Advanced FileMaker Pro 9.0

Objectives

This two day course is aimed at those wanting to learn new and powerful techniques in FileMaker database design. It covers some some of the less obvious features, not taught in the standard Transmedia two-day Intermediate course. The course draws on some tried and tested procedures used by FileMaker developers to create database systems that are both easy to use and possess rich functionality.


Pre-requisites:

Strong existing FileMaker Pro 8.x skills (or later) and a sound understanding of relationships and scripting. This may be acquired through experience as a database developer or previous attendance on the equivalent Transmedia training course and follow up practice.


Course Includes:

A comprehensive set of reference notes covering course topics, follow-up telephone support and, for training on Transmedia premises, lunch and refreshments.


Course Outline


Going further with FileMaker Relationships (1)


· Getting clever: creative use of relationships
· Using non-equijoin relationships
· Multi-parameter relationships
· Self relationships
· Using relationships to create conditional value lists


Going further with FileMaker Relationships (2)


· Achieving better information presentation through filtered portals
· Controlling portals using relationships with global fields
· Enhanced control using multi- parameter global field relationships


Looping and batch processing


· The Replace command versus Looping techniques
· Setting initial conditions; using global fields; starting and ending a loop
· Worked examples: (1) Identifying unique values and updating a salary field; (2) Creating multiple user accounts at one time


The Data Separation Model


· Understanding the concept
· Benefits of data separation
· Practical demonstration






Workshop (1): creating a Shopping Cart


· Designing the cart
· Using filtered portals
· Scripting purchases
· Completing the solution


Workshop (2): building your own solution


This section of the course takes place during the second half of the second day (depending on timings). It invites delegates to work on a partially completed solution or start a new solution from scratch. Delegates willl be provided with a sophisticated development challenge if they do not bring in their own work!