book

Learn FileMaker Pro 10

by Jonathan Stars

January 2009

Beginner to intermediate

642 pages

21h 2m

English

Jones & Bartlett Learning

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IntroductionWhat Is a Database?Using FileMaker ProOpening FileMaker ProOpening a FileMaker Pro FileDatabase ConceptsFilesTablesRecordsFieldsLayoutsSaving a Copy of a FileMaker Pro FileClosing a FileMaker Pro FileQuitting FileMaker ProSummary

IntroductionManage DatabaseTables TabFields TabRelationships TabLookupsRelated DataModesBrowse ModeLayout ModeLayout TypesFind ModePreview ModeMenu CommandsSort CommandManage ScriptsAccounts and PrivilegesSummary
IntroductionPlanning the DatabasePlanning This DatabaseCreating the FileAdding Some FieldsAdding Field OptionsCleaning Up the LayoutFormat PainterDuplicateTool PanelLayout Status Toolbar and PalettesDrawing ToolsObject GridsT-SquaresArrow KeysObject Info PaletteAlignment8Locking ObjectsAdding Some DataAdding a ScriptSimple New Record ScriptSimple Delete Record ScriptSimple Find ScriptAssigning Scripts to ButtonsSpecial SituationsCustomizing the Status Toolbar10The Standard SetsThe Customize PaletteLimitations and CautionsSummary
IntroductionConsiderationsPredefined DatabasesCreating Your Own DatabaseWhat Are Fields?Creating a FieldAbout Field NamesThe Eight Field TypesText FieldNumber FieldDate FieldTime FieldTimestamp Field7Container FieldCalculation FieldSummary FieldGlobal Storage OptionRepeating FieldFormatting Your Fields in Japanese7Field Formats on LayoutsDate FormatNumber FormatText FormatTime FormatSummary
IntroductionCreating a New RecordSelecting the RecordAdding DataSelecting the FieldUsing Tab OrderData Entry ShortcutsInsertCopy and PasteDrag-and-DropUsing Value ListsAuto-Complete8Calendar Drop-down8Using Container FieldsInsert QuickTimeInsert PictureInsert SoundImporting DataChanging DataHighlightingSpellcheckingVisual Spell Checker8Replace CommandFind/ReplaceRevert CommandMultiple Level Undo/Redo of Text9Deleting DataSummary
IntroductionOne or Many Tables?One Table—Flat File DesignMany Tables—Relational DesignManage Your TablesNormalize Your InformationDetermine Your Match, or Key, FieldsIntroducing “Anchor-Buoy” Relationship DesignMaking the RelationshipRelationship Tools7Tool IconsAllow Creation of Related RecordsParent and ChildAllow Deletion of Related RecordsSort Related RecordsMaking a PortalDrawing the PortalPortal Tool BehaviorPlacing the Fields in a PortalAdding Data to a Portal FieldSorting a PortalInvestigating the Related TableRelating a Table Back to the Parent TablePerforming a Find in a PortalPerformance ConsiderationsDeleting a Record from a PortalDealing with “Portal Pop”Before We GoSummary
IntroductionPlanning Your DatabaseTricky Terms and Catchy PhrasesER DiagramOne-to-Many RelationshipOne-to-One RelationshipMany-to-Many RelationshipThe Join, or Link, TableSelf-join RelationshipMultiple-Criteria Relationships7Unequal Relationships7The Relationships GraphOther NotesInvoice System ER DiagramCreate the TablesInvoice TableInvoiceLineItems TableImporting a Table8Product TableOther PossibilitiesExample DataCreate the RelationshipsInvoice and InvLIInvoice and ContactInvLI and ProductAdd the LookupsThe Invoice LayoutAdding Drop-downs to the InvoicesProducts Drop-downGetting the Invoice TotalCustomers Drop-downPlacing the Customer Field on the LayoutOther ConsiderationsExternal Data Source9Summary
IntroductionFinding RecordsMethodsThe Find SymbolsMatch Whole Word (Or Match Empty) (=)Match Entire Field (= =)Find Duplicate Values (!)Less Than (<)Less Than or Equal (≤ or < = on Macintosh, < = on Windows)Greater Than (>)Greater Than or Equal (≥ or > = on Macintosh, > = on Windows)Range (. . .)Today’s Date (//)Invalid Date or Time (?)Any One Character (@)Any One Digit (#)Zero or More Characters (*)Escape Next Character (\)10Match Phrase (From Word Start) (“”)Match Phrase (From Anywhere) (*“”)Relaxed Search (Japanese only) (~)AND FindsOR FindsConstrain and Extend Found SetConstrain Found SetExtend Found SetQuick Find8Auto-Complete8Other Find TricksWithin ScriptsFind StrategiesLimitationsSaved Finds10Saved Finds DetailsOmitting RecordsMethodsOmit MultipleOmit as Part of a FindShow OmittedWithin ScriptsStrategiesLimitationsSorting RecordsMethodsWithin ScriptsStrategiesSort By a Summary FieldDynamic Sub-Summaries10Modify Table View10LimitationsSummary
IntroductionCreate a New LayoutStandard FormSpecify FieldsSelect a ThemeList/ReportChoose Report LayoutOrganize Records by CategorySort RecordsSpecify SubtotalsSpecify Grand TotalsHeader and Footer InformationCreate a Script for This ReportCleaning UpSub-summary Part DefinitionTable ViewLabelsEnvelopeBlank LayoutSummary
IntroductionField Data Entry OptionsAuto-Enter Tab (Automatically Entering Values)CreationModificationSerial NumberValue from Last Visited RecordDataCalculated ValueLooked-up ValueProhibit ModificationValidation Tab (Checking Data for Accuracy)Validate Data in This Field7Strict Data TypeNot EmptyUnique ValueExisting ValueMember of Value ListIn RangeValidated By CalculationMaximum Number of CharactersDisplay Custom Message if Validation FailsStorage Tab (Global Storage, Repeating Fields, and Indexing)Global StorageRepeating Field OptionsFileMaker’s Indexing SystemStorage OptionsField Indexing Pros and ConsLimitationsFurigana Tab7Summary
IntroductionDefining a Calculation FieldOperatorsMathematical OperatorsComparison OperatorsLogical OperatorsText OperatorsOther OptionsStorage OptionRepeating FieldDo Not EvaluateLimitationsSummary
IntroductionFileMaker’s Help FilesWhat Are Functions?Text FunctionsLeftA Calculation within a CalculationLeftWordsLengthPositionBuilding Complex CalculationsThe StepsUsing the ProcessMake It PermanentNumber FunctionsThe ProcessA Calculation for FMP7 and LaterDate and Time FunctionsTime ClockCommenting Calculations7Summary
IntroductionAggregate FunctionsAggregate ExamplesSummary FunctionsGetSummary ExampleRepeating FunctionsGetRepetition ExampleFinancial FunctionsPMT ExampleTrigonometric FunctionsPi ExampleLogical FunctionsIf and CaseIsEmptyEvaluate7Let7GetLayoutObjectAttribute8.5Self9GetFieldName10Get Functions7Get (RecordNumber) ExampleGet (TemporaryPath)9Get (DocumentsPathListing)10Get (HostApplicationVersion)9Design FunctionsFieldNames and FieldStyle ExamplesExternal FunctionsText Formatting Functions7Timestamp FunctionsCustom Functions7Summary
IntroductionWhat Are Scripts?One Step at a TimeScript OptionsPlanning Your ScriptWhere Am I Now?What Do I Want to Do?Where Do I Want to Be When I Finish?What Can Go Wrong?Script Steps OverviewScript StepsControl CategoryMain Menu Script ExampleGoing to ContactFail-safeGetting BackTestingAccess the Main Menu Layout from Other FilesUsing Layouts from Other Files7The Separation ModelPortable Portals7Print Invoices ExampleElse If7The Print ScriptThe Invoices ScriptsFiguring InterestPrinting One InvoiceMonthly Billing ScriptTesting Monthly BillingThoughtful AdditionsPrinting to PDF8Get (TemporaryPath)10 and Send Mail10Append to PDF9Script Variable8Match Found Set (Related Records)8Debugging ScriptsImportant HintsImport ScriptsButton Options (Pause, Halt, Exit, Resume)Startup/Shutdown ScriptsShow Custom Dialog Script StepSet Field By Name10Other FeaturesNew Window7Script Parameters7Accounts Script Category7External Data Sources9Script Organization Features9Script Folders9Filter Scripts9Copy and Paste Scripts9Copy and Paste Script Steps9Multiple Script Windows9FMP Advanced Features9And Finally. . .Summary
IntroductionWhat Is a Layout?Layout TypesOn-screen Layouts (Data Entry)Printed LayoutsLayout PartsTitle HeaderHeaderBodySub-summaries (Leading and Trailing)Leading and Trailing Grand SummariesFooterTitle FooterWorking with Layout PartsAdding and Deleting PartsModifying PartsSummary
IntroductionMake a ScriptObject-Based Script TriggersOnObjectExit10Layout-Based Script TriggersOnRecordLoad10 and OnLayoutLoad10OnObjectKeystroke10 ExampleWhen to Use Auto-Enter Calculated ValueOnObjectModify10 ExampleScript Trigger NotesScript Trigger IdeasInstall OnTimer Script10Install OnTimer Script DetailsOnTimer Script IdeasFunctions Related to Script TriggersGet (TriggerModifierKeys)A Case for FileMaker Pro AdvancedSummary
IntroductionBasic DesignKnow What You LikeKeep It ConsistentGroup FormattingSelecting Groups of Layout ObjectsHow to Make It PrettyArrange and View MenusRotate Layout ObjectsIconsLocking Objects on a LayoutAdding Graphics and Movies to a LayoutFormatting Graphics on a LayoutCustomizing the Appearance of Objects on a LayoutAdding Borders, Baselines, and Fills to FieldsAdding Object EffectsEmbossedEngravedDrop ShadowChanging ColorsTab Control8Object Names8.5Autoresize Layout Objects9Getting Autoresize to WorkAutoresize RulesTooltips8Conditional Formatting9Summary
IntroductionWhat Is a Report?Creating a Useful and Attractive ReportReport TypesCreating a ReportWhat Results Do You Want?What Data Do You Have (and Not Have)?Example ReportsCustomer Sales ReportSetup—Making the Data AvailableBuilding the ReportTouch-up WorkHow to Set Up a Find LayoutPercent of Sales by Product ReportBuilding the ReportTouch-up WorkHow to Set Up This Find LayoutOther Common ReportsAvoiding the Today and Get (CurrentDate) Functions in Calculation FieldsOrganizational DetailsSummary
IntroductionWhat Is Personal Data Sharing?CapabilitiesNetwork RequirementsUsing Personal File SharingUsing Files as a GuestSharing Remotely by Way of ModemFile Sharing CautionLimitationsFile and Guest LimitsGlobal Fields and Shared FilesOptimizing PerformanceHardware ConsiderationsFileMaker ServerSome Final WordsClosing Hosted FilesSlow Network TrafficSave/Send Records as Excel8Export Field Contents/Fast Send8Email Link to Published Database9Summary
IntroductionWhy Publish on the Web?FileMaker and Instant Web Publishing (IWP)Setting Up Your ComputerIf You Have an Internet AccountIf You Don’t Have an Internet AccountSetting Up FileMaker Pro for IWPInstant Web Publishing SettingsAdvanced OptionsSetting Up Your DatabaseBrowsersLayoutsIWP Browser InterfaceWeb SecurityIPv6 Support10Try It OutOther Notes and OptionsCool Web Sites Powered by FileMakerSummary
IntroductionUsing FileMaker’s Import and Export CommandsODBC SharingMaking FileMaker Data Available to Other ApplicationsGetting Data from Another ApplicationSetting Up the Data Source (Macintosh OS X)Importing the Data (Macintosh)Setting Up the Data Source (Windows)Importing the Data (Windows)Saving the Import as a ScriptExecute SQL Script StepConverting and Importing Data from Microsoft ExcelImporting a Folder of Files in a Single OperationSummary
IntroductionWhy Protect Your Data?FileMaker SecurityAccounts Tab7Edit Account7Guest Account7Admin Account7New Account7A Word about PasswordsPrivilege Set7Privilege Sets Tab7Edit Privilege Set7Data Access and DesignOther Privileges7Extended Privileges7Extended Privileges Tab7Expand and/or Reduce PrivilegesEditing and Deleting Accounts7EditingCautionsLimiting Access through ScriptingStartup ScriptControlling Layout AccessLimiting Access through Field CalculationsThe ScriptThe CalculationInternet ConsiderationsConversion IssuesSummary
IntroductionWhy Back Up?FileMaker Server Backup FeaturesUsing Commercial Backup ApplicationsProblems with TapeDatabase CorruptionWhat Is a Clone?Saving a CloneBackup RoutineWhile You WorkOther Related MeasuresFileMaker TechniquesOne-Record TableMore about ExportingApple’s Time MachineUsing Your BackupsRestoringImporting DataMore about ImportingTying Up the Loose EndsSummary
IntroductionWhat Is XML?Add in XSLWhat Can I Use It For?Examples: Exporting XML as HTMLUsing a Local XSL Style SheetCreating the Export XML ScriptUsing a Remote XSL Style SheetAnd Beyond. . .Profile of a FileMaker XML Web RequestImport XMLOpen XMLSummary
IntroductionWeb Viewer8.5Creating a Web ViewerWeb Viewer EconomyLayout WorkImporting Some DataWorking with the Radio ButtonsWorking with the Web ViewerGetting the URLMini Web ViewerAutomatically Filling Out Forms—NotWhich Way Did He Go?Back and Ahead ButtonsScreen ScrapingSaving the URLThe Example FileThe Web Viewer and Other ApplicationsCleaning UpRulesSuggested UsesData URLs9Summary
IntroductionExternal SQL Sources (ESS)9Selecting the Data SourceUsing ODBC Tables in the GraphShadow TablesODBC Tables in Browse ModeESS-based Value Lists10Other Stuff You Need to KnowGetting Your Data from Bento10 (Macintosh Only)Summary
IntroductionDocumentationStep By StepConversion LogComparing FieldsComparing LayoutsAccounts & PrivilegesComparing ScriptsComparing RelationshipsExternal Data SourcesMore on Accounts and PasswordsFinishing UpSummary

Overview

Learn FileMaker® Pro 10 provides an excellent reference to FileMaker Inc.’s award-winning database program for both beginners and advanced developers. From converting files created with previous versions of FileMaker Pro and sharing data on the web to creating reports and sorting data, this book offers a hands-on approach to getting the most out of your FileMaker Pro databases.
Learn how to use the completely redesigned Status area, now known as the Status toolbar; send e-mail right from FileMaker with the SMTP-based Send Mail option; build reports quickly and easily with the Saved Finds feature; automate your database with scripts and activate those scripts with the new script trigger feature; integrate your Bento data into your FileMaker files; work with the enhanced Web viewer.