Reviews (11)

Good General Reference
As the title, and most of the reviews (save Mr. Strauchs') suggest, this is the manual that doesn't exist in print. It's a nice alternative to the Help menu as it's written in a personable style that offers more direct and real-world applications for the basics of FileMaker.
Thorough, complete, yet easy to understand; well-done tutorials
Concur with all the other reviewers that this is THE best, most complete, yet easy-to-follow guide to FileMaker Pro [FMP]. The authors really have gone out of their way in using plain words to describe arcane concepts, and the illustrations are well executed. Although there are the usual typos and occasional ambiguous/misleading statements, there is a continuously updated website with 'Errata' and sample completed tutorial exercises. [If these were included on a CD with the book, this book would warrant a super-nova rating!]
VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Are you a programmer that has been working with FileMaker for a while? If you are, then this book is for you! Authors Geoff Coffey and Susan Prosser, have done an outstanding job of writing a book that explores each feature in depth, offers shortcuts and workarounds, and explains the ramifications of options that a FileMaker Pro manual doesn't even mention.
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Subjects:  1. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    2. Computer Books: Database    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computers    5. Data Processing - General    6. Database Management - Database Mining    7. Database management    8. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    9. FileMaker pro    10. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    11. Hardware - Personal Computers - Macintosh    12. Microcomputer Database Management Software    13. Computer / Apple/Macintosh    14. Computers / Database Management / Data Mining    15. Computers / Personal Computers & Microcomputers / Macintosh    16. Computers/Database Management - General    17. Database software    18. database, filemaker, filemaker pro, filemaker pro, fields, records, scripting, xml, xslt, odbc, excel, applescript, missing manual, FileMaker development, small business software, FileMaker Pro Tutorial   

Reviews (3)

For Once - A Book That Delivers More Than What It Promises!
This book talks about everything imaginable in detail and with deep intent to enlighten the reader on every topic. They achieve it! In short - BUY IT!
Disappointing Functions separation
Ihave found the book to be excellent and very clear.It is very easy to learn and provides the necessary instructionto use Filemaker 8 powerfully.It is a great product and this is a great companion book.
Just as it claims: The Only FileMaker 8 Book You Need
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. 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. 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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. Microcomputer Database Management Software    7. Computers / Database Management / General    8. Databases & data structures   

Reviews (4)

An Indispensable Desk Reference
The book not only lists all the function and script in a esay to find format, it also includes many custom functions which one usually pays seasoned developer to write. Scott Love, Steve Lane and Bob Bowers are leaders of the FileMaker Pro community and in this book they generously share their expertise. The chapter on XML custom function itself is already worth the price.Their other book, Special Edition Using FileMaker 8, is just simply the best. Filled with extensive techinques and tricks, all clearly written and explained, you just couldn't ask for a better book about FileMaker Pro 8.

More functions and script examples please
Good book but it does not include enough functions and scripts examples.

One of the few "indispensable" Filemaker bnooks
In my library I have 25+ Filemaker books dating back to Filemaker 2.0.A very few of them are tattered, bookmarked and dogeared and sit withing arms reach of my computer."Scriptology" is one of them, as is "Filemaker Pro 5.5 Techniques for Developers"."FileMaker 8 Functions and Scripts Desk Reference" joins these.I've only had it a few weeks and it is starting to take on the patina of those stalwarts.A truly useful reference - dare I say "essential"? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. FileMaker pro    7. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Computers / Database Management / General    10. Databases & data structures   

Reviews (1)

The one to own!
A tremendous resource, this book is a must, if you use FileMaker you will not find a better one-stop shop. This is definitely one of the best written and laid out books I have come across. Evans has compiled a book that gives newer users a step by step guide and more experienced users a resource to referrer to when need.In addition the writing style makes it easier for all and the excellent case studies provide scenarios that all users can learn from.Bottom line, get it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business    2. Business Software - General    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer programs    5. Computers    6. Computers - Data Base Management    7. Data processing    8. Database Management - General    9. Database management    10. Databases    11. Desktop Applications/Databases    12. Computers / General    13. Database software   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Computers / Database Management / General    6. Database software   

Reviews (41)

Still useful after all this time
Even though this book was written for an earlier version of FileMaker, I am glad to have it in my library as a reference. It is readable and many of the principles described apply to any database, regardless of version.
Great Reference!

Helpful, but not in script writing
Though it does give elaborate a bit on most ins-and-outs of Filemaker Pro 6, it doesn't go much into scrip wrtiting: a few lines, a few examples, not much 'general' syntax, and all its parameters. Anybody knows of a book that just teach you about (Filemaker Pro 6) scripts and scripwriting? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Computers / Data Base Management    10. Computers / Database Management / General   

Reviews (14)

FMPro Stinks!
Do not buy this book; even more, do not use the software!Use a real database!

No puzzled look
I'm an advanced FileMaker Pro user and developer (since 14 years). Every now and than I run into something like - how on earth can I do that ? Just take your book of the shelf and I don't have that puzzled look on my face anymore after reading the needed section. Indeed, for me you have done your job. Give us more !!!! ...

FileMaker� Pro 5 Bible
I am a long time FileMaker Pro user and this book has been a huge help. It provides all the basics and explains what is new about FileMaker 5. It also gives information on many advanced FileMaker techniques like scripts, functions, and web interface. Schwartz states things simply and logically, and makes them easy to understand. Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - Filemaker Pro    5. Database Management - General    6. Database management    7. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    8. Networking - General    9. Computers / Database Management / General    10. Database software    11. Databases & data structures    12. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. FileMaker pro    7. Microcomputer Database Management Software    8. Computers / General    9. Database software   

Reviews (2)

FMPRO8Createdbfile
Easy to follow, excellent examples. Shows how to create the relational files and the portals.
Excellent starter for first time users
This is an excellent, concise, self paced beginners tutorial on Filemaker 8.It gets you started immediately in the development of a database (investment minder) covering the main features of the program.It is not a detailed tutorial covering all the aspects of Filemaker 8.Still you will come away with a good enough understanding of the program's basics to create a database of your own design.My only real criticism of the book is that I would have liked to have had more illustrations showing what instructions should actually look like once entered on the computer screen.This is especially the case in the section dealing with scripts.However this is a minor issue in an otherwise excellent book. I would highly recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn the basics of Filemaker 8. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    9. Microcomputer Database Management Software    10. Project Management    11. Computers / Database Management / General    12. Database software   

Reviews (8)

Well-written and well-presented
Beverly Voth has written the "bible" on FileMaker Pro/XML integration. She takes what can be a daunting subject, and leads you logically from topic to topic, with demo files and plenty of code examples to illustrate her points. From the eight-page table of contents (in outline form) to the detailed index, this book is exceptionally well laid out, and has plenty to offer both the novice and the veteran FileMaker developer. This book does not suffer from the "we didn't have time, budget or inclination to proofread adequately" syndrome that plagues so many computer books these days... it flows beautifully, and I have yet to find a single typo.

The Last Word
The release of Beverly Voth's Guide is well worth our wait. While exhaustive, the writing is clear and not exhausting. She has given us the definitive textbook on this thorny, difficult subject, starting at the outside and working in. While breaking apart the various layers into edible morsels, Ms. Voth does not sugar-coat the complexities of her subject; she simply makes them disappear.

Filemaker Pro 6 Developer's Guide to Xml/Xsl
I've read many books regarding FileMaker Pro. In the few that mention XML, it is an afterthought. Beverly Voth's book is in depth, detailed and formatted in a manner that makes it readable, understandable and usable to both novice and professional developers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Programming Languages - XML    10. XML (Document markup language)    11. XSL (Document markup language)    12. Computers / General    13. Database software   

Reviews (16)

A Complete Meal
The one aspect of this book that I like very much that is not covered by other comments is that the revised nature of Filemaker's different forms (Mobile, Server and Pro) are well covered as well as is the change made by FilemMaker to the basic underlying methodology of updating a record. I have used it to build a very large workflow automation system for a company and find it unmissable

I Can See Clearly Now . . .
Although I've been using FileMaker since 1996, to me the difference between version6 and 7 is a paradigm shift. As in the previously oustanding Special Edition FileMaker books by Que, this one by Chris Moyer and others is steller. How? well, in content and exposition. Although there are a FEW idiosynchroncies, they have been corrected by on-line updates.
It's why we buy computer books!
Like another reviewer suggested, let's agree that no single book is ever "the only book you'll ever need". (I for one, wish authors/publishers would stop making that claim).However, if you can only buy one, this is it!As we know, FileMaker Inc just released version 8.So why buy a book on version 7?Because 8 is nearly identical to 7 with a few additional bells & whistles and minor enhancements, and because with minimal gap, this book will prepare you for either version.So whether you're still on version 7, considering upgrading or made the move to 8, I believe Special Edition Using FileMaker 7 is a solid investment.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database management    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. FileMaker pro    7. General    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Computers / Database Management / General    10. Database software    11. Databases & data structures   

Reviews (8)

Much better than what I expected
I am no database novice. I'm one of the first (and few) MySQL Certified Professionals in the country. Dismayed at the inadequacies (and "un-robustness") of Microsoft Access, I wanted to delve into FileMaker as fast as possible.
Great coverage!
I looked into several books on FileMaker before purchasing this one. The combination of accessible writing, and clear instruction, make this book a winner. Particularly helpful was an early "quick-start" session, which takes the reader through the building of a contacts database that utilizes all of the most commonly used features of the software to create a working database in a little over an hour. This section alone is worth the price of the book, and provides such clear instruction that other, more advanced concepts are much clearer for having read it. I'm surprised at the relatively weak reviews for this book -- I've turned to it time and again over the course of my FileMaker education. For my money, it's the best thing out there, especially for someone brand new to database design and creation.

Terrible!
Don't waste your money.The book has very few examples and is horribly written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Data Base Management    5. Database Engineering    6. Database Management - Filemaker Pro    7. Database Management - General    8. Database management    9. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    10. FileMaker pro    11. Computers / Database Management / General    12. Database software   

Reviews (2)

Excellent
This book can be valuable for an experienced programmer to quickly get up to speed with FileMaker. It assumes some basic knowledge of database and programming concepts. The author bypasses all the handholding and gets right down to business. I solved a sticky problem with many-to-many relationships by reading one chapter. Thanks to the author for taking a pragmatic and professional approach to the subject.

More Questions than Answers
This was either the result of an overzealous (non-programmer) editor or a poorly planned outline - but there is more material missing from this book than actually in it. Examples are given in one chapter with a statement that it is relating to something in another chapter, but it isn't there; projects are laid out without real explanation of the nuts and bolts of what you are doing, and the real power of Filemaker (calculations and scripts) are merely glossed over on a "need to know" basis. I am certainly left with more questions that answers.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    9. Microcomputer Database Management Software    10. Computers / Database Management / General    11. Databases & data structures   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    9. Microcomputer Database Management Software    10. Microcomputer Operating Environments    11. Operating Systems - Macintosh    12. Operating Systems - Windows    13. Computers / Database Management / General    14. Database software   

Reviews (1)

filemaker pro design/scripting for dummies
In the aptly titled "foolish assumptions" on page 2, he states "I assume you're fairly comfortable with the basics of FM...". If I knew the basics why would I need a dummies book? This is not my first dummies book, but it may be my last. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. Computers / Database Management / General    7. Database software    8. Databases & data structures   

Editorial Review

Rich Coulombre and Jonathan Price, the authors of Read more

Reviews (25)

Priceless treasure in FileMaker world
Although I have been using FMPro 6 for more than a year, and bought this book in the fall of 2000, I still refer to it often. I wish Coulombre and Price (or someone else for that matter) would write the same book for version 6. Nevertheless, this book is full of scripting and coding gems that I'm sure any developer can appreciate. Sometimes just to brush up on my skills if I haven't done any developing for a while, other times to learn a new trick. Not very Special Edition
This book can't be for serious developers. Great guide for overall development
I have a pretty nice library of FileMaker books and this is my favorite. The thoughtful review of how to consider a design on paper before developing, along with hints about how to interact with clients and use diagrams gave a structure to my communications with clients that is professional and powerful. In addition to this there are amazing hints and chapters of information that I (joyfully) continue to refer to in my development practice, though I've had the book for years now. More than any other, it put me in control, and I am grateful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Computers / Business Software / General    10. Database software    11. Databases & data structures   

Reviews (1)

Boring...
Hmmm... I'm disappointed by this book ;( I really love the "Bible" series, especially books about Flash. These books has very broad-content, aiming on all from beginers to proffesionals. But the Filemaker Pro 8 is big disappointment... There is almost nothing about advanced techiques, for me it looks like it's intended for users who, for some reason, didn't want to read manuals which came with FM ;(... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. FileMaker pro (Computer software)    9. Computers / Database Management / General    10. Database software    11. Databases & data structures    12. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)   

Reviews (8)

Excellent
If you are working with Filemaker Pro files on the web, this book is essential. Although the title says, "Advanced," I think it would be perfect for beginners also.

Good book, flawed, but only source for this topic
This is a very good book, and if you're looking to web-enable your FileMaker 6 application, this is pretty much the only source for in-depth information that's available.
Great for Intermediate to Advanced FMPro Developers
I particularly appreciated the expository style of the book. In a way that I haven't found in many other computer manuals, the authors start with a real problem the reader has and show how to solve it, adding interesting general commentary along the way. For example, I had a problem developing an XSLT document to import variable numbers of repetitions of a field - there, on pp. 330-333 is a brief statement of the problem, specification of a solution, and clear explanation of the code. I recommend this book to any FMPro user who wants to work with FMPro and CDML, PHP or XML/XSLT. Well done! I hope these authors produce other books of the same calibre. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Languages    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database management    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. FileMaker pro    7. Internet - General    8. Microcomputer Database Management Software    9. Programming - General    10. Programming - Software Development    11. World Wide Web    12. Computer Programming    13. Computers / General    14. Database software   

Reviews (10)

Of Very Little Help
This book is soooo vague about virtually ALL of the filemaker functions, it's vitually useless to anyone who wants to create ANYTHING but the VERY BASIC of Filemaker layouts.

Look further if you need information beyond the manual
This book has proved not so helpful to me as a novice filemaker user looking to gain knowledge on many of the not so well documented features.The writing could be much more precise and I cant help but beleive much of the book is "filler" and general commenting on the program itself, not actual useful information on how to make better databases.

Good Guide to Using FileMaker Pro
A complete guide to using all the features of FileMaker Pro. Lots of illustrations of both Mac and Windows versions. Good explanations of how things work. And the book is organized so much more logically than the manual that comes with the software! But the best part is the tutorial exercises at the end of each chapter. They really helped me get some hands-on practice using the program's features. RECOMMENDED! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Database    2. Computers    3. Computers - Data Base Management    4. Database Management - General    5. Database management    6. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    7. FileMaker pro    8. Information Storage & Retrieval    9. Microcomputer Database Management Software    10. Programming - Software Development    11. Computers / Information Storage & Retrieval    12. Database software   

Reviews (2)

Good intermediate book
I found this a very useful adjunct to Stars and Child's book Learn Filemaker pro 7.Agree with the other reviewer that the screen shots are too small to read at a comfortable distance.Also unlike Stars' book the examples are not real tutorials.For me, I found the explanations clear and help me understand filemaker better.Would place SAMS Learn filemaker pro in 24 hr very low inmy choice of books for learning filemaker.It hindered my learning more than helped.Filemaker IS NOT a easy program to master.It takes time, diligence, lots of references and help from others.Avoid going it alone if possible.

So-So
This is another UNvisual QuickPro Guide from Peachpit Press:the screen shots are way too small and must be viewed outside in bright sunshine.At about half-off list price, a case can be made for purchase, if you're a FileMaker junkie (like me).It's (unfortunately) intermediate level, not advanced (as it claims). It covers indexing options, conditional valuelists, textstyle functions, mass update of serial numbers, script parameters, bulk e-mail, importing with scripts, and communicating with a Palm. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Programming    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Other Applications    5. Desktop Applications - FileMaker Pro    6. General    7. Microcomputer Database Management Software    8. Operating Systems - Macintosh    9. Operating Systems - Windows    10. Computers / Database Management / General    11. Databases & data structures