Those of us who have been around the world of Mac for… well, longer than we’d like to admit… know that FileMaker is and has been the go-to tool for creating custom database applications. The platform works with Mac, iPhone, iPad, the Web and Windows, and now FileMaker would like to give a new generation of application designers an opportunity to gain skills. The company has just made the FileMaker Training Series: Basics for FileMaker 14 (AKA FTS:Basics) available as a free download on the company’s website and on the iBooks Store.
FTS: Basics is aimed at beginners, but it’s more than just a quick tutorial on how to double-click on the app icon. The 19 sections of the class include:
- FileMaker Platform Overview
- Using Starter Solutions
- Viewing and Working with Data
- Finding and Sorting Records
- User-Centered Design
- Importing Data
- Creating Fields and Tables
- Relationships
- Layouts
- Layout Design Tools
- Special Layout Objects
- Formatting Field Objects
- User Interface Best Practices
- Calculations
- Scripting
- Reporting
- Integration
- Security
- Deployment
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you have the opportunity to advance towards being a FileMaker Certified Developer with the FileMaker Training Series: Advanced class. While it’s not free, the training costs just $19.99 or can be had as part of the FileMaker Developer Subscribers program.
There are a number of consultants who have built long-term careers on the FileMaker platform. For a young Mac user looking at a way of getting a start in database application development or an experienced Mac support professional looking at expanding her skill set, the FTS Basics and Advanced courses can be a good launchpad for a career.
