Intermediate FileMaker Pro 9.0: Relational Database Management and automation through Scripting

Objectives

To learn how to create and customise databases in ways that allow control over and efficient access to information stored. The course includes full explanations of how and when to use related tables in FileMaker Pro and introduces FileMaker scripting, to increase automation and efficiency within an overall database solution. It also looks at techniques to improve the user experience such as helpful navigation and working with multiple windows.


Pre-requisites:

Attendance on the Fundamentals of FileMaker Pro 8.x course or later, or equivalent experience e.g. knowledge of the FileMaker field types, layout parts, designing and formatting layouts and the basics of the Calculation dialog box.


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


Introduction to relational database systems


· Multiple tables in FileMaker Pro 9.0
· Defining relationships between tables and understanding the Match field
· One to one, one to many and many to many relationships


Managing data using "one-to-many" relationships


· Understanding and using portals
· Displaying related records in a portal
· Creating new records in a portal
· Navigating related files using the

Go to Related Record

script step


Introduction to window management


· Opening new windows
· Specifying name, size and position
· Switching between windows
· Closing windows


Scripting (1) - Creating Related Records


· Scripts v. button actions; the potential within fully fledged scripts
· Organising scripts using the

Manage Scripts

window
· Scripting the creation of related records using Script Variables
· Opening and closing windows
· Scripting navigation between windows
· Using the Commit Records/Revert Records script step






Scripting (2) - A Scripted Search


· Scripting a FileMaker search using dialog boxes , error capture and

Get

functions
· Understanding found sets in different windows
· Using condition al script steps; If/EndIf and Else


The power of calculation fields


· Formulae, operators and functions
· Using logical functions such as If, IsEmpty and Case
· Using aggregate calculations such as Count, Min and Max


Database sharing and security issues


· Defining accounts and passwords
· Understanding privilege sets
· Granting limited access by specifying a formula or rule
· Assigning full access rights to a script


Tutorial options (depending on time available)


· Building a simple relational database system using tutorial examples
· Functions to include searches, related record creation, navigation etc.
· Scripting report production including output as PDF using variables for naming the output file
· Using the "Append to PDF" feature