4.5. Creating references to other FileMaker files7.5. Working with External SQL Data Sources7.5.1. Configuring ODBC drivers: Setting up a DSN7.5.2. Integrating SQL tables with FileMaker data7.5.3. Adding supplemental fields7.6. The Concept of Data Relationships7.6.1. Why bother with relationships anyway?7.6.2. How relationships work7.6.3. Solving problems using relationships7.6.4. Deciding what goes where7.6.5. The FileMaker relational model
8.1. ScriptMaker: What It Is and What It Offers You8.1.1. Building blocks of automation8.1.2. Context is everything8.1.3. Doing things in sequence8.1.4. Addressing objects by name8.2. Defining and Editing Scripts8.2.1. Script Editor windows8.2.2. Setting up a basic script8.2.3. How script commands function8.2.4. Changing the order of commands8.2.5. Assigning attributes to a command8.3. Using the Script Menu8.3.1. Managing the Scripts menu8.3.2. Other ways to trigger a script8.3.3. Using the single-threaded script engine8.3.4. Working with the script stack and paused scripts8.4. Controlling Script Execution8.4.1. Using conditional statements8.4.2. Using repetition8.4.3. Pausing for user input8.5. Some Notable Script Uses8.5.1. Navigation and view controls8.5.2. Editing information via scripts8.5.3. Printing and managing files8.6. Ease of Editing in ScriptMaker8.6.1. Selecting and duplicating multiple commands8.6.2. Copying and pasting scripts8.6.3. Copying and pasting script steps8.7. Organizing Scripts8.7.1. Creating list separators8.7.2. Script commenting8.7.3. Creating script groups8.7.4. Reordering and grouping scripts8.7.5. Filtering scripts by group8.7.6. Searching for scripts by name8.8. Some Examples to Start With8.8.1. Performing a Find8.8.2. Printing a report8.8.3. Acting on user input
9.1. Making Browse Mode Work for You9.1.1. Using multiple windows and views9.1.2. Filtering portals and creating pick lists9.1.3. Jump buttons: Shortcut navigation9.1.4. Controlling one window from another9.2. Performing Complex Search Operations9.2.1. Compound Find criteria: The AND Find9.2.2. Stacking Find requests: The OR Find9.2.3. Constraining and extending the found set9.2.4. Saving Finds and found sets9.3. Sorting Records9.3.1. Multiple sort keys9.3.2. Dynamic sort techniques9.3.3. Creating click-sort columns9.3.4. Sorting related data9.4. Understanding Formatting9.4.1. The management of formatting: A three-tiered approach9.4.2. Character-level formatting9.4.3. Paragraph-level formatting9.4.4. Layout format filters9.4.5. Precedence of number, date, and time formats9.4.6. Controlling formatting programmatically9.4.7. Creating style buttons9.5. Some Notes on Variables9.5.1. The three kinds of variables9.5.2. Variables and memory usage9.5.3. Instantiating and destroying variables9.5.4. Keeping track of variables9.6. Understanding Indexing9.6.1. Text index types9.6.1.1. The word index9.6.1.2. The value index9.6.2. Indexing myths exploded9.6.3. Differences between numeric and text indexing9.6.4. Unicode and alternate language indexes9.6.5. Optimizing field index configurations9.7. The Table of Dependencies9.7.1. Cascading calculation operations9.7.2. The limits of dependency9.7.3. Tiers of dependency9.8. Caching Join Results9.8.1. What caching does for you9.8.2. Solving caching problems9.8.3. Gaining control of the cache9.9. Understanding Global Fields9.9.1. The behavior of global fields9.9.2. Uses for global fields9.9.3. When to avoid global fields9.9.4. Using global calculation fields
10.1. Developing for Mac and Windows Users10.1.1. Selecting fonts10.1.2. Paying attention to differences in screen rendering10.1.3. Considering platform-specific window behavior10.2. Using Dynamic Screen Elements10.2.1. Disappearing/reappearing objects10.2.1.1. The portal invisibility trick10.2.1.2. Concealed and remotely operated tab control10.2.1.3. Using conditional formatting as a visibility control10.2.2. The hidden power of conditional formatting10.2.3. Multi-state buttons and objects10.3. Working with Sub-Summary Parts and Part Controls10.3.1. Building adaptable screens10.3.2. Stacking up multiple Sub-summary parts10.3.3. Using multiple break fields10.3.4. Controlling pagination and page breaks10.4. Designing for Print10.4.1. Non-printing objects10.4.2. Sliding objects and reducing parts10.4.3. Using Merge fields10.4.4. Creating a letter generator10.5. Using Multiple Windows and Views10.5.1. Managing window placement and size10.5.2. Windows as pop-ups and drill-downs10.5.3. Simulating modal window behavior10.6. Employing Custom Dialogs as an Interface Tool10.6.1. Dialogs as a data-entry device10.6.2. Dynamic dialog attributes10.7. Looking at Anchors and Resizable Layout Objects10.7.1. Objects that move according to window size10.7.2. Objects that grow and shrink10.7.3. Managing complex layout resizing10.7.4. Resizing behavior of enclosing objects10.7.5. Centering objects within the viewable area10.8. Implementing Shortcut Navigation10.8.1. The power of the Go to Related Record command10.8.2. One interface, many paths10.8.3. Building Back button functionality10.9. Building Depth and Dimensionality10.9.1. Using embossing and engraving effects10.9.2. Spatial cues for added meaning10.9.3. Delineation of element groups10.9.4. Color10.9.5. Transparency and translucency10.10. Working with Tab Controls10.10.1. Organizers and space savers10.10.2. Tab navigation via keyboard10.10.3. Scripting tab operations10.11. Recognizing the Flexibility of Portals10.11.1. Lists in many guises10.11.2. Portals as a navigation device10.11.3. Dynamically sorted portals10.11.4. Innovative portal implementations10.12. Using Advanced Web Viewer Techniques10.12.1. Access to advanced functionality10.12.2. Rendering internally calculated content10.12.3. Scraping data from Web pages10.13. Progress Bars and Native Charting Techniques10.13.1. Creating script progress monitors10.13.2. Native indicators and graphical displays10.14. Using Interface Elements10.14.1. Splash screens10.14.2. Main menus10.14.3. About and version info10.14.4. Online Help for your users10.15. Handling User Preferences10.15.1. A user-centric development philosophy10.15.2. Capturing state by user10.15.3. Example—a multi-lingual solution interface
11.1. Background in Relational Theory11.1.1. Set Theory in the management of data11.1.2. Modeling the real world11.1.2.1. Think about clarity of organization11.1.2.2. Keep the big picture in view11.1.3. Remembering some guiding principles11.1.3.1. Separate entities by type11.1.3.2. Delineate fields clearly11.1.3.3. Place multiples in a separate table11.1.3.4. Store everything once only11.1.3.5. Identify the major players11.1.4. Put it into practice11.2. FileMaker Relationships Graph Symbols11.2.1. Visual cues and clues11.2.2. The TO as a pointer11.2.3. Understanding the graph metaphor11.3. Relationship Operators11.3.1. Equi-joins and non-equal joins11.3.2. Comparative operators (theta joins)11.4. Note regarding theta joins in relational algebra11.4.1. Cartesian joins11.4.2. Multi-predicate relationships11.5. Alternative Relationship Techniques11.5.1. Multi-key fields11.5.2. Compound keys11.5.3. One-way relationships11.5.4. Join tables11.5.5. Naturally occurring joins11.6. Working with Data Arrays11.6.1. Repeating fields as an array handler11.6.2. Collapsing and expanding arrays11.6.3. Relationship-based techniques for managing data11.6.3.1. Allowing creation via relationship11.6.3.2. Using self joins11.6.3.3. The isolating relationship11.7. Graph Techniques — Spiders, Squids, and Anchor-Buoy11.7.1. Constellations and modular centers11.7.2. A satellite-based graph solution11.7.3. Segmentation on functional lines11.8. Documenting the Database Structure11.8.1. Graph annotations11.8.2. Naming conventions11.8.3. Field commenting11.8.4. Ancillary notes and documentation11.9. The Concept of Layers11.9.1. "Back end" and "front end"11.9.2. The business or procedural layer11.9.3. FileMaker as an integrated environment11.9.4. Separation anxiety11.10. File Architecture versus Data Structure11.10.1. Multi-file solutions11.10.2. The modular approach11.10.3. Interface files11.10.4. Approaches to separation of data11.10.5. Costs and benefits of separation11.11. Separation and External SQL Sources11.11.1. Understanding the rules11.11.2. Working within constraints11.11.3. Supporting the user11.12. Implementing Separation in an Existing Solution11.12.1. Establishing data source(s)11.12.2. Re-pointing table occurrences11.12.3. Creating separate graphs11.13. Deployment Considerations11.13.1. Your remotest dreams11.13.2. The model of adaptability
12.1. Compound Calculation Expressions12.1.1. The language of logic12.1.2. Functions and schema references12.1.3. Structured syntax and nesting12.1.4. Putting it all together12.2. Order of Operations12.3. Boolean Operations12.3.1. Zero, empty, and everything else12.3.2. Implicit Boolean coding12.3.3. Explicit Boolean coding12.4. Variables—Calculation, Script, and Global12.4.1. Declaring calculation variables—the Let( ) function12.4.2. Understanding variables' scope12.4.3. Benefiting from variables in a calculation12.5. Text Processing and Parsing Functions12.5.1. Substitute, Replace, and Trim12.5.2. Left, Right, and Middle12.5.3. Position and PatternCount12.5.4. The xWords suite12.5.5. Parsing in practice12.6. Text Formatting Operations12.6.1. Applying text formatting12.6.2. Removing text formatting12.6.3. Applying selective formatting12.6.4. Creating a Format button12.7. Dates, Times, and Timestamps12.7.1. How FileMaker manages dates12.7.2. Plotting time12.7.3. The number of seconds in 2007 years12.7.4. Juggling days, months, and years12.8. Summary Data12.8.1. Using aggregate functions12.8.2. The ballad of Max and Min12.8.3. Referencing summary fields12.9. Lists and Arrays12.9.1. Retrieving values as a list12.9.2. Managing lists—the xValues functions12.9.3. Extracting one value from a list12.9.4. Adding or inserting a list value12.9.5. Removing a value from a list12.10. Layers of Abstraction12.10.1. Building blocks with GetField( )12.10.2. The value of Evaluate( )12.11. Unstored Calculations12.11.1. Why and when calculations are unstored12.11.2. Understanding the benefits and trade-offs of unstored calculations12.11.3. Discovering the hidden secrets of unstored calcs12.12. Calculation Fields versus Auto-Enter Calculations12.13. The user over-ride capability12.13.1. Auto-enter calculations and storage12.13.2. The Do Not Replace option12.14. Global Calculations12.14.1. The moon follows you everywhere12.14.2. Managing global dependencies12.14.3. The freedom and efficiency of global calculations12.15. Environment and Metadata12.15.1. The Get( ) functions12.15.2. Design functions12.16. Calculations Using Custom Functions12.17. Your Code's Documentation12.17.1. Code formatting12.17.2. Code commenting
13.1. Scripting the Control of Objects and Interface13.1.1. Addressing objects by name13.1.2. Locking down the interface13.1.3. Managing user interaction13.2. Trapping for Errors13.2.1. Retrieving error codes appropriately13.2.2. What the error codes mean13.2.3. Why bother with error handling?13.2.4. Handling errors13.3. Scripts and Access Privileges13.3.1. Privilege-based errors13.3.2. Run script with full access privileges13.3.3. Determining the substantive privileges13.4. Automating the Automation13.4.1. Defining a script to run on file open13.4.2. Housekeeping practices for start-up scripts13.4.3. Scripts that run on file close13.5. Harnessing the Power of Parameters, Results, and Variables13.5.1. Getting data into a script13.5.2. Branching according to state13.5.3. Declaring variables13.5.4. Passing and retrieving multiple parameters13.5.5. Specifying and retrieving a script result13.5.6. Storing and accumulating data as you go13.6. Dynamic and Indirect Controls in ScriptMaker13.6.1. Example - Go to Layout by name or number13.6.2. Dynamic file paths using variables13.6.3. Dynamically building Find criteria13.6.4. Editing field data on the fly (indirection)13.7. Using Nonlinear Logic13.7.1. Nested and sequential If/Else conditions13.7.2. Looping constructs13.7.3. Specifying exit conditions13.8. Modular Script Code13.8.1. Using sub-scripts13.8.2. Script recursion13.9. Scripted Window Management13.9.1. Addressing windows by name (title)13.10. Moving and resizing windows13.10.1. Determining window dimensions13.10.2. Creating windows off-screen13.11. Freezing and refreshing the screen13.12. Scripting Data Import and Export13.12.1. Exporting field contents13.12.2. Exporting table data13.12.3. Selecting fields for export13.12.4. Import options13.12.5. Data matching for import13.12.5.1. Synchronizing and updating data13.12.5.2. Other import options13.12.6. Loading and unloading container objects13.13. Pivoting Data between Tables13.13.1. Using utility relationships13.13.2. Managing related data (walking through related records)13.14. Going over Some Practical Examples13.14.1. Locating unique records13.14.2. Building a multi-part PDF report
14.1. Concepts of Security14.1.1. Balance and perspective14.1.1.1. Identifying threats14.1.1.2. Assessing value14.1.2. Protecting your investment14.1.3. Interface vulnerabilities14.1.3.1. Taking things at interface value14.1.3.2. More than a semblance of security14.1.3.3. File-based security14.2. The Privilege Set14.2.1. Concepts of role-based security14.2.2. Defining and constraining access14.2.3. Schema privilege controls14.3. Granular Security14.3.1. Access to value lists and scripts14.3.2. The two dimensions of layout access14.3.3. Privileges for table, record, and field access14.3.4. Using and managing extended privileges14.4. User Authentication14.4.1. Creating user accounts14.4.2. Internal and external authentication14.5. Scripted Account Management14.5.1. Provision for automation of database security14.5.2. Working with multi-file solutions14.5.3. Safe scripting implementations14.6. Creating a Custom Logout Option14.6.1. The locked-down database14.6.2. Structuring a solution for logging out14.6.3. Security logging14.7. How Much Security Is Enough?14.7.1. Ways to evaluate risk14.7.2. A balanced view of threats14.7.3. A strategic model for response14.8. The Importance of Physical File Security14.8.1. Layers of protection14.8.2. Alternative forms of protection14.8.3. A multi-faceted approach14.9. Security in Deployment: FileMaker Server14.9.1. Filtered display of files14.9.2. Secure Socket Layer encryption14.9.3. Server checks and logs
15.1. Pinpointing Common Causes of Referential Integrity Problems15.1.1. The potential impact on your solution15.1.2. Costs and benefits15.2. Using Unique Keys15.2.1. Key safeguards15.2.2. Keys and meaning (existence, persistence, uniqueness)15.3. Generating Keys15.3.1. Serial numbers15.3.2. Record IDs15.3.3. Unique identification (UID) values15.4. Exploring Keys and Data Type15.5. Retrofitting Keys15.6. Deleting Redundant Records15.6.1. The use of cascading deletion15.6.2. Configuring relationships for referential integrity15.6.3. Privilege requirements for cascade delete15.6.4. Controlled cascading deletes at runtime15.7. Considering Other Integrity Issues15.7.1. Lookups and when to use them15.7.2. Auto-entry lookups and references15.7.3. Data design issues15.8. Managing Dependencies15.8.1. Literal text references15.8.2. Indirect object/element references15.8.3. Filename references15.8.4. Structural anomalies
16.1. Expecting the Unexpected16.1.1. Successful backup strategies16.1.1.1. Backup frequency16.1.1.2. An appropriate backup cycle16.1.1.3. The integrity of backups16.1.1.4. The location of backups16.1.1.5. Back up the code, not just the data16.1.2. The hazards of copying open files16.1.3. Backing up local files16.1.4. Backing up hosted files16.2. A Comprehensive Approach to Error Trapping16.2.1. Dealing with record locking16.2.2. Techniques to avoid in multi-user or multi-window environments16.2.2.1. Replace Field Contents16.2.2.2. Record marking and flagging techniques16.2.2.3. Uses of global fields16.3. Opening Remote Files16.3.1. Peer-to-peer hosting16.3.2. File sharing risks16.3.3. Network spaghetti16.3.4. Opener files16.3.5. Sending an e-mail link16.3.6. Temporary Edit Interface Techniques16.3.7. The data viewer concept16.3.8. The legitimate purpose of record locking16.3.9. Creating double-blind entry systems16.4. Field Masking, Filtering, and Error Rejection16.4.1. Applying standard data formations16.4.2. Dealing with trailing spaces and carriage returns16.4.3. Rejecting out-of-scope characters16.4.4. Handling styled source text16.5. Built-In Logging Capabilities16.5.1. Making use of auto-enter options16.5.2. Capturing and extending standard metadata16.6. Script Logging16.6.1. Infrastructure for script logging16.6.2. Tracking script execution16.6.2.1. Script-specific context variables16.6.2.2. Script diagnostics16.7. Capturing User Edits in Detail16.7.1. Trapping edits, field-by-field16.7.2. Incorporating ancillary data16.7.3. Logging record deletions16.8. Managing the Accumulation of Log Data16.8.1. Archiving options16.8.2. Generating secondary output16.9. Implementing Roll-Back Capabilities16.9.1. Chronological roll-back16.9.2. Alternative undo and roll-back capabilities16.9.3. Using logs to roll forward16.10. Alternative Logging Approaches16.10.1. Logs as Data16.10.2. Scripted and triggered logging
17.1. Some Notes on File Recovery17.1.1. Debunking common myths and misconceptions17.1.2. The Recover process17.1.3. Salvaging data17.1.4. Understanding file corruption17.2. Exporting and Importing Data17.2.1. File format considerations17.2.2. Exporting to and importing from a folder17.2.3. Delimiters and EOL markers17.3. Data Cleansing Operations17.3.1. Extract, transform, and load17.3.2. Data format considerations17.3.2.1. Data organization17.3.2.2. Data presentation17.3.2.3. Data domain17.3.3. Filtering capabilities in FileMaker17.4. Synchronizing Data Sets17.4.1. Import matching17.4.2. Importing selectively17.5. Handling Embedded Images and Stored Files17.5.1. Assigning and retrieving paths17.5.2. Scripted field updates17.6. Text-Handling Considerations17.6.1. Export field contents17.6.2. Designing a custom export process
18.1. Script Debugger18.1.1. Watching code in action18.1.2. Debugging restricted privilege scripts18.1.3. Getting used to the Debugger controls18.2. Data Viewer18.2.1. Current and Watch panels18.2.1.1. The Current panel18.2.1.2. The Watch panel18.2.2. Using the Viewer with the Debugger18.2.3. The Data Viewer sand pit18.2.4. The Data Viewer and variables18.3. Database Design Report18.3.1. DDR capabilities18.3.2. Mining the DDR for information18.3.3. Tools and techniques for interpreting DDR data18.4. File Maintenance18.4.1. Compact File18.4.2. Optimize File18.4.3. The Save a Copy As / Compacted alternative18.5. Defining Tooltips18.5.1. Using conditional tooltips18.5.2. Keeping track of tooltips18.6. Creating Custom Menus18.6.1. Defining menus18.6.2. Editing individual menus18.6.2.1. Benefits of the Script Step action18.6.2.2. Benefits of window widgets18.6.3. Adding menus to sets18.6.4. Assigning menu sets throughout your file18.6.4.1. Setting the default menu set for a file18.6.4.2. Determining a menu set for each layout18.6.4.3. Controlling menu sets via script18.7. Custom Functions18.7.1. Defining custom functions18.7.2. Custom functions as an aid to syntax readability18.7.3. Maximizing efficiency and ease of use18.8. Custom Functions and Recursion18.8.1. Things that only custom functions can do18.8.2. The stack and the limits of recursion18.8.3. Tail recursion in practice18.8.4. Some useful examples18.8.4.1. Creating an acronym from a supplied phrase18.8.4.2. Extracting a character set from a supplied block of text18.8.4.3. Removing an unspecified number of leading carriage returns18.9. Creating Runtime Applications18.9.1. Generating a stand-alone solution18.9.2. Binding for each platform18.9.3. Hosting runtime files
19.1. Designing for Scale: Size Considerations19.1.1. The elephant in the cherry tree19.1.2. Predicting what will scale well19.2. Eliminating Redundancy19.2.1. Avoiding duplication of elements19.2.2. Using portable and reusable code19.2.2.1. Appropriate use of sub-scripts19.2.2.2. Appropriate use of custom functions19.3. Designing for Flexibility and Adaptability19.3.1. Layouts and adaptable design19.3.2. Concepts of reusability applied to the Relationships Graph19.4. Traveling the Shortest Distance Between Two Points19.4.1. Optimal calculation syntax19.4.2. Alternative syntax examples19.4.2.1. Working with modifier keys19.4.2.2. Working with Boolean values19.4.3. Avoiding dependency "spaghetti"19.4.4. Applying simplicity principles19.5. Transaction Modeling19.5.1. Live versus batch data19.5.2. Posting edits and propagating edits to related records19.5.3. Offline updates and processing19.5.4. Robots and batch automation19.5.5. Host/server script execution19.6. Managing File Size19.6.1. Dealing with data in chunks19.6.1.1. Modularization strategies19.6.1.2. Considering segmentation19.6.2. Data archiving19.7. Images and Media in Databases
20.1. External Scripting Calls20.1.1. Using Send Event and VBScript20.1.1.1. Using VBScript with FileMaker Pro20.1.2. Perform AppleScript20.1.3. Cross-platform solutions and external script calls20.1.4. Third-party helpers and macros20.2. Rendering HTML and JavaScript20.2.1. Harnessing HTTP20.2.2. Bringing services to your solution20.2.3. Handling hypertext20.3. Web Viewer Widgets20.3.1. Charting with Flash20.3.2. Applets and servlets20.4. FileMaker Plug-Ins20.4.1. Installing and enabling plug-ins20.4.2. Using external functions20.4.3. Script triggering20.4.3.1. Robust triggering implementations20.4.3.2. Available script triggering plug-ins20.4.4. Dialog capabilities20.4.5. File and media handling20.4.6. E-mail, HTTP, and FTP20.4.7. Charting and other functionality20.5. Web Deployment Options20.5.1. Instant Web publishing20.5.2. Custom Web publishing20.5.2.1. Working with XML and XSLT20.5.2.2. The FileMaker PHP API20.5.2.3. FileMaker's PHP Site Assistant20.6. Finding Third-Party Tools20.6.1. Developer tools20.6.2. Analysis and documentation20.6.3. Shared information
B.1. From the Horse's MouthB.2. Professional Consulting and Development ServicesB.3. Online Design and Development Tips and TricksB.4. Online Forums and Mailing ListsB.5. Books and Periodicals
C.1. What's on the Web SiteC.2. Troubleshooting

Content preview from FileMaker® Pro 9 Bible

Chapter 13. Scripting in Depth

Chapter 8 describes what ScriptMaker does and how to use it — we provide various practical examples of scripts automating a number of frequently performed database tasks. The examples we show you in Chapter 8, however, barely exercise the FileMaker scripting engine's power. In this chapter, we provide that deeper insight into a number of ScriptMaker's central concepts.

The FileMaker Pro 9 scripting engine evolved through previous versions and has grown into a powerful coding environment. Originally, FileMaker scripting offered a way to automate repetitive or tedious user actions.

Consequently, many scripts and script commands work with and through the solution interface, performing actions and accomplishing work in the same ways the user does. However, scripts can go far beyond mimicking the user and provide an environment of power and extended functionality.

Scripts in FileMaker Pro 9 have the ability to act directly on data and file elements and interact with other applications and services. Nevertheless, the scripting framework retains some of its original focus on the interface as the primary way of interacting with a solution. In this chapter, we explore a number of essential techniques to increase the depth of your command of FileMaker scripting.

Scripting the Control of Objects and Interface

Consider for a moment the ways your FileMaker solutions interact with users. A FileMaker solution's user interface is comprised of a series of layouts containing ...