FileMaker Pro is a cross-platform relational database management system that operates on PCs rather than huge mainframe systems, making it accessible to small firms and single developers amongst which it has a loyal band of users. FileMaker Pro 4.0 represents a major step forward by allowing database developers to display and capture information on the world wide web and integrate it with their databases. It includes an integrated web publishing tool and allows customization of web sites via Claris HomePage 3.0 - a popular web page creation tool. FMP3.0 offered end-users and developers alike a unique and friendly user interface with which to build sophisticated applications. FMP4.0 enables them to take a further leap forward and connect their databases to the world via the Internet.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
This book has been completely revised to provide detailed coverage of the latest release of FileMaker Pro, versions 4.0 and 4.1 which is a fully relational database management system available for the Apple Macintosh and the Windows 95 and Windows 98 operating system for PCIs.
This book begins with an introduction to the basic concepts and ideas behind relational theory. It progresses to consider the issues involved in building a successful relational database. The emphasis here is on data modelling and how to ensure that the database model that you use is the most appropriate for your requirements.
The second part of this book is a comprehensive description of the features of FileMaker Pro 4.0 and 4.1. It focuses on a range of issues that developers and experienced users alike may encounter and highlights the ways in which FileMaker Pro 4.x provides a number of different approaches to solving problems that may arise.
The book is best read while working with FileMaker Pro 4.x so that you can try out some of the ideas and examples included on the accompanying CD-ROM and see the results for yourself. I have done my best to ensure that all examples work, but if you do come across any problems, please contact the publisher.
When you have read this book, you will be able to develop successful FileMaker Pro 4.x databases and be familiar enough with the software to be able to discover four yourself what is not explicitly included in the text. As your knowledge and experience grow, you may continue to use the book as a reference source on particular topics. What is important is that I have not attempted to describe every single command exhaustively, nor every method of manipulating data in FileMaker Pro. DonIt forget that FileMaker Pro offers a rich and rewarding development environment and there is always more than one route to solve any given problem.
0201360691P04062001
From the Back Cover
Key Features
Overview of new FMP4.0
features
Existing material is
revised and clarified and new, more
practical examples added
Introduces the concepts of
web programming using HTML and CDML
(Claris Dynamic Mark up Language)
Revised tips and tricks
Updated material on
networking to take into account new
web support as well as Windows NT
support
5 new chapters on web
publishing, working with Claris
HomePage 3.0, intro to HTML, intro
to CDML, advanced CDML
0201360691B04062001
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
This book is that it is definitely not a "Dummies" book.,
By phxjeff@aol.com (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Filemaker Pro 4: A Developer's Guide (Paperback)
The book has twenty-three chapters and 478 pages. The book includes a CD ROM with trial versions of FMP 4.1, FMP Server and Home Page 3.0 along with some sample programs. The contents is divided into two parts. Part 1 is "Database Systems: Design and Management" and Part 2 is "FileMaker Pro 4.1 Examined." Part one has five chapters (61 pages) that discuss some database history and theory. This information is interesting, but really does not help learning, developing with or using FileMaker Pro. For those who have read other third party FileMaker Pro books, the Part 1 may be of value filling in some information holes. However, for those people wanting detailed information on database theory, there are whole books devoted just to that. Part 1 contains an overview rather than detailed explanations. Part 2 is where discussion of FileMaker Pro starts. While most of the information found in other books is included, there are a couple of chapters with information I have not seen elsewhere. Chapter 14 is "Object Linking and Embedding." for those wishing to know more about OLE. This is a good review for those using Macintosh computer who wish to port their programs to Windows. Chapter 16 is "FileMaker Pro and AppleScript" and provides a good overview of AppleScript. This chapter is good for those who develop on the Windows platform and want to port to the Macintosh platform. For the Macintosh (and Windows) people who want to know more about FileMaker Pro for Windows, Chapter 17 is devoted to FileMaker Pro and Windows 95/98. Want to know about the Window 95 Registry? Several pages discuss this. While Chapter 21 is titled "Binding FileMaker Pro Files," there is really little information on the Developer Edition program. In fact, it is not even mentioned although the screen shots are from the binder of the Developer Edition. One is left with the impression that binding is a part of regular FileMaker Pro 4.1, which is not. There are also many tricks with the Developer Edition that could have been covered, such as creating a kiosk mode program with the binder and then using it with regular FileMaker Pro. Chapter 22 briefly discusses external functions and APIs and Chapter 23 briefly discusses FileMaker Pro and Java. Plug ins provide a very powerful addition to FileMaker Pro, however, developing these in C/C++ is well beyond the average database developer. There is a point where a developer may wish to use a plug in developed by someone else. This is in the realm of the doable for the average developer, however it is still much harder development than other areas FileMaker Pro. The same goes for Java. To effectively develop Java programs for use with FileMaker Pro, one needs to be proficient with Java. While a bit easier than C/C++, Java is still beyond most database developers. My overall impression of this book is that it is definitely not a "Dummies" book and is aimed at someone who is competent with FileMaker Pro basics and wants to learn more. There are also many important issues and features concerning FileMaker Pro 4.1 and the Developer Edition that are not discussed in the book. With the title being "A Developer's Guide," one would expect much more information on the Developer Edition. Since I have not seen any third party books that discuss the Developer Edition in any detail, I think this could have been an excellent chance to fill a void with information. Should you purchase the book? If you have at least one other FileMaker after market book, then you may find this book provides information not found elsewhere.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Lacks depth and clear writing,
By A Customer
This review is from: Filemaker Pro 4: A Developer's Guide (Paperback)
This book tries too hard to be everything for everyone. It assumes that you have already worked with previous versions of FileMaker. If you find sentences like, "When creating the label layout the format is the same as before but wehn the dialog box 'Specify Label Contents' appears it will be noted that this is very much different from what had previously been used." to be clear, crisp prose, then this is the book for you. This text is merely marginally better than the actual software manuals ... lacking important index entries like "printing", "reports", etc. My suggestion ... find a better text.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
CD-ROM not useful to experts,
By A Customer
This review is from: Filemaker Pro 4: A Developer's Guide (Paperback)
The included disc is of limited use to readers who already own File Maker Pro. Aside from the demo version of the application, the only other substantive content is a set of example files. These files are pre-fabbed databases for inventory, employee information, etc. They are servicable, but the key problem is that they all locked out. You cannot open their layouts or view their scripts to see how they were made. As a result, the instructional potential of the book is severely limited. Further, the book is so preoccupied with promoting FMP that it never discusses FMPs limitations-an important consideration when creating real world solutions.There really isn't a great advanced FMP programming book out there. O'Reilly, are you listening?
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