FileMaker Pro Session 1 - Setting Up a Database
You may ask, "How Do I Put Together A Database That Is Right For Me?" There are two things you need to think about when designing a database — — what information you need stored, and how to organize it. First figure out what fields you will need to separate your data.(The Design Process )
For an outline of organizing questions see the Dadi method by clicking the link above.
- Databases usually require you to provide two things: content and structure (form = the way the fields, records, and data are displayed) — in other words, the information and the framework that the information goes into. A word processor, by contrast, provides the structure (the blank page) and requires only the content (the text you type).
- Designing a database is an art: you select from a palette of files, fields, and graphic tools to create a structure. Conceptually, the process is similar to setting up a binder. (The similarity quickly ends, however, because a database is much more flexible and powerful than a binder.)
- Designing a database is similar to designing a website because you need to consider content, presentation, navigation, information design, etc.
- Designing a database is a four-step process:
Mind Picture (Define and Architect)
The first step in designing a database is choosing what information you want to store in a database. Do you want names? Addresses? Companies? Salaries? Pictures? Prices? As Monet would say, you have to picture the database in your mind to design it.
Setting Up Fields (Design)
The second step is to create fields in your file. This requires deciding what types of fields you want. For example, fields can store text, numbers, pictures, or other kinds of data. (We will discuss field types in the next section.) Most Macintosh databases enable you to define field types by pointing and clicking on radio buttons.
Creating Layouts (Design)
The third step is to create layouts. Layouts are computer screens that present information to you. Usually a database provides graphic tools that can enhance the appearance of the layout. For example, you can add boxes, lines, and fill patterns by using the tool palette. With enough talent, practice, and patience, you can produce sharp-looking layouts.
Personalize with the Tool Palette, Buttons and Scripts (Design)
The fourth step is to personalize your database with scripts, buttons, etc. You use scripting to give your file automated commands (like macros) so that repetitious functions that you would do on a daily basis will be done automatically for you.
Design Insights
- Just do it! Do not try for perfection in the first pass.
- Assume that you will throw it away. You will want to redo everything. This is natural.
- Keep it simple.
Tips on Fields
- Tip You only need to put information in separate fields if it is used separately. Most databases constantly and automatically save your work to the hard disk. So, after you make a change, you cannot discard it.
- Tip Duplicate files before working on them. (In other words backs up as you go)
- Tip You can not have too many fields in FileMaker Pro.
- Tip Really spell out the names of your fields (allowed 32 characters)
- Note Do not leave your database in "define fields" mode. If there is a power outage, then the file can be so badly corrupted so as to be impossible to be opened.
Technical Specifications of Filemaker 7
