On a normal day I'm often told by co-workers and friends that I know a lot about FileMaker. However, when I come here and read a few topics where Senior members (don't know what else to call them) discussing a fairly complex problem I feel like an idiot. Like I so new to this I will never catch on.

So I've recently purchased the FileMaker Training Series for FM9 with the hope of reading every page and doing all the hands on stuff and becoming a FM genius (maybe not). So if i make it all the way through this book will I be ready for the test? I assume i would be but will it make me a better developer.

Outside of this training is there anything other reading recommend just to become better and smarter about building databases in general? I've been reading about about Normalizing my data as it pertains to FileMaker would I be better off to know how other application normalize?

I'm a little thick at times and some topics just have hard time working their way into my brain. So a good engaging book would be nice of even some video training. Open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

(sorry for any typos/grammar, i've taken my sleeping meds and shouldn't be posting here at all.)

Tony

aka grumbachr or bigabytes

IMHO the best way to learn about databases is to build them. Solve problems. Get your head into the zone.

If you cannot find somebody else to pay you do build databases, do lots of self-projects. An invoicing system is a good start, and it'll be useful later if you decide to do some paid work. Also good is a time sheet or job tracking database. Both of these are very frequently requested solutions for business, so it'll be good experience.

(Don't imagine you'll be able to sell any solutions you make though; most commercially available solutions often have over 10 years development behind them. Just do yours for the experience.)

Also, look at the work of others. Not all is good, though, even that from self-professed experts. As a consulting developer, you'll discover this quickly. :)

Good advice V.

I'd say think of any db that might be useful to you or your friends. Looking in my dev folder, I've started a family reunion planner, food/exercise/sleep log, alpine climbing planner, youth sports league manager, poker tracker, income tax calculator, and role playing game character generator. None of which I actually shared with anyone else (though some have been useful to me and a few have pretty good potential for further development), I just did em for my own amusement/training.

While making them, I applied techniques I was reading about. I recommend the tech brief in Mr Vodka sig as a start. Work through that and play around with whatever interests you.

All of them started with, "I want to be able to..." and the development flowed from there.