Category: Version: FM 12 or later

ExecuteSQL, Level: Intermediate, SQL, Version: FM 12 or later

FM 12 ExecuteSQL: A Cool Tool

Kevin Frank

It’s been a fun week experimenting with the ExecuteSQL function, and also seeing what others are doing with it. In some cases the experience has been eye opening, and I strongly recommend that anyone interested in ExecuteSQL grab the SQL Builder file from Eden Morris, available on FMForums (registration required) at http://fmforums.com/forum/files/file/25-sql-builder/

This attractive and powerful tool provides a point and click interface to build complex SQL queries, which are then rendered in FileMaker 12 ExecuteSQL syntax, e.g.,

The current version is 0.4, implying that updates may be forthcoming, so you might want to not only download the demo, but bookmark the above link as well. Very nicely done, Mr. Morris!

ExecuteSQL, Level: Intermediate, SQL, Version: FM 12 or later

FM 12 ExecuteSQL, part 2

Kevin Frank

One of the fun things about a new FileMaker release is figuring out how new features work, including subtle behavioral nuances. Today’s demo file, FM12 ExecuteSQL Help Example from CW, is based on Corn Walker’s re-working of one of the demos from part 1, and helps demonstrate how ExecuteSQL fits in with the FileMaker security model.

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ExecuteSQL, Level: Intermediate, SQL, Version: FM 12 or later

FM 12 ExecuteSQL, part 1

Kevin Frank

FileMaker 12 offers many intriguing new features, including new windowing capabilities, significant charting and container field improvements, and a brand new design surface. But to my way of thinking, all of these pale in comparison to the exciting possibilities offered by the new ExecuteSQL function.

What’s so great about ExecuteSQL? In a nutshell, it allows us to natively (without a plug-in) perform queries against FileMaker tables using SQL (structured query language). This means that we can now write code to answer questions that previously required adding new table occurrences and special-purpose fields to serve as relational predicates.

Incidentally, if you’re curious about SQL in general, here are some good starting points:

And of course you’ll want to grab a copy of the FileMaker 12 ODBC/JDBC Guide, which offers tantalizing glimpses of what FileMaker is capable of SQL-wise under the hood. Much of the information in Chapter 7 is directly relevant to the ExecuteSQL function.

Continue reading “FM 12 ExecuteSQL, part 1” →