Learn FileMaker Pro 9 (Wordware Library for FileMaker) Review

Learn FileMaker Pro 9 (Wordware Library for FileMaker)
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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.

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Learn FileMaker Pro 9 provides a logical, hands-on approach to understanding the features of FileMaker Pro, both for beginners and those who have experience with previous versions of the software. From defining database terms and converting files created in previous FileMaker Pro versions to producing reports and using files on the web, this book covers the fundamentals as well as the newest features that considerably enhance FileMaker Pro s database management capabilities.Learn how to:Format layout objects with Autoresize and conditional formatting. Harness the power of the new External SQL Data Source tools. Adapt one script to many purposes to cut development time and expense. Work with the enhanced Web Viewer to harvest data for your applications. Share data as PDF and Excel files and export data as e-mail attachments. Organize your relationships with the anchor-buoy method. Use the alignment tools to quickly align objects on your layout.

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