Getting data from 3rd related database with portal

February 19, 200322 yr

I know from the theory of relational databases, making loops in relations is not a good practice. I need to find our quickly how it is being done in a filemaker. This is what I want to achieve.

Let's assume I have just three related databases: 1st with 2nd and 2nd with 3rd. Second file (called Blocks) has defined portal with records from first database (Grades) - one block has many grades. Now third database (Size Spec)will use records from Blocks (similar one to many relation). The thing is I also want to use data from the portal in Blocks. I know I can create a calculation field in Blocks copying a record from first database and then relate that field to third database, but this will allow me to have just one record - not all from the portal.

I hope it's clear for you. What I did by know, I just added relation from first file (Grades) to third one (Size Spec) and it works, but now there is a LOOP in relations: 1st->2nd, 2nd->3rd, 1st->3rd.

What is a solution in filemaker to copy data from a further then second related file without creating a loop and like in this case still keep data in a portal?

February 19, 200322 yr

I hope I catched it

File 2 show multiple records from File 1

File 3 show multiple records from File 2

Records in File 3 are created using File 1

File 1 is then a Line Item for File 2 and File 3 ?

Is this your design ?

February 19, 200322 yr

Author

almost ...

"File 2 show multiple records from File 1" -> true (in a Portal)

"File 3 show multiple records from File 2" -> Each record in File 3 shows one record from File 2, but I also want to show the same portal (with lines from File 1) in this File 3.

I hope it's clear now.

I attached three pictures of these 3 files to illustrate my design.

3Files.zip

February 19, 200322 yr

Well, as far as I can see, the job is done. I cannot see the loop problem here. Could you tell what exactly are the relationships (key fields) in your design as it is difficult to undestand from your pictures.

The records in portals are the same for A005 and B009 !!! ! Is it the way you want it ? Is there a one to one relationship or do you use globals somewhere here ?