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Develop your FileMaker skills with these FileMaker Tips!
Script Triggers in FileMaker Pro 10
FileMaker, Inc. celebrated the New Year with the release of its newest version, FileMaker Pro 10. The updated database software package takes on a more dramatic look and feel design. New features of FileMaker Pro 10 will provide the tools to better streamline navigation, improve workflow and incorporate timesaving shortcuts. Some of the new features such as redesigned Status Toolbar, Dynamic Reporting, and Saved Finds will prove to be valuable for both users and developers; but we think the most powerful and helpful new feature is the Script Trigger.
Script Triggers allows users and developers the ability to automate tasks. FileMaker Scripts can now be run based on users' actions like clicking a button, entering a field, or inputting data. They can also be run based on a particular time as well. FileMaker Pro 10 includes 12 script triggers (five object based and seven layout-based) that are operated much like spreadsheet macros. The functionality of Script Triggers are numerous and can only be limited to the designer's creativity. FileMaker.com provides some examples of how script triggers can be used:
- Expedite data entry by automatically advancing to the next field or switching to a new layout.
- Prevent errors by auto-correcting data entered or limiting data entry to just letters or numbers.
- Make your databases more secure by adding Script Triggers that automatically close a layout due to inactivity.
- Display only credit card number and expiration date fields if someone selects "Credit Card" as the payment type.
The new Script Triggers feature also solves the problematic dilemma of logging changes to records. With previous versions of FileMaker, it would be easy to keep track of who created a record, when it was created, who last modified it and when they did so by using the Auto-Enter Field. But with script triggers, if a record is changed, further details of which fields were changed and their past values can be noted. This can easily be done by writing a script that will run when a record is changed, than setting up the right Script Triggers for the layout.
As you continue to discover new usages of all of the new wonderful features in FileMaker Pro 10, you will undoubtedly come up with your own conclusion to your own favorite new feature. Whatever that feature may be, you cannot ignore how powerful a tool the Script Triggers feature is. Script Triggers will allow you to avoid data entry errors, automate database tasks and simplify the design of your FileMaker database solution.
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