The Separation Model – Part 6

by Matt Petrowsky

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FileMaker has a few unique features because of it being its own database. Unlike SQL, where you make selections across multiple tables (which FileMaker does support the use of some SQL - via a plugin), there's this concept of multi-keys for the purpose of relating many to many via one single record - or via one single field actually, it's known as a multi-key field.

Knowing about this unique feature, and using it when it makes sense, is something you can take advantage of. So, the trick is knowing the difference between when to use a multi-key relationship versus using an actual join table.

In this part of the series, I showcase how I interrelate a group of people into a grouped family. I do this without using a Join table because the situation is such that the records which relate together are pretty static. Once the relationship is made it's pretty much permanent. I also show you one of the most powerful custom functions you'll ever use when using FileMaker's multi-key feature. It's something you'll use often once you see how useful multi-keys can really be.