SQL Reference

Chapter 1 | Introduction 6
Using a FileMaker database as a data source
When you host a FileMaker database as an ODBC or JDBC data source, FileMaker data can be
shared with ODBC- and JDBC-compliant applications. The applications connect to the FileMaker
data
source using the FileMaker client drivers, construct and execute the SQL queries using
ODBC or JDBC, and process the data retrieved from the FileMaker database solution.
See FileMaker ODBC and JDBC Guide for extensive information on how you can use FileMaker
software as a data
source for ODBC and JDBC applications.
The FileMaker ODBC and JDBC client drivers support all of the SQL statements described in this
reference.
Using the ExecuteSQL function
The FileMaker Pro ExecuteSQL function lets you retrieve data from table occurrences named in
the relationships graph but independent of any defined relationships. You can retrieve data from
multiple tables without creating table joins or any relationship between the tables. In some cases,
you may be able to reduce the complexity of your relationships graph by using the ExecuteSQL
function.
The fields you query with the ExecuteSQL function do not have to be on any layout, so you can
use the ExecuteSQL function to retrieve data independent of any layout context. Because of this
context independence, using the ExecuteSQL function in scripts may improve the portability of the
scripts. You can use the ExecuteSQL function anywhere you can specify calculations, including
for charting and reporting.
The ExecuteSQL function supports only the SELECT statement, described in the section
“SELECT statement” on page 8.
Also, the ExecuteSQL function accepts only the SQL-92 syntax ISO date and time formats with
no braces ({}). The ExecuteSQL function does not accept the ODBC/JDBC format date, time, and
timestamp constants in braces.
For information about the syntax and use of the ExecuteSQL function, see FileMaker Pro Help.