Database Reference
In-Depth Information
▪ Oracle 11g
▪ MySQL 56 Community Edition
If your SQL database isn't in this list, you have to upgrade or migrate to one that is. Trying
to make a different type of database work is futile—just ask someone who's tried. Luckily,
this list represents recent versions of three very popular database systems. If you don't have a
SQL database, but you want to get one, you need to research which is best for you. But if
you just want to experiment, start with MySQL. For most purposes (including real commer-
cial use), it's completely free. To get MySQL for Mac OS X or Windows, visit
www.mysql.com
and look for the MySQL Community Server link.
The rest of this section assumes you have a working SQL database server and that you have
access to at least one database on that server.
Installing the ODBC Driver
In order for FileMaker to communicate with the SQL database, you need an ODBC driver.
This software acts as the bridge between programs on your computer and the SQL database
server software. The driver is specific to your database server. If you're using Oracle, you
need an Oracle ODBC driver, for instance. If you use Microsoft Windows, this step is usu-
ally a breeze. Each of the supported SQL databases has an ODBC driver provided by the
manufacturer. Just visit their website and find out how to get the driver you need.
NOTE
If you're not sure what you need, try searching the Web for
microsoft sql server ODBC driver down-
load
. The first site listed is probably the download page you need. (Substitute
oracle
or
mysql
for
Microsoft SQL Server, as appropriate.)
Mac OS X users aren't so lucky. The big database developers don't provide free ODBC
drivers for the Mac. Instead, head over to
www.actualtechnologies.com
and then purchase
the right driver (they're cheap and work beautifully). FileMaker, Inc., worked directly with
Actual to ensure maximum compatibility, and they provide the drivers of choice. (For
MySQL, choose the driver called ODBC driver for Open Source Databases.)
Once you've acquired the correct driver, install it on your computer. After you've installed
the driver, you have to configure it.
Your computer's operating system has the ODBC system built in. You use a special program
on your computer to tell it which SQL databases you want to work with. The configuration
process is entirely different on Mac OS X and Windows, so go directly to the section that ap-
plies to you.
