Special Edition Using FileMaker Pro focuses on experienced developers who are looking for expert advice. The book provides you with in-depth techniques and helps you solve real-life problems. The book assumes a basic knowledge of FileMaker, but no knowledge of relational database theory or planning and designing a relational database. Topics covered include (all topics are taught with hands-on usage of FileMaker Pro): Understanding, planning and designing a relational database; maintaining the database; crafting a user interface; putting your database on the Web; and reporting.
| I | Planning | |
| 1 | Planning | 21 |
| 2 | Articulating Your Plans as They Evolve | 33 |
| 3 | Specifying Your Fields | 55 |
| 4 | Case Studies in Planning | 83 |
| II | Building | |
| 5 | Building Your Files | 107 |
| 6 | Maintaining Referential Integrity | 133 |
| 7 | Keeping Your Data in Good Shape | 173 |
| 8 | Crafting the User Interface | 213 |
| 9 | "Webifying" Your Database | 249 |
| 10 | Hot Calculations | 273 |
| 11 | Reporting | 341 |
| 12 | Dumb Portal Tricks | 395 |
| 13 | The Joys of Self-Joins and Other Interesting Relationships | 421 |
| III | Scripting | |
| 14 | Scripting | 443 |
| 15 | Troubleshooting a Script | 481 |
| IV | Reaching Out | |
| 16 | Integrating FileMaker, Expanding its Reach | 497 |
| 17 | FileMaker Pro Multiuser Design and Deployment Considerations | 519 |
| Index | 533 |
Anonymous
Posted Mon Dec 18 00:00:00 EST 2000
This book goes way beyond the manual. It shows how to build powerful and elegant systems in FileMaker Pro 5 from start to finish, and does so in a very readable and understandable manner. The CD contains dozens of valuable sample files and includes a amazing invoicing system. The title really should be 'The Zen of FileMaker Pro 5'! This book is a 5 star plus, and a must for all users of FileMaker Pro.
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Posted Tue Dec 05 00:00:00 EST 2000
The great thing about this book is its approach. Before the book even gets into 'this is how you should define a number field' or 'this is what's up with calculated validations' there are two whole chapters devoted entirely to planning your database system before you click one mouse button or hit one key on the keyboard. You are shown by a seasoned developer who has already made many mistakes and learned from them how to estimate what your database system will need (and what it doesn't), how long it will take, even how much it might cost. And it covers the all important issue of how to interview your client (or your boss) and get, in layman's terms, the vital bits of information you'll need to turn these users' hopes and dreams into a powerful, dynamic database system. Other topics that are especially useful are plenty of great portal techniques, how to keep your data healthy, and effective user interface design. I have to admit, I had been anticipating this book for a long time and was slightly disappointed that some of the very advanced topics that I've been looking for help and guidance with were not covered that much (or at all) such as the use of plugins, advanced ODBC connectivity, advanced Web development, or Applescript/Active X automation. Thus only four stars. But these are relatively minor issues and specific only to an advanced developer like me. The CD-ROM has tons of great technique files on it, too! If you had to get only one FileMaker book right now, this is the one you should get.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Nov 16 00:00:00 EST 2000
Special Edition: Using FileMaker Pro 5 by Que does go beyond the user manual included with the FileMaker Pro application in many respects (the templates and files on the CD-ROM are OK) but it still spends a great deal of time talking about the basic capabilities and features of the FileMaker Pro application itself (over a hundred pages alone are spent on defining and working with fields) instead of what you can build with the FileMaker application in the real world. This type of basic instruction, while important to beginners, is a waste of paper for intermediate to advanced developers which is its target audience. While recent and timely, this book is quite light is some important areas of useful, 21st century FileMaker database development such as cross platform development, the use and integration of FileMaker plugins, remote database synchronization, external automation of FileMaker, and the real-world integration of FileMaker Pro with external applications such as the Microsoft Office 2000 Suite. And only 20 pages on Web-enabling databases?! Come on! It would also be nice to see a discussion of synchronizing FileMaker with wireless and handheld devices. Also, standards like ODBC, JDBC, and XML are touched on almost as an afterthought - guys, discussing how FileMaker is viable with these international standard technologies is the only way all the IT folks out there will stop considering FileMaker 'that little Mac database.' Sorry, I *LOVE* FileMaker, but this is yet another example of a FileMaker book written by a developer with little experience outside of the FileMaker 'box.' This is *NOT* the complete reference you've been looking for.
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Posted Tue Nov 07 00:00:00 EST 2000
This book makes using Filemaker Pro a breeze. The examples are easy to follow and the CD that comes with the book is loaded with templates great for a developer or anyone else. I have 4 Filemaker books and this one is by far the best.
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Overview
Special Edition Using FileMaker Pro focuses on experienced developers who are looking for expert advice. The book provides you with in-depth techniques and helps you solve real-life problems. The book assumes a basic knowledge of FileMaker, but no knowledge of relational database theory or planning and designing a relational database. Topics covered include (all topics are taught with hands-on usage of FileMaker Pro): Understanding, planning and designing a relational database; maintaining the database; crafting ...