Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10. More Calculations and
Data Types
The last chapter introduced the terminology and concepts behind FileMaker's calculations.
You learned how to create them by using the Specify Calculation window's tools. The sheer
length of the function list shows how big a role functions play in good calculation construc-
tion. FileMaker divides that long list into types so it's easier to find the one you need, and be-
cause the types usually share some common traits that make using them easier. The types are
not listed in alphabetical order, but the functions within each type are. Choose “All functions
by name” from the View pop-up menu to get a purely alphabetical list, with no consideration
for types. In this chapter, you'll learn about the most common functions for the various data
types—text, number, date, time, timestamp, and container—and when to use them. To test a
calculation, just create a brand new calculation field and then start building it using the tech-
niques you've learned so far. If it doesn't work the way you expect, or if you don't need it
after your experiment is done, then just delete the field.
Number Crunching Calculations
Although they don't come first in the function list, number functions are the most obvious
application of calculations, so they're a logical place to start. Plus, many concepts you'll
learn for number functions apply to other functions as well.
NOTE
See Using Operators in Calculations for a refresher on mathematical operators.
Number Function Types
Since FileMaker has so many number functions, the function list breaks them up into smaller
groups with descriptive names. You can easily find the group you need (or skim by them
without looking, if you might be traumatized by accidentally seeing a sine or cosine func-
tion). These are the function groups you use with your numeric data:
▪ Number functions
▪ Aggregate functions
▪ Financial functions
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