Learn FileMaker Pro 9 (Wordware Library for FileMaker)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 550 pages
• Published by: Wordware Publishing, Inc. November 25, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1598220462
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1598220469
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.5 pounds

Product Description
With this new version of the software, FileMaker Pro expands the dramatically new and efficient approach to database management that gives users exceptional flexibility. This book explores the features of the product--both new and old--and identifies situ

Reader Reviews
Stars quickly introduces the concepts you need to design a truly useful database. Most other books (including the three mentioned at the end of this review) discuss each module of FileMaker separately and in the abstract, similar to the FileMaker User Guide, leaving you wondering how to get started designing your own database. For example, most books defer "related tables" until halfway into the book because relationships are considered a difficult topic, but Stars introduces related tables in a very basic way in chapter 2. Perhaps the best feature of Stars is that he offers far more practical tips, including pitfalls to avoid, than any other book I've read. Stars explains how to design a database the way you'd do it in real life. He initially designs an elementary database, then adds more sophisticated features. (One of the beauties of FileMaker is that you don't need to design an all encompassing database in one fell swoop. You can start simple, then add features a little at a time, and adapt existing features to your evolving needs.) He uses many brief examples throughout the book, so there is no problem understanding the examples if you jump in the middle of the book. I agree with Stars' philosophy that it is hard to learn FileMaker by reading a book cover-to-cover away from your computer. His book is designed to be read while you are near your computer so you can experiment with his examples. FileMaker is well adapted for learning by experimentation. (If you are beyond the neophyte stage, the book is self-explanatory without requiring access to a computer.) The downside of Stars is that he is not the most articulate writer, so a few explanations are too vague. However, you almost always can understand him by context or by briefly experimenting with his examples. Stars is much better for beginning-to-intermediate FileMaker users than the FileMaker Bible, FileMaker Missing Manual, or Que Special Edition. Stars has far more practical advice than the first two. The Que book is too difficult for a neophyte and covers only selected topics in depth. Although the Missing Manual is thicker than Stars, it actually conveys less information because it consumes too much space with the mechanics of pressing each button in a series of dialog windows. Stars presents the same info more concisely, yet is even more approachable for a neophyte. Comment | | (Report this)