An Old Newcomer to Databases

[Guest]

Hi folks!

I recently purchased FMP8 Advanced upon recommenation of a freind. I started learning database programming on a TI994-A. I know this dates me but "what the hey". I quickly ran that thing out of memory and got myself an IBM PC (Yep the original thing). To make a long story short I worked my way up through Dbase III, IV, Foxbase, Foxpro, Clipper, etc. Then I got away from it for a few years (about 20 or so).

Now I find myself wanting to get back into it but I'm afraid the 'ol DOS days are gone for good.

In other words I'm Lost.

Can anyone recommend the best place to start (other than this forum of course)as far as gaining the education I need. Books, online classes, etc.

I tried, for an entire day to find out how to get filemaker to update one field from the input of another. I finally decided to go to the search engines and try to find the answer. After about 2 minutes of searching I came across this forum and, Lo and Behold, it was the hot topic. I knew then this was the place to be.

Take Care!

Mel

[SteveB]

Welcome, Old Timer. I go back even further to using paper tape to input Dartmouth Basic programs.

You're right...this is the place to be. I would recommend Special Edition Using Filemaker 7 (by Steve Lane, Bob Bowers, etc.). While it doesn't cover the Tab Widget and other things like Tooltips and Custom Menus, it does a very thorough job on the basics and is very readable.

Steve

[Lee Smith]

How about DBM II

Welcome to the Forum. I don't see a previous version of FileMaker in your list. But you will find it a lot easier to learn then any of the ones you have listed. Steven has recommended a great book, and there are some others in the "Resource" Topic Area.

Version 8 has some real neat tools in it, but unfortunately the manual and online help barely scratch the surface on what they can do. Hence the need for other resources like the Lists. I believe that the FM Forum will be one of the BEST resource you can find.

Lee

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm anxious to get going and spend countless hours staring at a screen. you mentioned other resources for learning. That reminded me that, when I was heavily into it before, and I changed languages, the first thing I would do would be to run out to the book store and buy a "Que" book. I'm sure steve remembers those!

Thanks Again,

Mel