I have a database in which I am trying to summarize and analyze data. Here is what I'd like to do if I could figure out how to do it:

I have four specific symptoms (leg pain, ulcer, gangrene, ischemia) that require the same surgical procedure. I have a hundred or so patients with one of these symptoms. I want the database to count how many occurences of each symptom appear. I would like a layout with a table that says: leg pain - 25, ulcer - 17, gangrene - 22, ischemia - 28. Or something like that.

This is one of many fields that I'd like summarized similarly.

Is this possible or do I need to put the info on excel.

If this is all in the same variable, SYMPTOM, then I suppose you make a new summary variable called (for example) symptom_count, that would equal the count of these symptoms. Then, on a new layout, you could put a sub summary part that would contain the SYMPTOM and symptom_count variable (when sorted by symptom, and viewed as FORM in preview mode, it would show the count of each symptom in the symptom_count variable and the name of the symptom (each unique) under SYMPTOM.) You can also put the symptom_count variable in a grand summary layout part to show the total number of patients summarized with all symptoms.

That's the general way that it's done. Sounds complicated, but it's simple after you do it a few times. There are some sample summary templates/databases that are included with FMP. You might want to check those out (particularly look in layout mode) or look around on this web site for other examples. Also, if you go to layout mode and make a new layout, it should offer to create a summary layout for you (I think it might even create the summary variable for you--no that that is difficult in the define fields menu command).

If you have more than one variable to summarize, you will probably have to define a summary field for each variable you wish to summarize. If you have repeating fields, etc... it could get a bit complicated, but it's very doable after you've been though it a few times. Sounds like you might need a good book, like Scriptology, to cement your intermediate status.

FMP is far more capable than excel. But, as such, there is more to know/learn. Still, FMP is far more intuitive than Access.

Have fun, good luck, and welcome to the forum (I'm a relatively new member myself),

--tripod

it is taking me a little time, but I'm figuring things out. Is there somewhere with a complete list of script functions and their uses?

Again, Scriptology Demystified by John Mark Osborne is a great book, but is very dated now (mine is based on verion 3, but still relevant for many things, mostly for getting the gist of how FMP works, getting a broad understanding of it. Not sure if I would buy it today though, there is probably a new version coming soon) it has a summary of functions IIRC. There are a lot of resources on the web, lesaux, briandunning, advisor media (they have a great FMP magazine) database pros, fmpro.org, --too many to read, almost. :-)

It's a bit hard to find functions in the help system, but they are there. Look under filemaker help. Under reference, click on category list or alphabetical list. That should get you started. (I have FMP developer 7 on Mac OS X, so it might be a bit different on the regular 'dark side' version. :-)

Have fun,

--Tripod