FileMaker Pro 10 Bible E-Book

Ray Cologon

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Serie: Bible
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 1325

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2009

Beschreibung

FileMaker Pro 10 Bible provides information that grows with you nomatter what your level when you start. Topics range from thegeneral (how databases fit into real life and your business needs;comparisons with other database development tools; a broaddiscussion of integration with existing systems and software)through the building-blocks of FileMaker solutions, and on up tostate-of-the-art advice on concepts of optimization,modularization, innovative and sophisticated user-interface design,dynamic elements, logic, cutting-edge calculations, publishing yourdatabase to the Web, and integrating tightly with SQL databases via"ESS". The book also includes the special developer tools availablein FileMaker Pro Advanced, and covers topics too oft skipped overin other books on the market -- backup how-to's and strategies,must-read information about good database husbandry and filerecovery, and so on. Much of the information in the book isdocumented nowhere else. This is the one must-have FileMaker book! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials arenot included as part of eBook file.

Leseprobe

FileMaker®Pro 10 Bible

Table of Contents

Part I: The Fundamentals

Chapter 1: Databases: The What, Why, and How

The Many Faces of Databases: Lists, Tables and Forms

The limitations of paper-based databases

Entering the digital age

Preparing to get organized

The Concept of a Relational Database

Flat-file databases and data redundancy

Opportunities for making connections

The Anatomy of a Database Solution

The data: Foundation and substance

The interface: Screens, letters, forms, and reports

The hidden helper: Process management

How FileMaker Fits In

What FileMaker Pro calls things

Familiar ideas from the real world

Integrating processes and information

Knowledge is power — personal and professional

Chapter 2: Putting FileMaker Pro in Perspective

What Makes FileMaker Pro Different from Other Database Development Tools?

Some common misperceptions

A unique approach to design

The FileMaker Product Family

Desktop and server

Scalability and flexibility

FileMaker's Hidden Talents

The cross-platform chameleon

Multiple technologies and formats

Plug-ins and extensibility

The FileMaker calculation engine: Simplicity and power

Resources and Exemplars

Examples and brainteasers

Other resources and opportunities

Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted with FileMaker

Getting FileMaker Working for You

Starting and exiting from FileMaker

Creating, saving, and closing files

Handling files and data safely

Earlier file formats and conversion issues

Finding Your Way Around

The modes and their uses

Navigating and viewing data

Searching and the FileMaker Find/Omit puzzle

Screen elements and what they're for

Entering and Editing Data

Creating and duplicating records

Field definitions: Validation and dependencies

The significance of commitment

The Ins and Outs

Importing and exporting data

Previewing and printing options

Send/Save as PDF and Excel

Getting to Know the Relatives

Ways to view and edit related data

The importance of context

Making complexity simple in practice

Optimizing the Application

Preference settings for your workstation

File options for the current database

Chapter 4: What's New in FileMaker 10

Embracing Change

Status Area Redesign

Live Reports/Sub-summaries

Maintain Record Sort Order

Saved Find Requests

Set Field by Name

Script Events Triggers

Layout object triggers

Layout script triggers

Timed interval script triggers

File-based script triggers

Avoiding trigger tangles

New Calculation Functions

Get(TriggerKeystroke)

Get(TriggerModifierKeys)

Code(text)

Char(code)

GetFieldName(field)

Get(DocumentsPathListing)

External SQL Data Sources (ESS) Enhancements

Additional SQL database support

Value lists based on external SQL data

Single Sign-On for remote Windows clients

Handling of DATETIME values — MS SQL Server

Bento Integration

File Recovery Improvements

Layout Mode Enhancements

Inserting an object into the tab order

Defining tooltips in Pro

Additional font sizes in the format menu

Send Mail by SMTP

Quick Start Screen Enhancements

Import/Export Enhancements

Save Target Printer

The Manage Scripts Interface

Other Useful Enhancements

IPv6 Support

Format changes for automatically generated log files

Updated templates and themes

FileMaker Pro Advanced Script Debugger enhancements

Relookup Replace and Field Contents no longer commit

Only a single sharing error for multiple files

Script error codes and control commands

Part II: Introduction to Database Design

Chapter 5: Creating a Database

Before Getting Started

Creating a New Database File

Adding tables and fields

Working with the Field Options dialog: Validation and Auto-Entry

Setting up simple calculations

Capturing simple metadata

Creating relationships between tables

Adding aggregating calcs

Viewing and Interacting with Data

Looking at the multiple uses of layouts

Creating records and entering data

Editing or deleting data

Finding and sorting data you've already entered

Using special find symbols

Searching with the range and wild card operators

Avoiding the Need for Data Duplication

Recognizing the visual cues to data relationships

Information has a logical flow

Anticipating the user

Making complex things simple

Getting Started with File Security

Working with accounts and privilege sets

Setting a default account and password

Thinking about Usability

Moving between records

Managing context

Moving between tables

Using and changing views

Using buttons for static and dynamic actions

Chapter 6: The Interface: Layout Mode

Initial Layouts

A map of Layout mode

Organizing the presentation of information

Applying formats to field and text objects

Setting up layouts for printing

Understanding lists and forms

Layout parts and their purposes

The Importance of Visual Structure

Adding visual pointers and aids

Using white space

Ergonomics and avoiding visual fatigue

Giving information meaning

Defining Tooltips

Using conditional tooltips

Keeping track of tooltips

Different Kinds of Layout Objects

Static and dynamic objects

Inherent object properties

Conditional format attributes

FileMaker as a Graphical Environment

Building graphic objects in FileMaker

Default object formats and attributes

Controlling stacking and alignment

Bringing in graphics from other applications

Interacting with Layout Objects

Keyboard control of a layout

Setting the tab order

Assigning names to layout objects

Controlling visual spell-checking

The Tab Control and Its Uses

Defining and creating a tab panel

Navigating between tab panels

Tab panel limitations

Displaying Related Data

Working within layout context

Setting up a portal

The Magic of Buttons

Defining buttons

Button scope and button commands

The button as an object

The Web Viewer: Inviting in the World

Setting up a Web viewer

Controlling a Web viewer

Complementary data concepts

Reports and Data Output

Considerations for printed output

Using fonts

Page sizes and page setup

Paper output versus PDF or Excel output

Composite PDFs from multiple layouts

Chapter 7: The Structure: The Manage Database Dialog

Working with Tables

Table concepts: A room with a view

Adding, deleting, and renaming tables

Moving tables between files

Importing tables

Specifying Fields

Adding, deleting, and renaming fields

Understanding field/data types and their significance

Auto-Entry options

Field validation options

Storage and indexing options

Summary and Calculation fields

Working with global fields

Basic Calculations

Creating a Calculation field

Defining a calculation formula

Entering literal text

Referencing fields

Understanding calculation functions and their syntax

Doing some simple calculations

The Relationships Graph

Common misconceptions about the Relationships Graph

Tables versus Table Occurrences

Avoiding circular references

Named and unnamed data sources

Creating references to other FileMaker files

Working with External SQL Data Sources

Configuring ODBC drivers: Setting up a DSN

Integrating SQL tables with FileMaker data

Adding supplemental fields

The Concept of Data Relationships

Why bother with relationships anyway?

How relationships work

Solving problems by using relationships

Deciding what goes where

The FileMaker relational model

Chapter 8: The Processes: FileMaker Scripting

Scripting: What It Is and What It Offers You

Building blocks of automation

Context is everything

Doing things in sequence

Addressing objects by name

Defining and Editing Scripts

Script Editor windows

Setting up a basic script

How script commands function

Changing the order of commands

Assigning attributes to a command

Using the Scripts Menu

Managing the Scripts menu

Other ways to trigger a script

Using the single-threaded script engine

Working with the script stack and paused scripts

Controlling Script Execution

Using conditional statements

Using repetition

Pausing for user input

Some Notable Script Uses

Navigation and view controls

Editing information via scripts

Printing and managing files

Ease of Editing in FileMaker Scripting

Selecting and duplicating multiple commands

Copying and pasting scripts

Copying and pasting script steps

Organizing Scripts

Creating list separators

Script commenting

Creating script folders

Reordering and grouping scripts

Filtering scripts by folder

Searching for scripts by name

Some Examples to Start With

Performing a Find

Printing a report

Acting on user input

Calling Your Scripts

The Scripts menu

Script hotkeys

Scripts assigned to custom menu commands

Layout buttons

Calling scripts from other scripts

On Timer Script Triggers

File Open and File Close scripts

Layout event Script Triggers

Object event Script Triggers

External script calls

Part III: Beyond the Basics

Chapter 9: The FileMaker Power User

Making Browse Mode Work for You

Using multiple windows and views

Filtering portals and creating pick lists

Jump buttons: Shortcut navigation

Controlling one window from another

Performing Complex Search Operations

Compound Find criteria: The AND Find

Stacking Find requests: The OR Find

Constraining and extending the found set

Saving Finds and found sets

Sorting Records

Multiple sort keys

Dynamic sort techniques

Creating click-sort columns

Sorting related data

Understanding Formatting

The management of formatting: A three-tiered approach

Character-level formatting

Paragraph-level formatting

Layout format filters

Precedence of number, date, and time formats

Controlling formatting programmatically

Creating style buttons

Some Notes on Variables

The three kinds of variables

Variables and memory usage

Instantiating and destroying variables

Keeping track of variables

Understanding Indexing

Text index types

Indexing myths exploded

Differences between numeric and text indexing

Unicode and alternate language indexes

Optimizing field index configurations

The Table of Dependencies

Cascading calculation operations

The limits of dependency

Tiers of dependency

Caching Join Results

What caching does for you

Solving caching problems

Gaining control of the cache

Understanding Global Fields

The behavior of global fields

Uses for global fields

When to avoid global fields

Using global calculation fields

Chapter 10: Building Advanced Interfaces

Developing for Mac and Windows Users

Selecting fonts

Paying attention to differences in screen rendering

Considering platform-specific window behavior

Using Dynamic Screen Elements

Disappearing/reappearing objects

The hidden power of conditional formatting

Multi-state buttons and objects

Working with Sub-Summary Parts and Part Controls

Building adaptable screens

Stacking up multiple Sub-summary parts

Using multiple break fields

Controlling pagination and page breaks

Designing for Print

Nonprinting objects

Sliding objects and reducing parts

Using Merge fields

Creating a letter generator

Using Multiple Windows and Views

Managing window placement and size

Windows as pop-ups and drill-downs

Simulating modal window behavior

Employing Custom Dialogs as an Interface Tool

Dialogs as a data-entry device

Dynamic dialog attributes

Looking at Anchors and Resizable Layout Objects

Objects that move according to window size

Objects that grow and shrink

Managing complex layout resizing

Resizing behavior of enclosing objects

Centering objects within the viewable area

Implementing Shortcut Navigation

The power of the Go to Related Record command

One interface, many paths

Building Back button functionality

Building Depth and Dimensionality

Using embossing and engraving effects

Spatial cues for added meaning

Delineation of element groups

Color

Transparency and translucency

Working with Tab Controls

Organizers and space savers

Tab navigation via keyboard

Scripting tab operations

Recognizing the Flexibility of Portals

Lists in many guises

Portals as a navigation device

Dynamically sorted portals

Innovative portal implementations

Using Advanced Web Viewer Techniques

Access to advanced functionality

Rendering internally calculated content

Scraping data from Web pages

Progress Bars and Native Charting Techniques

Creating script progress monitors

Native indicators and graphical displays

Using Interface Elements

Splash screens

Main menus

About and version info

Online Help for your users

Handling User Preferences

A user-centric development philosophy

Capturing state by user

Example — a multi-lingual solution interface

Chapter 11: Data Modeling in FileMaker

Background in Relational Theory

Set Theory in the management of data

Modeling the real world

Remembering some guiding principles

FileMaker Relationships Graph Symbols

Visual cues and clues

The TO as a pointer

Understanding the graph metaphor

Relationship Operators

Equi-joins and non-equal joins

Comparative operators (theta joins)

Cartesian joins

Multi-predicate relationships

Alternative Relationship Techniques

Multi-Key fields

Compound keys

One-way relationships

Join tables

Naturally occurring joins

Working with Data Arrays

Repeating fields as an array handler

Collapsing and expanding arrays

Relationship-based techniques for managing data

Graph Techniques — Spiders, Squids, and Anchor-Buoy

Constellations and modular centers

A satellite-based graph solution

Segmentation on functional lines

Documenting the Database Structure

Graph annotations

Naming conventions

Field commenting

Ancillary notes and documentation

The Concept of Layers

“Back end” and “front end”

The business or procedural layer

FileMaker as an integrated environment

Separation anxiety

File Architecture versus Data Structure

Multi-file solutions

The modular approach

Interface files

Approaches to separation of data

Costs and benefits of separation

Separation and External SQL Sources

Understanding the rules

Working within constraints

Supporting the user

Implementing Separation in an Existing Solution

Establishing data source(s)

Re-pointing Table Occurrences

Creating separate graphs

Deployment Considerations

Your remotest dreams

The model of adaptability

Chapter 12: Calculation Wizardry

Compound Calculation Expressions

The language of logic

Functions and schema references

Structured syntax and nesting

Putting it all together

Order of Operations

Boolean Operations

Zero, empty, and everything else

Implicit Boolean coding

Explicit Boolean coding

Variables — Calculation, Script, and Global

Declaring calculation variables — the Let( ) function

Understanding variables' scope

Benefiting from variables in a calculation

Text Processing and Parsing Functions

Substitute, Replace, and Trim

Left, Right, and Middle

Position and PatternCount

The xWords suite

Parsing in practice

Text Formatting Operations

Applying text formatting

Removing text formatting

Applying selective formatting

Creating a Format button

Dates, Times, and Timestamps

How FileMaker manages dates

Plotting time

The number of seconds in 2009 years

Juggling days, months, and years

Summary Data

Using aggregate functions

The ballad of Max and Min

Referencing summary fields

Lists and Arrays

Retrieving values as a list

Managing lists — the xValues functions

Extracting one value from a list

Adding or inserting a list value

Removing a value from a list

Layers of Abstraction

Building blocks with GetField( )

Completing the circuit with GetFieldName( )

The value of Evaluate( )

Unstored Calculations

Why and when calculations are unstored

Understanding the benefits and trade-offs of unstored calculations

Discovering the hidden secrets of unstored calcs

Calculation Fields versus Auto-Enter Calculations

The user over-ride capability

Auto-enter calculations and storage

The Do Not Replace option

Global Calculations

The moon follows you everywhere

Managing global dependencies

The freedom and efficiency of global calculations

Environment and Metadata

The Get( ) functions

Design functions

Calculations Using Custom Functions

Documenting Your Code

Code formatting

Code commenting

Chapter 13: Scripting in Depth

Scripting the Control of Objects and Interface

Addressing objects by name

Locking down the interface

Managing user interaction

Trapping for Errors

Retrieving error codes appropriately

What the error codes mean

Why bother with error handling?

Handling errors

Scripts and Access Privileges

Privilege-based errors

Run script with full access privileges

Determining the substantive privileges

Automating the Automation

Defining a script to run on file open

Housekeeping practices for start-up scripts

Scripts that run on file close

Script Triggers

Harnessing the Power of Parameters, Results, and Variables

Getting data into a script

Branching according to state

Declaring variables

Passing and retrieving multiple parameters

Specifying and retrieving a script result

Storing and accumulating data as you go

Dynamic and Indirect Controls in Scripts

Example — Go to Layout by name or number

Dynamic file paths using variables

Dynamically building Find criteria

Editing field data on the fly (indirection)

Using Nonlinear Logic

Nested and sequential If/Else conditions

Looping constructs

Specifying exit conditions

Modular Script Code

Using sub-scripts

Script recursion

Scripted Window Management

Addressing windows by name (title)

Moving and resizing windows

Creating windows off-screen

Freezing and refreshing the screen

Scripting Data Import and Export

Exporting field contents

Exporting table data

Selecting fields for export

Import options

Data matching for import

Loading and unloading container objects

Pivoting Data between Tables

Using utility relationships

Managing related data (walking through related records)

Going over Some Practical Examples

Locating unique records

Building a multi-part PDF report

Part IV: Integrity and Security

Chapter 14: In Control with FileMaker Security

Concepts of Security

Balance and perspective

Protecting your investment

Interface vulnerabilities

The Privilege Set

Concepts of role-based security

Defining and constraining access

Schema privilege controls

Granular Security

Access to value lists and scripts

The two dimensions of layout access

Privileges for table, record, and field access

Using and managing extended privileges

User Authentication

Creating user accounts

Internal and external authentication

Scripted Account Management

Provision for automation of database security

Working with multi-file solutions

Safe scripting implementations

Creating a Custom Logout Option

The locked-down database

Structuring a solution for logging out

Security logging

How Much Security Is Enough?

Ways to evaluate risk

A balanced view of threats

A strategic model for response

The Importance of Physical File Security

Layers of protection

Alternative forms of protection

A multi-faceted approach

Security in Deployment: FileMaker Server

Filtered display of files

Secure Socket Layer encryption

Server checks and logs

Chapter 15: Maintaining Referential Integrity

Pinpointing Common Causes of Referential Integrity Problems

The potential impact on your solution

Costs and benefits

Using Unique Keys

Key safeguards

Keys and meaning (existence, persistence, uniqueness)

Generating Keys

Serial numbers

Record IDs

Unique identification (UID) values

Exploring Keys and Data Type

Retrofitting Keys

Deleting Redundant Records

The use of cascading deletion

Configuring relationships for referential integrity

Privilege requirements for cascade delete

Controlled cascading deletes at runtime

Considering Other Integrity Issues

Lookups and when to use them

Auto-entry lookups and references

Data design issues

Managing Dependencies

Literal text references

Indirect object/element references

Filename references

Structural anomalies

Chapter 16: Making FileMaker Systems Fail-Safe

Expecting the Unexpected

Successful backup strategies

The hazards of copying open files

Backing up local files

Backing up hosted files

A Comprehensive Approach to Error Trapping

Dealing with record locking

Techniques to avoid in multi-user or multi-window environments

Opening Remote Files

Peer-to-peer hosting

File sharing risks

Network spaghetti

Opener files

Sending an e-mail link

Temporary Edit Interface Techniques

The Data Viewer concept

The legitimate purpose of record locking

Creating double-blind entry systems

Field Masking, Filtering, and Error Rejection

Applying standard data formations

Dealing with trailing spaces and carriage returns

Rejecting out-of-scope characters

Handling styled source text

Built-In Logging Capabilities

Making use of auto-enter options

Capturing and extending standard metadata

Script Logging

Infrastructure for script logging

Tracking script execution

Capturing User Edits in Detail

Trapping edits, field-by-field

Incorporating ancillary data

Logging record deletions

Managing the Accumulation of Log Data

Archiving options

Generating secondary output

Implementing Roll-Back Capabilities

Chronological roll-back

Alternative undo and roll-back capabilities

Using logs to roll forward

Alternative Logging Approaches

Logs as Data

Scripted and triggered logging

Chapter 17: Maintaining and Restoring Data

Some Notes on File Recovery

Debunking common myths and misconceptions

The Recover process

Salvaging data

Understanding file corruption

Exporting and Importing Data

File format considerations

Exporting to and importing from a folder

Delimiters and EOL markers

Data Cleansing Operations

Extract, transform, and load

Data format considerations

Filtering capabilities in FileMaker

Synchronizing Data Sets

Import matching

Importing selectively

Handling Embedded Images and Stored Files

Assigning and retrieving paths

Scripted field updates

Text-Handling Considerations

Export field contents

Designing a custom export process

Part V: Raising the Bar

Chapter 18: FileMaker Pro Advanced Features

Script Debugger

Watching code in action

Debugging restricted privilege scripts

Getting used to the Debugger controls

Data Viewer

Current and Watch panels

Using the Viewer with the Debugger

The Data Viewer sand box

The Data Viewer and variables

Database Design Report

DDR capabilities

Mining the DDR for information

Tools and techniques for interpreting DDR data

Creating Custom Menus

Defining menus

Editing individual menus

Adding menus to sets

Assigning menu sets throughout your file

Custom Functions

Defining custom functions

Custom functions as an aid to syntax readability

Maximizing efficiency and ease of use

Custom Functions and Recursion

Things that only custom functions can do

The stack and the limits of recursion

Tail recursion in practice

Some useful examples

Creating Runtime Applications

Generating a stand-alone solution

Binding for each platform

Hosting runtime files

Chapter 19: Efficient Code, Efficient Solutions

Designing for Scale: Size Considerations

The elephant in the cherry tree

Predicting what will scale well

Eliminating Redundancy

Avoiding duplication of elements

Using portable and reusable code

Designing for Flexibility and Adaptability

Layouts and adaptable design

Concepts of reusability applied to the Relationships Graph

Traveling the Shortest Distance Between Two Points

Optimal calculation syntax

Alternative syntax examples

Avoiding dependency “spaghetti”

Applying simplicity principles

Transaction Modeling

Live versus batch data

Posting edits and propagating edits to related records

Offline updates and processing

Robots and batch automation

Host/server script execution

Managing File Size

Dealing with data in chunks

Data archiving

Images and Media in Databases

Chapter 20: Extending FileMaker's Capabilities

External Scripting Calls

Using Send Event and VBScript

Perform AppleScript

Cross-platform solutions and external script calls

Third-party helpers and macros

Rendering HTML and JavaScript

Harnessing HTTP

Bringing services to your solution

Handling hypertext

Web Viewer Widgets

Charting with Flash

Applets and servlets

FileMaker Plug-Ins

Installing and enabling plug-ins

Using external functions

Script triggering

Dialog capabilities

File and media handling

E-mail, HTTP, and FTP

Charting and other functionality

Web Deployment Options

Instant Web publishing

Custom Web publishing

Finding Third-Party Tools

Developer tools

Analysis and documentation

Shared information

Part VI: Appendixes

Appendix A: Expanding Your Knowledge with Additional Resources

Appendix B: About the Web Site

FileMaker® Pro 10 Bible

Ray Cologon, PhD

FileMaker® Pro 10 Bible

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46256 www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-42900-6

Manufactured in the United States of America

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About the Author

Ray Cologon began using FileMaker in 1990, after having taught and worked with a number of other database tools. He subsequently used FileMaker to compile and analyze data for his doctoral thesis, as well as to design databases for a wide range of other purposes.

Ray has had a diverse career in the creative arts, education, and consulting. Over the past decade, he has developed his own business, NightWing Enterprises, (www.nightwing.com.au/FileMaker) which specializes in the design and development of bespoke FileMaker Pro solutions and provides consulting services to developers and clients in various parts of the world. In 2005, Ray was recipient of the FileMaker Excellence Award for Leadership and Technical Excellence in FileMaker Pro, and he has been a presenter at recent FileMaker Developer Conferences in the United States. He has also been a significant contributor to and moderator of a number of public forums on FileMaker and is a FileMaker Certified Developer.

Ray lives in Melbourne, Australia, where he is known for his sculpture and music, as well as his innovative work with FileMaker Pro.

Dedication

To my many colleagues in the FileMaker Developer Community, whose commitment, ingenuity, and passion provide constant inspiration!

Credits

Acquisitions Editor

Kyle Looper

Project Editor

Kelly Ewing

Copy Editor

Kelly Ewing

Technical Editors

Corn Walker

Jason DeLooze

Editorial Manager

Jodi Jensen

Vice President & Executive Group Publisher

Richard Swadley

Vice President and Publisher

Andy Cummings

Editorial Director

Mary C. Corder

Project Coordinator

Kristie Rees

Graphics and Production Specialists

Andrea Hornberger

Sarah Philippart

Quality Control Technician

Melissa Cossell

Proofreading and Indexing

Bonnie Mikkelson

Sossity R. Smith

Broccoli Information Mgt.

In a project of the size and complexity of this book, many people are involved in the process that delivers the final bound copy into your hands, and 'listing or individually thanking them all isn't feasible. However, I'd like to make a special mention of those at FileMaker, Inc. whose sustained dedication and attention to detail has produced the remarkable application that is FileMaker Pro 10.