Importing a table

[Slobey]

Hi everyone,

Is it possible to import a table? I have a solution that I would like to link with another solution. I have file references, but I would rather have it all in one file, but rebuilding would be a hassle. Any ideas?

[dkemme]

To import a table's data with field descriptions... use FMRobot.

To import just the table's data into another table with fields already defined, use import from the Filemaker Menu.

[SJOE]

Hello dkemme,

could you please explain more about the FMRobot? I have no idea...

Thanks a lot!

[Lee Smith]

Hi SJOE, and welcome to the Forum.

FMRobot is a product by New Millennium, here is their site:

Click Here

HTH

Lee

[SJOE]

Hello Mr.Lee Smith,

Thank you so much for your reply.

But the FMRobot only can import XML file to a given database. I tried to export my database to XML file. the FMRobot didn't recognize it (There is a problem with the XML file, it does not seem to be well-formed, run the DDR again).

I don't know what wrong with it?

Mr.Smith, you must be a filemaker expert, have you ever meet this kind of problems? how to export the XML file is the good way?

Thanks again for your answering.

[RalphL]

Use the DDR to make the XML file, you only need to make it for fields.

[SJOE]

Thank you so much RalphL, I got it now.

[rgnelson]

I'n new to FM.

I am using FileMaker 7 pro.

I'm trying to import the table from the "Purchase Order" FileMaker template into a new database that I have created.

I have a table in my new database that is populated with feilds and data.

I want to bring in the "Purchase Order" table so I can create relationships between the two databases.

Can Filemaker do this or do I need something else?

I see in the previous post that I may need DDR?

What is DDR?

And I may need FMRobot?

I downloaded this from the link above, but I can't locate a ddr file?

Can someone shine some light on this?

Thnaks in advance.

[Ender]

There's no built-in functionality to import tables from other files or duplicate tables in the same file. FM Robot can do some of this, but you'd need the DDR (Database Design Report) that FileMaker Developer generates. So you'd need FM Robot and FileMaker Developer (or someone that has Developer to generate the DDR for you.)

If the file you're trying to import is not too complex, then it's not all that hard to simply retype your fields and recreate the scripts and value lists. Layouts can be copied and pasted (although fields may need to be re-specified.)

[rgnelson]

Thanks for the reply!

Filemaker is very user friendly and slick. I look forward to working with it.

This is my first snag. I am a MySQL user and I am doing this project for someone that likes Filemaker.

It's hard to believe that in a free open source software you can dump, move, import and export data at will, but an application like Filemaker that cost hundreds of dollars won't let you copy from one database to the other. I must be missing something. Again I am new to filemaker.

Thanks!

[comment]

You can dump, move, import and export DATA at will in Filemaker as well.

You cannot import DATA STRUCTURE (i.e. field definitions) as easily. Unless it is the first table in a file. Then you can open a .mer file and Filemaker will create the appropriate fields, as well as import the data.

[rgnelson]

Thanks for the reply.

What I want to do, and there may be an easier or better way, is use the canned Purchase Order, Task managment, and Asset management databases that come with Filemaker along with another database that I created. I would like for there to be relationships between the four.

Do I need these in one db as 4 tables or can they be in seperate dbs?

Can I relate some of the tables in one file's db to othe tables in anothers db?

[Ender]

You could keep the existing Purchase Order, Task Management, and Asset Management files separate from your new file. It's not necessary for all tables to reside in the same file. FileMaker provides a way to link to external file's tables through File References. File References can be defined under File->Define->File References. Once a file reference is defined, you can use it as the source for tables in your relationship graph (plus call external scripts and value lists.)

[rgnelson]

Thanks for your reply!

I will go back to the book.

[rgnelson]

Thanks.

Just what I needed.

I appreciate the point in the right direction.

[Wim Decorte]

It's hard to believe that in a free open source software you can dump, move, import and export data at will, but an application like Filemaker that cost hundreds of dollars won't let you copy from one database to the other. I must be missing something. Again I am new to filemaker.

Thanks!

Since you're an mySQL user, you are used to ODBC/JDBC, right? FM allows you to create/drop tables and fields through ODBC/JDBC. Check out the manual or the ODBC Developer's guide they have on the FMI website.

One caveat: you can only create xDBC compliant fields whereas FMrobot lets you bring fields over with all their options.