FMP Books

Thank you, Rich and Jonathan, for this impressive volume of information and tips. You 'splain things so well!


This is the one!   January 3, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

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.


Great for small businesses   December 7, 2000
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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.


A Different But Effective Approach to FileMaker   December 6, 2000
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

The great thing about this book is its approach.

Before the book even gets into "this is how you should define a number field" or "this is what's up with calculated validations" there are two whole chapters devoted entirely to planning your database system before you click one mouse button or hit one key on the keyboard. You are shown by a seasoned developer who has already made many mistakes and learned from them how to estimate what your database system will need (and what it doesn't), how long it will take, even how much it might cost. And it covers the all important issue of how to interview your client (or your boss) and get, in layman's terms, the vital bits of information you'll need to turn these users' hopes and dreams into a powerful, dynamic database system.

Other topics that are especially useful are plenty of great portal techniques, how to keep your data healthy, and effective user interface design.

I have to admit, I had been anticipating this book for a long time and was slightly disappointed that some of the very advanced topics that I've been looking for help and guidance with were not covered that much (or at all) such as the use of plugins, advanced ODBC connectivity, advanced Web development, or Applescript/Active X automation. Thus only four stars. But these are relatively minor issues and specific only to an advanced developer like me.

The CD-ROM has tons of great technique files on it, too!

If you had to get only one FileMaker book right now, this is the one you should get.


A Good Resource for any User   December 6, 2000
A very good reference for beginners and great tips for those in the business of developing FileMaker Pro solutions. Very good examples of how to improve your development of a solution, so that the customer is informed and your work is appreciated and paid for.

Well worth the investment