Working with Large Fields and Container Fields

Most of the formats discussed so far are predominantly text-oriented; that is, either they treat exported data as text, or at the very least they describe its attributes using text-based formats. But FileMaker has extensive capabilities for handling binary data as well, via the container field type. FileMaker can import files in batches, as discussed in the preceding chapter. FileMaker also has tools that allow you to create a batch export of binary files as well. The key to most such exporting operations is the Export Field Contents command, found in the Edit menu. You can manually enter a single field on a FileMaker layout and choose Edit, Export Field Contents, and the contents of that one field will be exported to a file of the appropriate type: a text file for most field types, or the actual file contents of a container field. (For example, exporting from a container field containing a file called hurricanes.dbf will produce exactly the hurricanes.dbf file.) The Export Field Contents option is not available for a container field unless the field contains somethingeither an embedded file or a reference to a file.

For more information on the batch import of images, see "Importing Multiple Files from a Folder," 578.

When used via the menu, Export Field Contents exports the contents of one selected field from one record. To create something like a batch export of images, it's necessary to write a script that uses the Export Field Contents script step. Scripted exports are a powerful technique that's covered in the next section.


Part I: Getting Started with FileMaker 8

FileMaker Overview

Using FileMaker Pro

Defining and Working with Fields

Working with Layouts

Part II: Developing Solutions with FileMaker

Relational Database Design

Working with Multiple Tables

Working with Relationships

Getting Started with Calculations

Getting Started with Scripting

Getting Started with Reporting

Part III: Developer Techniques

Developing for Multiuser Deployment

Implementing Security

Advanced Interface Techniques

Advanced Calculation Techniques

Advanced Scripting Techniques

Advanced Portal Techniques

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Converting Systems from Previous Versions of FileMaker Pro

Part IV: Data Integration and Publishing

Importing Data into FileMaker Pro

Exporting Data from FileMaker

Instant Web Publishing

FileMaker and Web Services

Custom Web Publishing

Part V: Deploying a FileMaker Solution

Deploying and Extending FileMaker

FileMaker Server and Server Advanced

FileMaker Mobile

Documenting Your FileMaker Solutions



Using FileMaker 8
Special Edition Using FileMaker 8
ISBN: 0789735121
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 296

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