Help a newbie? 2 databases

[anode505]

Ok, I'm a total newbie to DBs (well played with them about 20 years ago)

What I'm trying to do is have/connect 2 database files.

One for customer contact info (ie: address, phone, etc) the second for the customers' machines.

For the machines db, there are different models, ammount of machines, and would also like to add in the service history.

So my basic question(s) is do I need multiple files for this, or can a single db do it?

I'm looking to display a table that has a drop down combo box of the machines that, that customer has (along with serial#s, etc.)

How/where do I link the 2 files? I have the relationships there, a drop-down box that points to the other db's field. But nothing comes over. I'm sure it has to do with a find of some sorts.

(sorry for the total newbie q)

Dave

Oh, any good book recommendations?

Edited February 18, 2008 by Guest

[Fitch]

You don't need multiple files (although you can do it that way), but you will use multiple tables. At least two, from your description, plus another for the service history.

Link the customer to machines using a customer ID field.

Link the machines to history using the machine ID.

Your value list should use the "Include only related values" option. You can show one or two fields in a value list. No Find necessary.

The Missing Manual is good for getting started. Next I'd recommend the Que Special Edition book.

No need to apologize for asking questions. It would help me to answer you better though, if you stuck with FileMaker terminology. E.g. what's a "drop down combo box"? I'm just assuming you mean a drop-down list.

[anode505]

Thanks!!!

I prefer the single file (at least for now) It does simplify things. Would multiple files help performance on large databases?

I got most of it cool. Only bugger left to tackle is selecting a machine. When I select one form the drop-down list (sorry for th combo box, comes from vb/realbasic programing) it changes the record. What I'd want to to just pick & view the machine an edit the history.

I grabbed the missing manual. Hope I get some long flights soon

Dave

[Fitch]

Would multiple files help performance on large databases?

No, but in some scenarios it can help with maintenance, e.g. if you need to deal with imports or a crash.

When I select one form the drop-down list ... it changes the record.

I don't know what you mean, can you elaborate?