Quick Start

34 Getting Started Guide
The sample files illustrate the concepts explained in the lessons, and
let you see how features work before you build them. Refer back to
the sample file associated with each lesson if you need to. The
tutorial sample files for lessons 2 through 9 are installed in
FileMaker Pro\Tutorial\Sample Files. The sample files for lesson 10,
which explains relational databases, are installed in
FileMaker Pro\Tutorial\Sample Files\Sample10.
The working files mimic the sample files, except the features being
taught in particular lessons have been removed. You will add these
missing items and structures as you complete each lesson. The
working files for lessons 5 through 9 are installed in
FileMaker Pro\Tutorial\Working Files. The working files for lesson
10 are installed in FileMaker Pro\Tutorial\Working
Files\MyFiles10.
If you need to start over
If you make a mistake or need to start over, you can reinstall the
tutorial files without having to reinstall the entire FileMaker Pro
application. For Windows-based systems, see “Compact installation
or Custom installation” on page 9. For Mac OS systems, see
“Custom installation” on page 20.
Database concepts
What is a database?
A database is a method of organizing and analyzing information.
You’ve probably used several databases recently without realizing it.
A date book, a parts list, and even your own address book are
databases.
Why use a database?
Storing information in a database file has many benefits. A database
doesn’t just hold information—it helps you organize and analyze the
information in different ways. For example, databases allow you to
group information for reports, sort information for mailing labels,
count your inventory, or find a particular invoice.
Computerized databases offer many additional advantages over their
paper-based counterparts: speed, reliability, precision, and the ability
to automate many repetitive tasks.
How is a database organized?
A database file is organized into records. Each record is a collection
of fields.
Imagine your address book is a FileMaker Pro database file. Each
listing in your address book is one record. Each record has
information, such as name, address, and phone number. Each of
these pieces of information—name, address, and phone number—is
stored in a separate field.
FileMaker Pro
Sample02.fp5
Sample03.fp5
Sample04.fp5
Sample05.fp5
Sample06.fp5
Sample07.fp5
Sample08.fp5
Sample09.fp5
Sample 10 folder
Companies.fp5
Members.fp5
MyFile05.fp5
MyFile06.fp5
MyFile07.fp5
MyFile08.fp5
MyFile09.fp5
MyFiles10 folder
MyCompanies.fp5
MyMembers.fp5
Tutorial
Sample Files Working Files
Overview of the FileMaker Pro Tutorial folder structure