Customer Reviews

Special Edition Using Filemaker Pro 5

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While I have to agree with others who have reviewed this book regarding its quality I would caution readers that having experience with conventional database programs might not be enough to take advantage of this book. The examples are generous and provide wonderful templates for some pretty sophisticated applications but some of the more basic and fundamental attributes of this particular program are given little space.

I am sure that it will be an excellent reference for someone with prior experience with FileMaker Pro but for a newcomer to FM Pro like myself it leaves a lot to be desired.

The flyleaf says 'for intermediate to advanced users'. Believe it!

This review in brief: If you are planning on doing any project in FileMaker, this book will help you get the job done.

When I started my project, I had been using FileMaker as a user for years. I simply used databases that others had built. When I decided to start my own business, I chose FileMaker because of its ease-of-use reputation. I struggled for about a week before I decided that for some things this reputation holds. But, if you really want to make the most of FileMaker, the manual and help files just aren't enough.

Then, I bought Using FileMaker Pro 5.

I put my development efforts on hold for a long weekend and read the first 60%, re-reading the pieces important to me and skimming the rest. As the authors suggest, I then started out by planning my project on paper. I didn't go into all the detail they suggest but I did map out my files, records, and fields. I eventually purchased Microsoft Visio software for this task but that's another review...

Then, I sat down at my computer and started over.

Within 2 hours, I had recreated the clumsy work of that first frustrating week. Within 2 days, I had a workable customers database, products database, and order-entry system. Now, many weeks later (and a lot more development), I've automated tasks for my business that save me time and money. Things that used to take 30 minutes now take 3. I've got FileMaker picking the low price from amoung multiple suppliers, creating orders, invoicing customers, calculating profits, and reporting it all back to me. It makes me feel POWERFUL!

One area that I wish they had taken more time in is using the built in password and groups security. They touch on it, and even after reading it several times, I'm still not sure the best way to set up my files. Another good item would have been a succinct list of all the scripting functions and what they do. In their defense, it is available in the built in help screens but I like having it in a hard format.

The bottom line is simple: If you want to create some easy databases that will help you get the job done, FileMaker is the answer. To get the most out of FileMaker and turn it from an information storage application into a powerful tool to run your business (or other projects), Using FileMaker Pro 5 is the book you need.

I guess I'm an intermediate FileMaker Pro user: I've been using the program since before it was called FileMaker but although I use it on a daily basis it's strictly for my own use (we run our medical practice on a self-developed series of databases). I'm not a developer and have no clue how to use some of the most sophisticated capabilities of the program.

Having positioned myself in the middle of the spectrum of users I have to say that this book, like the one the authors wrote on FileMaker version 2, is entirely approachable, full of easy-to-apply tips, and a rock-solid source of inspiration and usable techniques that intermediates like me are likely to find invaluable. I too have Scriptology, but Coulombre and Price have a knack for explaining FileMaker that in my opinion no other authors match.

This is the most comprehensive and readable book that I have seen on FileMaker 5, or FileMaker-any for that matter. I was reading Scriptology when it arrived, I thumbed through it and immeadiately put Scriptology down and began reading Rich and Jonathan's book. And mind you, Scriptology is the FileMaker "Bible". This book covers all aspects of FileMaker 5, including FileMaker Pro, Unlimited, Developer, Server, and it even discusses the use of FileMaker with PDA's.

My collection of Filemaker books is now four in total. If I could keep only 1, which would it be? Clearly it would be Using FMP 5.0. While Scriptology is better in showing how scripts should be done, Using FMP 5 is certainly adequate for intermediate users like me. What I benefit the most from this book is its style... a book to be read in full sentences and discussions... not just quick help lines. You come to learn the authors philosophy and strategy for FMP applications and their administration. Highly readable, highly informative and it has been highly useful. This is the one I'd keep if I only could have one.

If you feel the best books about a software product are the ones that go beyond the product, then Using FileMaker Pro 5 by Coulombre and Price is a must have read. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning how to approach creating a database, from the initial interview with a client through a complete solution. This book is as much a manual about good business sense as about using FileMaker Pro and I found that a refreshing change from most software manuals. While lacking indepth information about some of FileMaker's more esoteric features, it gives the reader more than enough good information to get more out of FileMaker.

I own a small business (3 employees) and our data and file-keeping methods were getting totally out of control. I was trying to decide between FileMaker Pro and Access. I hate Microsoft products in general, but didn't know much about FileMaker. A friend told me this was the FM book to get, so I bought it. I'm glad I did. It is so non-techy in the descriptions that even I get it. The templates were not only a big help but a huge time-saver.

This book goes way beyond the manual. It shows how to build powerful and elegant systems in FileMaker Pro 5 from start to finish, and does so in a very readable and understandable manner. The CD contains dozens of valuable sample files and includes a amazing invoicing system. The title really should be "The Zen of FileMaker Pro 5"! This book is a 5 star plus, and a must for all users of FileMaker Pro.

Over the years I have purchased ten or more books on FileMaker Pro. Most of these books rehash the same information that can be found in the user's manual. This book provides a more advanced look at FileMaker Pro topics and is written from the point of view of a developer. Some of the topics not found in the manual include techniques for dealing with common errors made by users (such as striking the return key at the end of data entry in a field which can adversely affect field concatenation), error trapping, field masking, and user interface tips.

If you are looking for something more than is found in the manual, I recommend this book.

I have been developing professionally for quite a while now, referring regularly to Scriptology and the manual, and while both are very helpful, Mr. Coulombre has elucidated the development process in ways from the very earliest planning stage to completion. His writing style is very user-friendly, engaging and sometimes even funny ("the joys of self joins and other relationships")!

If I were given only one chance to say something toMr. Coulombre, it would be "Thank you!"

For anyone who is interested in developing professional databases, this book should be your Bible.