FileMaker 8 Functions and Scripts Desk Reference

FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual

Creating a Database in FileMaker Pro 8 : Visual QuickProject Guide (Visual Quickproject Series)

Databases

Special Edition Using FileMaker 8 (Special Edition Using)

Format: Paperback
Author: Scott Love
ReleaseDate: 12 May, 2006
Publisher: Que
Rating:

For Once - A Book That Delivers More Than What It Promises!
They achieve it! In short - BUY IT!

I've been developing FileMaker Pro systems since version 3 and have made use of many books. This book talks about everything imaginable in detail and with deep intent to enlighten the reader on every topic. Unfortunately, and as is the case with most technical books these days, all those books fell way short of my technical needs and wishes - at all levels. One book, for example, while being the only useful resource for CDML (custom web enabling of FileMaker databases), was actually frustrating to read and utilize (examples and text content). The 'Bible' series provided some depth to understanding FileMaker but I always felt that they weren't covering something that needed to be said - like the sort of motivation for turning to the book in the first place. Somewhat useful but insufficient.

This book, I'm very happy to declare, IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD! Even though its a big, thick, heavy book, I can't seem to put it down for wanting more of its enlightenment (its so useful). Their writing style makes it easy to understand the material while providing a sense that you can actually achieve more than you might have attempted otherwise. Its a definite confidence builder (for real this time). I've read chapters in preparation for visiting clients in order to be better prepared. I'm very glad (and so are my clients) that I did.

I've glanced through many of the current books out there and simply returned them to the shelf. They helped somewhat but didn't really go out of their way to sufficiently illuminate the bigger picture or penetrate deeply enough into the details to provide enough insight for real world problems, solutions, or even theory. Most books seem written like they are some sort of cookbook or extended sales brochure. (Click here, read the obvious label and press this button in order to do this topic - yawn!!! - what a waste of paper, time and potential). This book goes all out to prepare any reader for developing anything in Filemaker.

Upon reading this book, it dawned on me that the authors might have developed a Filemaker database (I'm making an educated guess here) for compiling all the information and their associated thoughts. Its so well organized. The consistent delivery of truly useful detailed information, tips, caveats, related material page links, and even general database development theory at all the right spots (without having to revert to the index all the time; actually I've hardly needed to use the index at all) speaks to me of their efforts brilliantly prepared and executed. Its more like they're mentoring their readers than just a book about some topic.

Whatever methodology employed to write this book they sure got it right! I wish other authors would do something similar.

And there's more. The (optional) companion book "FileMaker 8 Functions and Scripts Desk Reference" is a 'next step' kind of reference book I'd also recommend highly. I was so impressed with the "Special Edition Using FileMaker 8" that I went out and bought the companion book. Excellent!

Since joining the Yahoo FileMaker user groups I've read postings from way too many people in way over their heads trying to accomplish things they simply aren't trained for (through no fault of their own). And for each posting it occurred to me that they would all greatly benefit reading from "Special Edition Using FileMaker 8". What they were seeking and were greatly in need of is readily available in this book. If only. . .

Oh, and one more thing - I apologize for understating things!

And in case you're wondering, I've never worked for, met, or even conversed with any of the authors. I'm finally satisfied to have these two great books to assist me in developing more FileMaker systems. YA HOO!.

Disappointing Functions separation
It is very easy to learn and provides the necessary instruction to use Filemaker 8 powerfully. I have found the book to be excellent and very clear. It is a great product and this is a great companion book.
However I was disappointed to learn that all the functions are now in a separate book. I understand the reasons, but having obtained the book and then to discover it was missing this vital section, albeit a very large section. I believe it should be marketed to buy both books at the same time, perhaps Volume 1 and Volume 2, which alerts you to the fact that you need two books. Having purchased the same title for Filemaker 7 last year and knowing all was contained therein, it was a surprise and somewhat annoying to learn of this change after the book had been delivered. I have bought the download version of the second book.

Just as it claims: The Only FileMaker 8 Book You Need
Written with great clarity, it shows not only the basics of FileMaker Pro, but it progresses to the more advanced topics such as XML/XSLT, FileMaker Server, ODBC/JDBC as well as web publishing. While it is not the first book on the market on the new version of FileMaker Pro, Special Edition Using FileMaker 8 is definitely the best on the market for intermediate and advanced users. I specially enjoy the chapters on relational database design and data modeling, which many other books do a very poor job, if any at all. Two important areas of developing Filemaker Solution, Scripting and Function, are not only clearly explained, but extensive examples are used to show how they can be combined to make FileMaker Pro not only easy and fun to use, but also capable to tackle complex problems. All the example files are included in a cd, together will a pdf version of the book. I own FileMaker: The Missing Manual, which is great for beginner user to learn the basic; however, if you want to MASTER FileMaker Pro, this is the book to get.