Advanced Calculations

In the previous two chapters, you've learned loads of ways calculations can make your databases work harder for you. But the functions you've learned so far can't make your databases work much smarter. For example, the TextColor function can display the balance due on an invoice in red. But suppose you want that to happen only if the invoice is past due? You could do it in any number of ways, from sorting invoice records to creating a special "past due balance" field. But they all either make extra work for the person using the database, or give you as designer yet another field to worry about every time you tweak, troubleshoot, or repurpose the database. The most elegant solution is to let the database figure out for itself when an invoice is past due. In other words, you want to create a calculation that makes a decision based on current data, whatever it may be. This chapter shows you how to give your calculations that brainpower by using logical functions and other advanced techniques.


Note: Before you read on, now's a good time to download a fresh copy of the working database. This chapter refers to some layouts and fields that your copy may not have. Head over to MissingManuals.com, as discussed on Section 3.4.5.


Part I: Introduction to FileMaker Pro

Your First Database

Organizing and Editing Records

Building a New Database

Part II: Layout Basics

Layout Basics

Creating Layouts

Advanced Layouts and Reports

Part III: Multiple Tables and Relationships

Multiple Tables and Relationships

Advanced Relationship Techniques

Part IV: Calculations

Introduction to Calculations

Calculations and Data Types

Advanced Calculations

Extending Calculations

Part V: Scripting

Scripting Basics

Script Steps

Advanced Scripting

Part VI: Security and Integration

Security

Exporting and Importing

Sharing Your Database

Developer Utilities

Part VII: Appendixes

Appendix A. Getting Help



FileMaker Pro 8. The Missing Manual
FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual
ISBN: 0596005792
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 176

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