FileMaker Advanced Training: This is a four day course that teaches students how to design, deploy and support advanced database applications using FileMaker Pro 9 and FileMaker Server 9 and how to effectively use the developer tools available in FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced.

Although advanced topics will be touched upon, this material is accessible to a broad range of ability levels. Some basic experience with FileMaker Pro is helpful. If the student has no experience with FileMaker Pro, the Intermediate FileMaker Pro 9 would be best suited.

Day 1

Working With Fields - Learn practical skills required to define FileMaker Pro 9 data tables and fields. This module explores data types and options for auto-entry, validation, and field storage. Discover how to manage images and other objects in container fields.

Data Modelling - Learn how to construct different types of data relationships, ensure data integrity, and implement multiple-table solutions. This module also covers lessons in building layouts using related data fields and portals.

Day 2

Working with Layouts - Review new features in FileMaker Pro 9, such as conditional formatting and auto-resize, while learning how to work with layout objects. Understand how field behaviour and tab orders are controlled, learn to create different kinds of value lists, and work with the Web Viewer object, Tab Control object, and Tool Tips.

Calculation Functions - Learn how functions work in the calculation engine in FileMaker Pro 9. Study how custom functions are built and how to best apply them to database solutions.

Scripts - User controls and interface elements are generally driven through scripts in FileMaker Pro 9. Explore best practices in scripting, learn how to build navigation and window controls, and study logical branching and looping routines.

Day 3

FileMaker Security - Study the account-based security features of FileMaker Pro 9 and learn how to implement privilege sets, tie access to database solutions to external authentication servers, control both access and authoring rights to systems, and extend security controls with scripting.

Reporting - Practice creating reports in FileMaker Pro 9 using a variety of techniques. Explore sub-summary reports that group information by break fields. Learn how to build a cross-tab report (with data-driven columns) and an HTML report that is displayed via the Web Viewer object.

Intermediate & Advanced Techniques - Work with relational value lists, write scripts that leverage object naming, and explore Custom Menus in depth. Learn advanced techniques with portals that include dynamic sorting, filtering, row highlights and preview panes.

Day 4

FileMaker Server - Learn the best practices for setting up and maintaining FileMaker Server 9 and FileMaker Server 9 Advanced. Review hardware and networking requirements, learn proper backup routines, and be trained in configuration processes.

Web Publishing - Understand the capabilities of both Instant Web Publishing (IWP) and Custom Web Publishing in FileMaker Pro 9 and learn how to develop solutions to publish via the Web. Review the PHP Site Assistant and gain hands-on experience with IWP.

Connectivity - Learn how to integrate FileMaker 9 with SQL systems, both through ODBC connections and with the new External SQL Data Source capabilities in FileMaker Pro 9. Review configuration processes and learn to use other data systems in tandem with your FileMaker Pro databases.

We encourage anyone who uses FileMaker Pro on a regular basis to register for our courses. This intermediate to advanced class assumes students are already familiar with the basics of using FileMaker Pro.

Students who aren’t that familiar with FileMaker may want to consider our introductory or intermediate FileMaker courses