How can I document or trace/debug FM scripts?

[Sadmot]

I am a DB admin/developer on a system developed by Filemaker Pro. I inherited it without any documentation. I am supposed to document it and then continue developing it. I used to develope database systems by Access, Paradox, etc.

Is there any tool that can be used for documentation? How can I trace/ debug scripts?

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks, S.D.

[Lee Smith]

Hi S.D.

Funny, this question just came up on BlueWorld the other day and the list of items was so good, I kept it.

1. A Database design report

2. An Entity Relationship Diagram

3. A data dictionary

4. Create a (prose, layman's) description of any complex automated processes, such as data being "posted" to another file, batch-processing routines (such as grouping Orders into a Shipment), batch record creation (such as Attendance records for all Students for each Session of a Class), automated logging, etc.

5. Run a Brushfire report for complete script tracing (http://www.chapsoft.com/products.html),

6. Provide descriptions & examples (where appropriate) of the outputs of the system: printed forms, reports, emails, exports, etc.

7. Document the different access levels that may be defined in the files' Passwords and Groups, what type of user each is apparently for, and any other security measures in effect.

8. List any plug-ins that are used and how..

9. Document any layout tricks such as overlaid fields, hidden portals, etc.

Hope this helps you and others.

Lee

[BobWeaver]

If you have the developer version of filemaker, it has some debugging features built-in. I don't have it myself, and from what others have said about it, it's rather limited and may not be worth the money for that feature alone.

Also, see my Documentor Utility in the samples forum. It's of limited use though, unless you are on a Mac.

[_ian]

Filemaker Developer is definitely worth getting for the debugger. As debuggers go it is certainly not really what you would call "full featured", but it is much better than nothing and will save a great deal of time. Not necessarily every day, but often enough that it's worth having.

Ian

[Mike D.]

FileMaker Developer also has the capability to create a Database Design report. It's not the greatest, but it is a start.

HTH, Mike

[Sadmot]

Thank you for all advices.

Has anyone tried Brush Fire? Does it worth to buy?

Saeed

[SteveB]

I have Brushfire, but I think it has quite a few bugs. They have been promising a new version for a year, but still haven't delivered as far a I know.

Steve