Scripting against multiple databases

[jackinva]

Hello,

I'm new to using Filemaker (but not to database programming). We've purchased an application written in FileMaker (multiple databases with defined relationships and lots of scripts). I took a data collection that we purchased from another institution and created a Filemaker database(s) (multiple databases with portals in the central one to show the relationship between the different metadata).

I'm trying to understand how scriptmaker works to determine if I can map the data collection into the purchased application. I'll need to be able to "open" the multiple databases and read records and write records without necessarily closing one file before working with another. Does scriptmaker support "file handles" like some programming languages? This is necessary because I'm working with parent/child metadata that needs to be maintained when mapped from one dataset into the other. And there are authority tables that may need updating, etc.

Any tips would be appreciated. Book or web/article recommendations are welcome. I was just assigned this project and they would like it done before the fall semester starts.

Thanks in advance,

Jack

[paulage77]

Scriptmaker is great for doing this internally to filemaker. Automating FM specific tasks, etc. It's very high level and uses variables in the form of fields. File handles are not a native type for FM. The scriptmaker allows you to launch other applications.

So you can always write a script or program in whatever language you want and launch it from within scriptmaker. If you are working with Mac then applescript is a very handy tool for this.

The key is to think in terms of Filemaker. If you are transfering data around between databases, you'll probably need the export functionality. FM tries hard to abstract details away from the users, so the notion of file handles wouldn't be the same.

[jackinva]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info. At least I know what I need to do is possible in FM. I am using a Mac, but I've never used applescript either. My work is web development using PHP and MySQL. I've been loaned to another department to do this Filemaker work. I'm going to look into the FM script/applescript possibility next week when a colleague that knows it well gets back from vacation.

However, last night I realized that if FM supports ODBC that I could use Perl. It does! Since I'm crunched for time and more familiar with Perl, I'm going to test that for now while I wait until Monday for the Mac guru to return from vacation.

-Jack