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FileMaker® 12 In Depth
Do more in less time!
FileMaker 12 In Depth is the most comprehensive, coherent, and practical guide to creating professional-quality solutions with the newest versions of FileMaker! Drawing on his unsurpassed real-world experience as a FileMaker user, consultant, and developer, Jesse Feiler helps you gain practical mastery of today’s newest, most advanced FileMaker tools and features.
• Use themes to build solutions for FileMaker Pro on Windows and OS X, FileMaker Go on iOS, and Instant Web Publishing
• Get the most out of new container field technology
• Quickly become a FileMaker 12 power user
• Make the most of FileMaker fields, tables, layouts, and parts
• Iteratively design reliable, high-performance FileMaker relational databases
• Work with relationships, including self-joins and cross-product relationships
• Write calculation formulas and use functions
• Use event-driven scripts to make databases more interactive
• Build clear and usable reports, publish them, and incorporate them into workflows
• Secure applications with user accounts, privileges, file-level access, network security,
and authentication
• Use FileMaker’s Web Viewer to access live web-based data
• Convert systems from older versions of FileMaker, and troubleshoot successfully
• Share, exchange, export, and publish data via SQL and XML
• Instantly publish databases on the web, and use advanced Custom Web Publishing techniques
• Trigger automated behaviors whenever specific events occur
• Extend FileMaker’s functionality with plug-ins
• Set up, configure, tune, and secure FileMaker Server
All In Depth books offer
• Comprehensive coverage with detailed solutions
• Troubleshooting help for tough problems you can’t fix on your own
• Outstanding authors recognized worldwide for their expertise and teaching style
Learning, reference, problem-solving... the only FileMaker 12 book you need!
Introduction
Part I Getting Started with FileMaker 12
Chapter 1 FileMaker Overview
FileMaker and Its Marketplace
Mobility
Rapid Application Development
Low Total Cost of Ownership
FileMaker Is a Seasoned Platform
You’re Not Alone
Introduction to Database Software
Database Software
What Database Software Does
Overview of the FileMaker Product Line
FileMaker Deployment Options
Single User
Peer-to-Peer Hosting
FileMaker Server Hosting
FileMaker Server Advanced Hosting
Kiosk Mode
FileMaker Single-User Runtime
Extending the Functionality of FileMaker Pro
Technical Specifications
Chapter 2 Using FileMaker Pro
Getting Started
Registration
Software Updates
Using the Quick Start Screen
Getting Help
Understanding FileMaker Pro Features
Understanding FileMaker Databases
Understanding Tables
Understanding Records and Fields
The FileMaker Pro User Interface
Using the Status Toolbar
Customizing the Status Toolbar (OS X)
Customizing the Status Toolbar (Windows)
Working in FileMaker Pro
Opening a Database
Working with Records
Working with Fields
Data in Formatted Fields
Modifying Value Lists
Field Types
Data Validation
Working with Related Data
Understanding the Mechanics of a Portal
Finding Data with FileMaker
Using Quick Find
Using Find Mode to Perform a Find Request
Omitting and Showing All Records
Saving Find Requests
Sorting
Printing
Presenting Data with Summary and Subsummary Reports
Importing and Exporting Data
Saving PDF and Excel Documents
Using the Web Viewer
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Becoming a FileMaker Pro Power User
Technique 1: Using Your Keyboard for More Speed
Technique 2: Working with Table View
Technique 3: Replacing Data
Technique 4: Inserting Specific Information
Technique 5: Getting to Know Your Entire Database
Technique 6: Using Multitiered Sorts
Technique 7: Using Multiple Windows
Technique 8: Applying Text Styling and Tabs
Chapter 3 Defining and Working with Fields and Tables
Working Under the Hood
Creating New Databases
Using the Manage Database Dialog
Working with Tables
Table Naming Conventions
Creating New Tables
Working with Fields
Field Naming Conventions
Adding Field Comments
Creating New Fields
Working with Field Types
Text
Number
Date
Time
Timestamp
Container
Calculation
Summary Fields
Working with Field Options
Auto-Entry Field Options
Field Validation
Storage and Indexing
Furigana
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Indexing in FileMaker
Chapter 4 Working with Layouts
What’s a Layout?
Using Multiple Layouts Automatically
Creating and Managing Layouts
Creating a New Layout
Layout Context
Layout Setup
Hiding and Reordering Layouts
Layout Naming Conventions
Working with Parts
Adding and Ordering Parts
Formatting a Part
Part Definition
Working with the Layout Status Toolbar
Using the Layout Bar
Using the Customizable Status Toolbar Tool Groups
Using the Status Toolbar Items
Using the Inspector
Inspecting Data Settings
Inspecting Appearance Settings
Inspecting Position Settings
Working with Objects on a Layout
Adding Objects to a Layout
Positioning Objects on a Layout
Working with the Tab Control Object
Adding a Tab Control Object to a Layout
Working with Fields
Adding Fields to Layouts
Setting the Tab Order
Merge Fields
Troubleshooting
Part II Developing Solutions with FileMaker
Chapter 5 Relational Database Design
Understanding Database Design
Database Analysis
Working with Entities and Attributes
Entities Versus Attributes: A Case Study
Design as an Iterative Process
Understanding Relationships
Representing Relationships in a Diagram
Relationship Types
Understanding the Role of Keys in Database Design
Keys That Determine Uniqueness
Keys That Refer to Other Tables
Many-to-Many Relationships
Using Join Tables
Using Checkboxes and Multiple Values
Attributes in a Join Entity
Normalizing Data: What Goes Where
First Normal Form: Eliminate Repeating Groups
Second Normal Form: Eliminate Redundant Data
Third Normal Form: Eliminate Fields Not Dependent on the Key
FileMaker Extra: Complex Many-to-Many Relationships
Chapter 6 Working with Multiple Tables
Multitable Systems in FileMaker Pro
Creating a One-to-Many Relationship in FileMaker
Creating the First Table in a Multitable System
Adding a Table to a Multitable System
Adding a Relationship
Working with Keys and Match Fields
The Database So Far
Working with Related Data
Using a Portal to View Related Child Data
Using a Portal to Add Related Records
Working with Related Parent Data in a Child File
Creating a Many-to-Many Relationship
Building the Structure
Creating Value Lists
Designing the Interface
Rapid Multitable Development
Troubleshooting
Chapter 7 Working with Relationships
Relationships Graphs and ERDs
Relationships as Queries
Nonequijoins
Adding a Table Occurrence to the Relationships Graph
Defining a Relationship with Multiple Match Criteria
Creating Self-Relationships
Creating a Relationship with a Global Value
Creating Cross-Product Relationships
Working with Multiple Files
Creating an External Data Source
Adding an External Table to the Relationships Graph
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Managing the Relationships Graph
Using Formatting Tools to Manage the Relationships Graph
Using Table Occurrences to Manage the Relationships Graph
Chapter 8 Getting Started with Calculations
Understanding How and Where
Calculations Are Used
Writing Calculation Formulas
Uses for Calculation Formulas
Exploring the Specify Calculation Dialog
Writing the Formula
Options
Specifying Context
Essential Functions
Parts of a Function
Text Operations
Nested Functions
Number Functions
Character Functions
Working with Dates and Times
Using Conditional Functions
Aggregate Functions
Learning About the Environment: Introspective Functions
Get Function
Design Functions
Device Identification Functions
Mobile Functions
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Tips for Becoming a Calculation Master
Chapter 9 Getting Started with Scripting
Scripts in FileMaker Pro
Creating Scripts
The Scripting Interface
Script Editing
Full Access Privileges
Commenting Scripts
Exiting a Script
Using a Script Template
Using Subscripts
Importing Scripts
Managing the Scripts Menu
Common Scripting Topics
Error Management
Setting and Controlling Data
Providing User Navigation
Saved Script Options
Using Conditional Logic
Using Loops
Working with Custom Dialogs
Starting and Triggering Scripts
Starting Scripts
Triggering Scripts
Working with Buttons on Layouts
Naming Scripts
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Creating a Script Library
Chapter 10 Getting Started with Reporting and Charting
Reporting in FileMaker Pro
Deriving Meaning from Data
Begin with the End in Mind
Determine Report Requirements
Generic Versus Specific Report Structures
Working with Reports, Layouts, View As Options, and Modes
Working with Lists of Data
Using the New Layout/Report Assistant
Using Summarized Reports
Creating a Summary Field
Working with Subsummary Parts
Calculations Involving Summary Fields
Modifying Table Views
Customizing Layouts and Reports
Alternating Row Color
Sorting Data in a Table
Sliding Objects
Delivering Reports
Save/Send as PDF
Save/Send as Excel
Send Mail
Scripting Send Mail
Introducing Charting
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Incorporating Reports into the Workflow
Part III Developer Techniques
Chapter 11 Developing for Multiuser Deployment
Developing for Multiple Users
Sessions in FileMaker Pro
Session-Specific Elements
Global Behavior
User Accounts and Session Data
Concurrency
The ACID Test
Script Log
Commit Versus Create and Serial IDs
Record Locking
Launch Files
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Development with a Team
Chapter 12 Implementing Security
Approaching Security
Identifying Risks
Planning Security
Maintaining Security
User-Level Internal Security
User Accounts
Privilege Sets
Extended Privileges
File Access
File-Level Access Security
Server Administration Security
Security over the Network
User Authentication
External Authentication
File List Filtering
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Working with Multiple Files
Chapter 13 Using the Web Viewer
Introducing the Web Viewer
Exploring the Web Viewer in Contacts
Creating and Editing a Web Viewer
Creating a Web Viewer
Setting a Web Viewer to a Constant URL
Constructing a URL Dynamically Based on a Search
Setting Up a Web Viewer with the Templates
Setting Web Viewer Options
Controlling the Web Viewer with the Set Web Viewer Script Step
FileMaker Extra: Using the Web Viewer for Files
Chapter 14 Advanced Interface Techniques
What’s New in the Interface World
Working with Themes
Changing a Theme
Exploring Themes
Using Styles and States
Using Styles
Using States
Copying Styles
Using FileMaker Formatting Tools
Conditional Formatting
Setting the Layout Width
Using Grids
Using Guides
Using Dynamic Guides
Using Screen Stencils
Using GetLayoutObjectAttribute
Working with Custom Menus
Specifying Custom Menu Elements
Using the Menu Sets Interface
Providing Accessibility
Set Up Accessibility Attributes in Layout Mode
Turn On Accessibility Features
Use Accessibility Features
FileMaker Extra: User Interface Heuristics
Chapter 15 Advanced Calculation Techniques
Logical Functions
The Let Function
The Choose Function
The GetField Function
The Evaluate Function
Lookup Functions
Text Formatting Functions
Text Color, Font, and Size
Text Style
Removing Text Formatting
Array Functions
Working with Return-Delimited Data Arrays
Stepping Through an Array
The “Filter”-ing Functions
The Filter Function
The FilterValues Function
Custom Functions
Uses of Custom Functions
Creating Custom Functions
Examples of Custom Functions
GetNthRecord
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Creating a Custom Function Library
Matching Multiple Values
Chapter 16 Advanced Scripting Techniques
What Is Advanced Scripting?
Script Parameters
Script Parameters
Specifying Script Parameters
Retrieving a Script Parameter
Passing Multivalued Parameters
Strategies for Using Script Parameters
Script Results
Final Thoughts on Script Input/Output
Script Variables
About Local Variables
About Global Variables
Other Ways to Work with Variables
About Dynamic File Paths
Viewing Your Variables
FileMaker Extra: Recursive Scripts
Chapter 17 Working with FileMaker Triggers
Introducing FileMaker Triggers
FileMaker Triggers Before FileMaker Pro 10
Triggers in FileMaker Pro Today
Trigger Targets
Trigger Events
Triggers and Underlying Data
Triggers and Web Publishing
Attaching Triggers
Layout Triggers
Object Triggers
Window Triggers
Using a Timer
Trigger Functions
The Self Function
Char and Code Functions
The GetFieldName Function
The Get (TriggerKeystroke) and Get (TriggerModifierKeys) Functions
FileMaker Extra: Using Triggers for an Interactive Interface
Chapter 18 Advanced FileMaker Solution Architecture
Window Management Techniques
Multiwindow Interfaces
Using Window Styles
Working with Document Windows
Creating a Modal Dialog with a Window Style
Creating a Modal Dialog Using a Script Pause State
Adding a Pause State
Go to Related Record
GTRR Basics
Predicting the Found Set
Jumping to Disconnected Table Occurrences
Dedicated Find Layouts
Dedicated Find Mode Layouts
Script-Driven Finds
Troubleshooting
Chapter 19 Debugging and Troubleshooting
What Is Troubleshooting?
Staying Out of Trouble
Understand Software Requirements
Avoid Unclear Code
Planning for Trouble
Troubleshooting Scripts and Calculations
Handling Errors in Scripts
Tracking Down Errors
Troubleshooting in Specific Areas: Performance, Context, Connectivity, and Globals
Performance
Connectivity and Related Issues
Context Dependencies
Globals
File Maintenance and Recovery
Using the Database Design Report
Creating a DDR
Using the Script Debugger
About the Script Debugger
Placing Breakpoints
Using the Data Viewer
Chapter 20 Converting Systems from Previous Versions of FileMaker Pro
Updating and Upgrading FileMaker Software
Migrating to New FileMaker File Formats
Planning the Conversion
Preconversion Tasks
Document Your Solution
Do Some Housekeeping
Converting Files
Post-Conversion Tasks
Part IV Data Integration and Publishing
Chapter 21 Connecting to External SQL Data Sources
ODBC Basics
SQL
FileMaker Architecture
ODBC Architecture
Setting Up FileMaker Databases for ODBC
Setting Up and Administering ODBC
Installing Drivers
Administering ODBC
Example: Setting Up a DSN on OS X to Connect to MySQL
Example: Setting Up a DSN on Windows to Connect to FileMaker
Importing ODBC Data into FileMaker
Using External ODBC Data Sources with the Relationships Graph
Specifying the Data Source
Adding the External Data Source to theRelationships Graph
Using Supplemental Fields
Troubleshooting
Chapter 22 Importing Data into FileMaker Pro
Working with External Data
Flat-File Data Sources
Choosing the Target Table
Initiating the Import
The Import Field Mapping Dialog
Updating Records with Imported Data
Updating Records Without Using Match Fields
Importing from Another FileMaker Pro File
Using an Import to Create a New Table
Importing from a Microsoft Excel File
Setting Import Options and Reviewing Status
Importing Multiple Files from a Folder
Importing Text Files
Importing Image Files
Scripting Imports with FileMaker
Creating Automatic Recurring Imports
Using a Script to Import Data
Using Bento Data Sources
Troubleshooting
FileMaker Extra: Exploiting the FileMaker-to-FileMaker Import
Duplicating a Found Set
Duplicating Between Tables
Chapter 23 Exporting Data from FileMaker
Getting Out What You Put In
The Basic Mechanics of Exporting
Choosing a Source Table
Choosing an Output File Format
Selecting Fields to Export
Exporting Issues to Consider
Export File Formats
Character Transformations
Formatting Exported Data
Exporting Related Fields
Exporting Grouped Data
Exporting to Fixed-Width Formats
Working with Large Fields and Container
Fields
Scripted Exports
Chapter 24 Instant Web Publishing
Overview of Instant Web Publishing
Getting Started with IWP
Enabling and Configuring IWP
Configuring FileMaker Pro for IWP
Configuring FileMaker Server Advanced for IWP
Sharing and Securing Files via IWP
Designing for IWP Deployment
Constraints of IWP
Scripting for IWP
Layout Design
Container Fields
Application Flow
Troubleshooting
Chapter 25 Custom Web Publishing with PHP and XML
About Custom Web Publishing
Understanding the Three Parts of FileMaker Web Publishing
Custom Web Publishing Versus Instant Web Publishing
Preparing for Custom Web Publishing
Getting Your Databases Ready for CWP
Getting FileMaker Server Ready for Custom Web Publishing
Choosing a Custom Web Publishing Technology
Using Custom Web Publishing with PHP
Getting Your Databases Ready for Custom Web Publishing with PHP
Getting FileMaker Server Ready for Custom Web Publishing with PHP
Placing Files on the Web Server
Writing the PHP code for the FileMaker PHP API
Using Custom Web Publishing with XML
Preparing for XML Publishing
Introduction to XML Publishing
Understanding Query Strings
Performing Specific Searches with CWP URLs
Applications of Custom Web Publishing with XML
Other Query Parameters
About Sessions
Managing Sessions
Troubleshooting
Part V Deploying a FileMaker Solution
Chapter 26 Deploying and Extending FileMaker
FileMaker Deployment Options
Renaming Files
Runtime Solutions
Solution Options
Removing Admin Access
Polishing Your Custom Solution
Error Log
Developing Kiosk Solutions
Preparing a Kiosk Interface
Maintaining a Kiosk Solution
Plug-Ins
Understanding Plug-ins
Installing Plug-Ins
Configuring and Enabling Plug-Ins
Troubleshooting
Chapter 27 FileMaker Server and Server Advanced
About FileMaker Server
The FileMaker Server Product Line
FileMaker Server Versus Peer-to-Peer Database Hosting
FileMaker Server Capabilities
FileMaker Server Requirements
Installing and Deploying FileMaker Server
The Installation Process
The Deployment Process
Running FileMaker Server
Starting and Stopping FileMaker Server
Hosting Databases
Using Admin Console
FileMaker Server Overview
Administration
Configuration
FileMaker Extra: Best Practices Checklist
Determine Network Infrastructure
Purchase Hardware
Install Software
Configure FileMaker Server
Deploy Databases and Schedule Backups
Monitor Usage Statistics
Recheck Performance
Stay on Top of Java
Monitor Log Viewer
Keep Current with Software Updates
9780789748461 TOC 5/8/2012
Overview
FileMaker® 12 In Depth
Do more in less time!
FileMaker 12 In Depth is the most comprehensive, coherent, and practical guide to creating professional-quality solutions with the newest versions of FileMaker! Drawing on his unsurpassed real-world experience as a FileMaker user, consultant, and developer, Jesse Feiler helps you gain practical mastery of today’s newest, most advanced FileMaker tools and features.
• Use themes to build solutions for ...