[Maflynn]

I'm in need of a database application (client/non web), I realize FMP is the 800 lbs gorilla for the mac. It seems to have one major item missing that I need the query window.

Here's my Filemaker Pro questions
Does FileMaker Pro Developer contain this
Can I use ms query (I think that's include with Office v.X right)with an odbc connection not sure of FMP supports ODBC on the mac.

I'm tempted with mysql but tweaking or configuring the database (especially in cli) is not what I had in mind. Just install and go.

Any other database solutions that have pretty decent report writers and and the ability to use a sql query window.

Does 4D have this?

Thanks
Mike

[Gavin]

mysql really isn't that bad. It has an OSX installer, just double click it. No need to configure anything. I think there is one command you paste into the terminal but you only need to do that once when you install it.

Get an app called cocoamysql to connect to it. it has your query window as well as graphical control over making databases and tables, entering data, etc.

And it's free.

Reports and graphs and pretty user interfaces are not included. You have to make your own with PHP or something. If you are not technical this could be the deal killer for you.
On the other hand there are applications out there that will produce reports from sql databases. You might save a little money by using a free db and just paying for the report generator.

Another DB is SQLite. I've never tried it but there seem to be lots of apps with it built in. So you may not have to install it at all.

FMP is very easy to use but it is not an SQL DB. I think there are ad-ons that will let you connect via ODBC, but last I heard it was pretty limited. FMP's strength is in whipping up nice interfaces fast, if your database is intended to have a person sitting in front of it all day then you can't beat it. If you are going to do complicated queries with multiple tables you'll be better off with a real SQL server.


Definitely checkout 4D, lots of people swear by it.

[larkost]

As has been said, FileMaker is not a SQL based database. That is not to say it is not a very powerful one, and non-programmers can get an awful lot of work out of FileMaker, but the really high end stuff is just not there. If everything you normally do can be done through MS query, then you are not exceeding FileMaker's capabilities at all. It can probably be done more easily in FileMaker than in Access.

But (and here is a really big point) the way you will get the work done is very different. This is the point that trips most people up. You have to think first and lay out your data so that you can get the work done that you want to. Since FileMaker is not query oriented you have to think ahead. My advice would be to download the 30 day trial and play around with it some and see if you can wrap your head around it.