File puptcrit/puptcrit.0702, message 21


Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 17:08:23 -0500
From: "Klingelhoefer, Terri S" <tklingel-AT-indiana.edu>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Filemaker


Jim and Evy,

Jim, I am glad you are liking 8. We have a site license here and I work
for several departments on databases in 6 and 8.

I am having problems with many of the finer points that were more easily
mastered in the previous versions. Of course, what I am trying to do is
probably more complex than most puppet business needs, which is why I
find 6 easier for beginners to wrap their heads around.

I find that versions beyond 6 are harder, for beginner's especially, to
program, if a simple template is fine for what you do 8 works great, but
transferring anything from past versions is twitchy.  There is a lot
more power in what the new version does do, but there are a number of
things it doesn't do or does very differently. 

I have been locked in massive reprogramming and redesign ever since 7
came out. In my day job I manage small but complex databases of up to
40,000 records tracking individuals, families, subscriptions, invoices,
consults, etc. and some small but intensive research databases. The
learning curve for building from scratch in 7-8 is steeper than previous
version. Be prepared to put a lot of time in up front.  The results will
be worth it. If you don't the headaches will make you wish you had.

So if you are doing something that requires mostly flat input and
retrieval go for it, but if you have to make structural changes (at the
whim of other people in my case), as with Access, which I really hate,
you better get them in up front because the program is no longer as
flexible as it once was.  I have been working with this program since
version 4.

If you are building something to use for your own computer or a few
networked internal computers which you can incidentally also can be set
up to use offsite in 6, and your experience with such programs is low, 6
might work for you.

However, remember time marches on and eventually you will have to
upgrade to a newer version in Filemaker or some other program
regardless.  I recommend seriously looking at upgrading/changing the
database program every few years or so no matter what you use. It is
annoying, but that's life.  Eventually, you will upgrade or you will
have an unusable database.  

So that's all I have to say re: Filemaker on the list.  If anyone wants
to talk about it off-list feel free to write.

Best wishes!
Terri Klingelhoefer
Primary Player
Klingel-Engle Puppets
7251 West State Rd 46
Ellettsville IN 47429
tklingel-AT-indiana.edu
812-876-3540 land line
812-325-9326 cell
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