Welcome to the multi-part video series that will teach you how to implement DataTables in your Claris FileMaker Pro solutions effectively. Whether you prefer reading, watching videos, or trying out demo files, we’ve got you covered. If you’re new to this series, we recommend starting from the introduction to get the most out of your learning experience. You can access the complete series here: Master DataTables with Claris FileMaker Pro.
In the previous post, we introduced DataTables and explored the reasons why it’s a valuable addition to your Claris FileMaker Pro development toolkit.
In this post, we’ll delve into the heart of the training series by providing an in-depth overview of the DataTables Builder, and we’ll also showcase our first demo file.
Exploring the DataTables Builder and Demo File
The DataTables Builder is a specialized solution developed in Claris FileMaker Pro to teach you how to integrate DataTables into your projects. It serves as both a learning tool and a practical application, allowing you to build out data tables, reports, and more. As the series progresses, you’ll find accompanying demo files that complement each video lesson, enabling you to practice hands-on learning.
To better understand how the demo file works, we need to understand its elements. The video explains the design of the builder and the various tabs, color-coded for easy navigation and identification. For example, when you see green elements, they originate from the data columns, while pink signifies libraries, blue represents CSS and so forth. These colors help you grasp the origin of various elements and how they come together to create the final output.
In the demo, you’ll notice a preview tab showcasing the final report generated by the DataTables Builder. Behind the scenes, it utilizes a web viewer to present the report. By exploring the HTML and its evaluation using FileMaker substitution, you’ll understand how CSS, JS functions, Data, and columns contribute to the report’s structure and appearance.
Leveraging the Tutorial Section
As a supplemental guide, the tutorial section offers step-by-step instructions to create a report using the DataTables Builder. While not directly utilized within the tool, it serves as a helpful reference for future projects and updates.
Demo File
Now that you’ve explored the purpose and functionality of the DataTables Builder, it is time to set the foundation for an exciting learning journey.
Get your demo file by submitting the form below.
What’s next?
In the next post, we’ll explore Naming your Build & Report Settings along with the concept of your own DataTables library and actions you can take with each build you create.
Join the Training Series Now
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the video training series. Comment on the YouTube videos to interact with us and share your thoughts and questions. Also, don’t forget to join our mailing list for updates on new videos and additional resources.
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