FileMaker Pro is a development platform from Claris International Inc., a subsidiary of Apple Inc. The software makes it easy for everyone to create powerful, multi-user, cross-platform, relational database applications.

This book navigates the reader through the software in a clear and logical manner, with each chapter building on the previous one. After an initial review of the user environment and application basics, the book delves into a deep exploration of the integrated development environment, which seamlessly combines the full stack of schema, business logic, and interface layers into a unified visual programming experience. Everything beginners need to get started is covered, along with advanced material that seasoned professionals will appreciate.

Written by a professional developer with decades of real-world experience, Learn FileMaker Pro 2024 is a comprehensive learning and reference guide. Join millions of users and developers worldwide in achieving a new level of workflow efficiency with FileMaker.

For This New Edition

This third edition is meticulously rewritten and updated. It includes clearer lessons and more examples, making it easier than ever to start planning, building, and deploying a custom database solution. It covers dozens of new and modified features introduced in versions 19.1 to 19.6, as well as the more recent 2023 (v20) and 2024 (v21) releases. Whatever your level of experience, this book has something new for you!

What You’ll Learn 

• Plan and create custom tables, fields, and relationships
• Write calculations using built-in and custom functions
• Build layouts with dynamic objects, themes, and custom menus
• Automate tasks with scripts and link them to objects and interface events
• Keep database files secure and healthy
• Integrate with external systems using ODBC, cURL, and the FM API
• Deploy solutions to share with desktop, iOS, and web clients
• Learn about summary reports, dynamic object references, and transactions
• Delve into artificial intelligence with CoreML, OpenAI, and Semantic Finds

Introduction

The first edition of Learn FileMaker Pro was released in 2017, covering version 16. While it was well-received, I believed there was room for improvement, particularly in terms of conciseness and the quality of examples. In 2021, I had the opportunity to update the book for its second edition, focusing on version 19. I took this chance to rewrite the manuscript, restructure the content, enhance the language, and integrate valuable reader feedback. The result was a slightly shorter book that delivered more information in a more accessible format. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Now, three years later, I am pleased to introduce the third edition: Learn FileMaker Pro 2024. This edition has been retitled to align with Claris’ new annualized product releases and includes updates for the many new features introduced in recent years. Since the last edition covered up to version 19.1, this includes updates for versions 19.2 through 19.6, the features introduced in version 2023 (20.1-20.3), and the newly released version 2024 (21.1). In my ongoing effort to improve, I have further refined the presentation. Many sections have been clarified and expanded, with advanced material moved to the back to make the early lessons more approachable for new developers. Example files have been recreated for each topic, making it even easier to follow along and experiment. Additionally, I’ve added new material on transactions, dynamic object references, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for more experienced readers.

With each edition, I've strived to address legitimate criticisms. Is this edition perfect? Perhaps not. But I believe it represents a significant improvement, offering plenty of new content for everyone. I hope you enjoy the book and find it helpful in your journey. If you do, please consider leaving a review on your favorite online bookseller's site and sharing it on social media. As always, I welcome your feedback and questions.

Mark Conway Munro
August 2024

About the Author

Mark Conway Munro is an accomplished author and software developer with a career spanning over three decades. He began working with AppleScript and FileMaker in 1988, using these tools to manage information and automate digital workflows. In 1994, Mark channeled his expertise into founding Write Track Media, a computer consultancy firm dedicated to streamlining repetitive digital tasks and enhancing productivity. His innovative systems empower clients to achieve greater creativity by freeing them from routine work. Mark is also the author of several influential books, including AppleScript: Developer Reference (2010, Wiley) and the widely respected Learn FileMaker Pro series (2017, 2021, 2024, Apress).