Does anyone know of any community college that has beginner filemaker classes? My bosses have requested that I learn how to build a database, but don't have the funds to hire someone to actually come to the business and train. Any suggestions would be helpful.

I didn't vote, because the answer would depend on YOU.

FileMaker has the reputation for being EASY to Learn and Use, but it does have a learning curve. How quickly you can move through the learning curve will depend on things such as a knowledge of databases, ability to learn new subjects, and commitment to put the time into learning.

Consider the following.

How complex will the Database need to be?

>You can put together a Flat File like a Rolodex in a few minutes, but if you are talking about an Accounting Package, then plan on a Stiff Learning Curve.

How much time do you have to learn it?

> I'm self taught, but I started with the original FileMaker back in 1989, when it wasn't very complicated. You could actually produce a solution without even picking up the Manual, Also, I'm still learning new stuff.

Check out your local Community College, I know of a couple of them that have offered classes in FileMaker in the past here, however, I think you can learn just as much from the Manual.

Take a look at the Sample/Example files that come with FileMaker, they can provide you with a good idea as to what can be done with FileMaker (some members have actually been able to use these files to meet a need.

One of the best learning tools is this Forum. I would start by reading what has been recommend reading/viewing in three of the forums.

Resource Topic Area

FM Forums Affiliate Sponsor Topic Area

FileMaker Developers & User Groups Topic Area.

Again, we do not know your background and abilities, so this is something only you would know.

HTH

Lee

[color:red]PS

I should have also mention that if you do a Google Search for [color:blue]FileMaker Training, you will get a lot of leads. [color:blue] and some of the sponsors here offer classes, videos, seminars, etc., so click on their links and see what is there.

Edited August 12, 200619 yr by Guest
PS

I always recommend doing something as a base first -- and always recommend lynda.com --> Gives you a nice short intro to relational database design, aswell as how to use FM to generate basic reports etc. etc. The rest is basically learn as you go -- and yes, these forums are an excellent resource, ask all the "noob" questions you want -- people are happy to help you out if you've at least bothered to have a quick search to see if you're questions already been answered.

Anyway, no point trying to learn it all at once (unless you really really really really really have to) - it's a short learning curve for the basics, but in terms of actual pro dev -- may take a lot longer. I've been working with it for about a year or something now and only had a decent grasp of it -- e.g. i didn't do 5 times more work than i had to to make something operate efficiently until after that point. But again -- these forums = excellent

Anyway, good luck -- if you've self taught before it shouldn't be too much of an issue like Lee says though - it all really depends on you.

I would recommend buying one of the Filemaker Bible - type books. That's where I started learning.

Also, if you're in Northern California (Sacramento) area, there are several of us nearby who can offer assistance

Edited August 12, 200619 yr by Guest

My videos start off at a beginner level and progress through intermediate and advanced, all using a the same example.

http://www.databasepros.com/videos.html

I bought John Osborne's videos and I was really impressed. You get to do a hands-on solution while you are learning and progressing through the levels.

There are several good books out there also. I recommend any or all of the following: Using FileMaker 8, FileMaker Pro 8 Bible, FileMaker Pro 8 The Missing Manual and FileMaker 8 Functions and Scripts Desk Reference

Thanks for your kind words about my videos.

Database Pros offers public classes in San Jose, California using the Professional Foundation Training material developed by FileMaker, Inc. The next course is scheduled in January and is listed at:

http://www.databasepros.com/professionaltraining.html