FileMaker Pro 8.5 Bible

FileMaker Pro 8.5 Bible provides step-by-step procedures for using virtually all FileMaker Pro features and performing all tasks. This best-selling volume has been updated to reflect Version 8.5, the latest version of FileMaker Pro workgroup database. Applicable to both the Mac and Windows versions of FileMaker Pro, this Bible shows readers how to create and work with databases and includes detailed ScriptMaker (scripting) explanations for automating FileMaker. Other topics covered include calculations and computations; data exchange; creating and using templates; linking databases; using FileMaker in workgroups; Web publishing; plug-ins; and advanced database connectivity.

User review
not for 8.5 at all
This book sucks for all users, every level!
Not only is this book extremely simple, like the previous reviews have said, but it is not updated for the 8.5 version. It is taken word-for-word directly from the FileMaker Pro 8.0 book, including the images of the screen layouts. Which makes it completely inaccurate for FileMaker 8.5.
For example; In Ch 4, Building Your First Database, this book walks you though starting with setting field options, which won't work with version 8.5. You have to build tables, and then build fields within them.

This book is a waste of money. Don't buy it unless you are running FileMaker 8.0, or older, you want a very simple database, and you have no experience or understanding of databases at all. Even then you should just buy the the 8.0 version; it will be cheaper (being the older version), and exactly the same.

User review
No information on how to make complex table relationships
This book makes no mention of Table Occurrences or Table Occurrence Groups, so if you plan to build or modify a database with many complex relationships, buy the Missing Manual book or the Filemaker Pro Business Applications book instead.

User review
Good book, lots of Material, but short on information about reports
Awesome book,,,,so I gave it four stars. It's a great reference guide.

However, I was looking for some advanced information about reports,,.how to create fancy formatted reports, rather than the plain vanilla type with totals and subtotals. I don't see a book in publication that addresses reports to that level of detail.

But, the book is really well written and at 800 pages, probably contains 95% of everything you'd ever need.

User review
Disappointing
I purchased this book in the expectation that it would expand on FMP's online help. However, I was disappointed in that it only covers the basics, doesn't add to what's available in FMP's online help. Index insufficient to quickly access information sought. Lacks sufficient examples of applications.

User review
Only for beginners
THis is not a good reference for people who are experienced with other database systems, or who are technical at all. It is so basic that important concepts are completely omitted. A far better book is `The Missing Manual`.