Hello from a Filemaker renegade

[Brian Yennie]

> That's really not much of an answer, and that is one thing that 
> continues to
> strike me about Rev database access discussions. They seem quite 
> shallow and
> unrealistic.
>
> All the multi-user record locking etc is built into Filemaker, it is 
> robust
> and easy to use. Even so, there is a long range of subtle issues that 
> come
> up in developer conversations all the time. Some are Filemaker 
> specific,
> some are generic to handling and updating datasets.

That's because FileMaker is an end-user database. Rev is a developer 
tool with database connectivity. The former consolidates all you need 
to know about databases into one product. The latter requires you to be 
proficient with MySQL, Postgres, Oracle, or whatever your back-end is. 
Record locking is not the same in different RDBMS, and if you want to 
implement it yourself then you will need to research techniques and 
implement them. There's no "ON" button for it, because MySQL/etc is not 
a part of Rev.

If you are going to make the transition from FileMaker to Rev, there is 
going to be a serious database engine learning curve. While this list 
is very responsive, it's definitely not the best place to learn about 
RDBMS.

> I know that you're not claiming that your responses are the definitive
> answer on Rev multi-user database access. But what IS the source for 
> that
> information?

This list is the source of information on scripting applications in 
Rev; however, you'll need to have a firm grasp on your database engine 
of choice as well, and that you won't find here.

I would start by picking a back-end, and figuring out what features it 
has. Then consult the list with a specific question. For example, 
"MySQL doesn't do row level record locking, how can I implement it in 
Transcript in my application".

> Rev may be great for multi-user database access. And perhaps many 
> people may
> have these issues worked out.
>
> But the answers I've seen so far are sort of like asking how do I win 
> the
> Indy 500? Oh, you just get in and turn the  key.
>
> There is a LOT more to it than that.

Indeed, but I think that's because people are merely suggesting 
approaches. It's beyond the scope of this list to show you how to 
replicate all of FileMaker in Rev.

Personally, I think Rev is great for database access, and it can 
certainly do more than FileMaker, but it will in fact do a lot less 
"out of the box". If you're looking for a complete roadmap, it ain't 
here. But there are many experts in Transcript and a few in RDBMS here 
that can help you piece by piece.

I think you'll find your mileage is even less in other systems- try 
picking up PHP web apps straight from FileMaker! But once you get over 
a few hurdles and get acclimated, you'll have a lot of power at your 
fingertips.

HTH,
Brian