FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Databases are an application that I have been dabbling with and used for many years. Usually with ClarisWorks and AppleWorks, I found that there was something I liked about making, sorting, filing and arranging records for home, school and personal needs. But for few years, I did not do much with databases. FileMaker Pro versions were being used in my (former) school district on Macintoshes, to keep track of all sorts of records for special education students and finding and sorting data. This made me think about working with an application Ò like the big Boys.Ó I wanted a database application that was fun, fairly easy to use (at least I found Claris/AppleWorks fairly easy), one that could be used more readily by both PC and Mac would fit the bill. FileMaker Pro was one that I thought could meet the need.

I was urged to try FileMaker Pro, but I thought it looked too complicated. I tried FileMaker Pro 6 but found it cumbersome. But when FileMaker Pro 8 came out and I learned a few of the new tricks and ease of use, I needed to look further at the new version of the software. I also found a new book to help guide me, FileMaker Pro 8.

The authors are Geoff (IT director and manager for FileMaker Pro systems) and Susan (a journalist turned FileMaker Pro enthusiast.) They have written the book, which has seven parts divided into nineteen chapters. There is also the Appendix: A and B. Their work spans a good amount of knowledge that gives solid information concerning learning FileMaker Pro 8 and databases in general.

The book starts off with creating a record of a database, adding, more records and learning how to organize and edit the records. There is good advice (page 40) and a good job of explaining about database requests for multiple types of data. Sorting records, especially on multiple fields, which is very useful when you have many records. To a great extent, the authors tell the needs and how to accomplish work with one or more fields, to find the records wanted. Most importantly, details concerning sorting are well done and included.

Other interesting chapters include Òadvanced calculationsÓ, ÒscriptingÓ, Ò SecurityÓ, ÒSharing DatabasesÓ, and ÒDeveloping utilities.Ó Chapter 17 peaked my interest on concerning ÒExporting and Importing.Ó Since I currently use FileMaker Pro 6, I was glad to know that my current work could be upgraded to take advantage of the extra flexibility and power of FileMaker Pro 8. The Appendixes also were helpful (A- ÒGetting HelpÓ and B - ÒFileMaker Error CodesÓ, would help as one works with various phases of thee database program.

The special note instruction box-like instructions peppered throughout the book are well written and insightful. Some of these are categorized as ÒPower UserÕs Clinic,Ó ÒUp to SpeedÓ, ÒDiamond in the RoughÓ, ÒGem in the RoughÓ, Workaround WorkshopÓ and ÒFrequently Asked Questions.Ó Along with the detailed screenshots (only Black and White), pointers to information within screenshots help to focus upon key parts within the shots. With the diagrams and more, one gets a true sense of the inner workings of how to utilize FileMaker Pro. Black insets on the edge of the pages, give the name of each pageÕs action or task so that finding specific information is at your fingertips. This helps along with the nice index in the back of the book.

The Ò Missing ManualÓ series is a collection of good and useful books. They serve a need by Òacting the name of the bookÓ filling in information that is not usually supplied by manuals that come with software. The authors in the series and in this manual, do a great job and go Òabove and beyond.Ó The book detail provides needed guidance and instruction to use the application to a higher potential.

FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual is no exception. It offers breadth, depth and worthwhile background and clues for learning and developing your database(s). The price of the book is right, the instruction and detail are well done and there is much that can be learned to assist with using databases for many needs. Take the step towards learning about databases like a pro and with FileMaker Pro 8 and FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual.