Hello,

If I click on "New Database" Will it do anything to my existing database?  I use FM for my invoicing. Now I want to make a database for my equipment list.

thanks

tosy

 

No, unless you specifically set up  a database as an external data source for another, databases are totally independent of each other

Just don’t name it the same name and file it in the same folder. 

It would be good to understand the difference between a new file and a new table; both are considered databases.  It is easiest to create a new 'table' (database) within the same 'file' if they revolve around the same business needs.  Multiple tables within a single file makes scripting and security easier.  Also, most hosting companies charge per file so a single file for a single business works bests (or two files if using *data separation).  Is the Equipment list used in your Invoicing?  If so, instead of creating a new database 'file', create a new table ...  File > Manage > Database and go to Tables tab to create a new table.

FileMaker is flexible in this regard.  You can use different files or different tables within a single file; your choice.  If you use a second file, you can add an occurrence of it within you graph by adding it as an external data source as Doug recommends. 

* separation model simply means the UI is in one file and data tables are in another.  You can search here for discussions and examples.  But since you rate yourself as a beginner, a single file is recommended.

a new file and a new table; both are considered databases.

True, but since FMI defines a database as "The arrangement of tables and fields and their interrelationships in a file" it would be best to reserve this term to a file.

Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to the FileMaker training series page 1 and work through the lessons.

True, but since FMI defines a database as "The arrangement of tables and fields and their interrelationships in a file" it would be best to reserve this term to a file.

True and I almost mentioned it.  However, version 11-13 indicates 'File > New Database' so I thought it more confusing if I said that a new FILE is a database but a new TABLE in a file is, well, not -  so I stopped myself since Tosy is in version 11.

In 14, it at least now indicates 'File > New Solution' but when you select 'Manage', it still indicates 'new database' when they are actually meaning table.  So both the file and the table are known as a 'database' to FileMaker in some places.  

In all, I was unclear whether Tosy was asking about starting a new file or starting a new table which was why I instead went into depth to explain when one might use file versus a table.  Thanks for bringing this up, since FMs inconsistent use of the term can be confusing.  :-)

edited ...crossed out the word 'new'

Edited October 23, 201510 yr by LaRetta