naming conventions
Training for FileMaker Developers
Rick Aguirre
Senior FileMaker Developer
CANCELLED – ( was November 10th 2009 – 8 am to 10 am PDT )
$75
Your desk! Online via WebEx
Workshop description
Naming conventions have deep implications on the relationship graph as well as the other ‘domains’ of FileMaker Pro. In this workshop, we address the implications and propose a new approach to the graph. We will study graph-related entities, deconstruct the usage and importance of each, propose a radical change in the graph, examine its benefits and invite rational criticism. Five entities are tied to the relationship graph structurally and visually :
Field Naming and Organization
A clean graph starts with a clean field list. Field naming and organization build
the foundation for a functional Edit Relationship dialog, organized TO match field
list, clean relationship lines, ease of structural understanding and deft usage
Edit Relationship dialog
With field naming and grouping changes, keys are easy to find, particularly with the use of type-ahead.
Central Table Occurrence Name and Appearance
Insofar as we can organize field names in a custom order, we’re able to structure this list somewhat, and it helps maintain a clean look and grouping.
Graph organization
Type-ahead works on the graph, too. Employing its usefulness, it’s nice not to have to type a prefix to get to the table set and its sub-group.
TO pop-up value list
This is the object with which we interface most frequently. In field definitions, scripts, portal setup, field specification, value lists, etc, we engage and navigate this entity far more than the graph, button parameters, the TO match field list, the Edit Relationship dialog — even more than field definitions. Using clever and consistent naming turns the list into a decision tree, yet we have no custom control over its sort: it’s un/related, then alphabetical.
A well-thought out naming convention can address all of the above issues – and more!
Instructor: Rick Aguirre
Senior FileMaker Developer
Rick Aguirre is a senior certified FileMaker developer at Beezwax. For over 15 years he has developed and maintained large-scale custom FileMaker solutions for a wide variety of clients including small businesses and large-scale enterprises. Companies seek his expertise when their FileMaker projects are mission critical and require a deep understanding of FileMaker’s nuances and capabilities.
Rick was one of two Beezwax developers on the 18-person international team that FileMaker, Inc. assembled to establish naming conventions for the Industry. Additionally, Rick was the Technical Editor of the book “FileMaker Pro 7 Advanced for Windows and Macintosh: Visual Quickpro Guide”, published by Peachpit Press.
Have questions? Call 1-510-291-4982 or E-mail us at
training@beezwax.net