If I Change THIS...does it affect THAT

[Final Print]

Ok, working with the plug in for FM 7 called Business Tracker and am manipulaing it to my companies needs. There's alot of changing to be done and TONS of relations already set. If I change a name of a field that is link to something else, is file maker smart enough to know that has happened and adjust the relation linking to said field?

[LaRetta]

Hi Final Print,

Yes and No. FileMaker is wise enough if you change a field name, but Business Tracker is not so wise. And there are script parameters and globals everywhere which work in conjunction with layouts, Groups, value lists and Preferences. They pass (and store) many references that will need to be changed manually.

I would suggest having someone generate a DDR in Developer which will identify all of the references to whatever you wish to change. Or use Analyzer or Visualizer. I would check them carefully. One can get lost in the maze of Business Tracker 'cleverness.' It was absolutely loads of fun to pick apart though - taught me many things.

LaRetta

[Final Print]

What is the Database Design Report anyways?

[LaRetta]

DDR - Database Design Report. Developer provides this option. It allows one to print out (or simply view) every calculation, script, layout, etc. and also shows all references to each field, calculation, etc. It is invaluable for tracking every area that might be effected if you make a change.

I simply wouldn't change a functioning complex solution without having reviewed it first to be sure I address all referenced locations. You think one little change won't matter, until you see in the DDR it is referenced on 6 layouts, in 4 scripts and 3 calculations. It's amazing how quickly we Developers can fill them up.

Visualizer produces a great graphical display of it, instead of just a list but I don't have a Mac.

[Final Print]

Sweat, thanks for your help!