Table of contents
What are external data sources in FileMaker?
An external data source in FileMaker refers to databases that originate from external sources such as another FileMaker file or an ODBC data source. Any number of external data sources can be defined for each FileMaker database, which can later be selected in the database administration under [Relationships] new tables can be added. External data sources are set up under the menu command [File > Define > External data sources].
Adding an external data source
To set up a new external data source, click in the dialog [Manage external data sources] on the button [New...].
Add FileMaker data source
In the first field, enter [Name] enter a unique name for the data source. If no name is entered, FileMaker automatically enters the name of the selected FileMaker file. To select a FileMaker file, click on the [Add file] or enter a file path in the text field [Path list] as described at the bottom of the dialog. This dialog does not support the specification of dynamic paths with a global variable.
Add ODBC data source
To add an ODBC data source, select in the dialog [Add data source] as type [ODBC] whereupon the dialog displays further fields for the ODBC data source. Please note that before adding a new data source, ODBC must be installed on your system with a corresponding data source set up.
Select under [DSN] Select your desired ODBC data source, which you have previously set up in the ODBC Manager.
Enter the following in the [Authentication] enter the access data for the ODBC data source. In the area [Filter tables] you can optionally enter criteria for filtering tables and activate or deactivate the respective options.
Edit data sources
To edit external data sources, select the menu command [File > Define > External data sources]. click on the desired entry and then on the button [Edit]. An entry can also be opened by double-clicking on it.
Dynamic external data sources as of FileMaker 16
As of FileMaker 16, external data sources can also be specified dynamically as variables. In this way it is possible, for example, to use different SQL servers or data sources with dynamic user paths that can be edited in the FileMaker software without the user having to manually adjust the external data source in the dialog. It should be noted that the variable is defined before the corresponding objects of the data source have been accessed, whereby the use of a global variable is preferred. FileMaker writes about this:
Variables are supported in FileMaker data source references. Set the variable before accessing objects that use the reference. Once the reference has been resolved, it will not change when the variable is modified.
In addition, it is recommended that the data source in a script should first be set with the [Open file] to open. Further information on this topic can be found in an article in the Forum of the FileMaker Magazine.
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