Master and Related Files question

[dchuhta1]

(I have searched other posting to find the answer to this, but I haven't found one that really matches what I am attempting. If the answer lies elsewhere, please aim me in the right direction.)

I am attempting to create a "system" of databases for the purpose of collecting student scores. I envision one database that holds of the students (we're talking about 3000 or so), including FName, LName, ID#. Then, I'd like to have separate databases to hold science, social studies, etc. scores. (In all, there would be six tables; one master, and five related.)

My question is how do I set them up so that I don't have to import all 3000 students into each of the five related files (and consequently can make changes to student roster in the master table, and then not have to do it to all of the other files)? In addition, what I'd like to be able to do is say, in Science, do a search for a student name, and have the student info (FName and ID) automatically be pulled in. I've tinkered and tinkered, but I can't get it to work, without having all 3000 students in each of the files.

(Since I'm fairly new to relations, etc. please try to be as detailed as possible -- I REALLY appreciate your help!)

[RalphL]

I see this as 2 tables (files in FMP6) Student as you have outlined and Score which would have ID#, Subject, Score, Type, Date, etc.

A relationship in Student to Score ID# = ID#, and a relationship in Score to Student ID# = ID#. A portal in Student using the first relationship would show all the scores. Reports would be printed in Score and the second relationship would be used to get student data for the report.

You could get fancy after you get it setup and use sparate portals for each subject. But I don't think you are ready for that yet.

[dchuhta1]

Thanks, but actually, I have that already. I have portals on the Student file showing a summary of sorts, from all of the score files. This still hasn't solved my initial inquiry, however, as to eliminating the need to import the 3000 students into all of the files...

[RalphL]

I thought I answered that with the relationship in Score. You can bring data from Student into Score. You don't need any fields to do this.

[dchuhta1]

By putting a portal on Scores with the student's name, ID, etc., will that associate the data in the scores fields with the student?

[RalphL]

A portal is unnecessary in Scores since the relationship is many to one. Portals are used in one to many relationships. If you want to show data from Students in Scores just use the related fields. In the layout mode create a new field, select the relationship and the a field from the list.

[dchuhta1]

First of all.. thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

Alas... I think I've finally gotten it! I hate to close this case though.. stay tuned!

Thanks again!