I'm not sure the best way to articulate my question, but here is a rude attempt...

In the attached sample you will see "Style ( A )" and "Style ( B )"

Both styles may be correct under proper circumstances, I'm trying to learn what these circumstances are.

Both Style ( A ) and ( B ) only illustrate two tables, ProjectsTable and AssignmentTable.

Style ( A ) only has one MAIN table occurrence per table in the same TOG.

In this style UI layouts would only feed off

- PRJ~PARENT PROJECTS

- PRJ~CHILD ASSIGNMENTS

Style ( B ) sets up a TOG for ea. table. The result in this example it twice table occurences.

In this style UI layouts would only feed off

- PRJ~PARENT PROJECTS

- ASM~ASSIGNMENTS

Both styles only use two table occurrences to feed the UI.

Ha! Any help or direction on this would be much appreciated. THANKS!

I do B which seems to more closely resemble Anchor-Buoy. Basically, all my layouts are based on an anchor TO of a TOG.

It's been said that it's slower.

However, I'd name mine:

PRJ -> prj_ASSGN

ASSGN -> assgn_PROJ

and if I were creating a relationship for just active assignments:

PRJ -> prj_ASSGN~active

Lots of artlcles, blogs, etc. about methodologies for the relationship graph.

<Cue *comment (Michael) here for opposing opinion>

I have been using the Anchor-Buoy system. (Did not know it was called this, but now I do!)

This system does at time seem to be overkill, and I could see how it may run slower. But it has been easy for me to follow and develop in.

If Style ( B ) is call Anchor-Bouy, what is ( A ) Style called?

I think when I first started building databases I used A-style. A fellow developer viewed some of my work and suggested I use the anchor-bouy style and I never looked back... until now.

I like the idea of less TO's and a faster running system, but don't know.

THANKS!

For a thorough discussion of RG methodologies, I'd suggest buying Ray Cologon's FMPro Bible (still relevant).

If Style ( B ) is call Anchor-Bouy, what is ( A ) Style called?

Simple?

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See also:

https://fmdev.filemaker.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/1113-2-1172/approaches_to_graph_modeling_en.pdf

If Style ( B ) is call Anchor-Bouy, what is ( A ) Style called?

Best practice.

I find anchor-buoy more confusing but some developers find it easier to work in. I think its personal choice but if you want fast and lean, go A.

All this is great! I will do some reading, etc...

I'm going to make a few practice files using, lol, simple/best practice TOG style.

Thank you all for chiming in!