relational database questions

[Robert Ameeti]

At 12:19 PM -0400, 4/29/08, gef wrote:

>One is the visual mapping of a database table

Yes, that is kind of handy but I don't think you'll see that anytime 
soon in Panorama due to the differences between the two programs. 
Contrary to other's opinions, use of the word 'table' to describe 
Panorama's 'databases' is just fine and in my opinion, quite handy. 
Any single Panorama database is actually a table. When you use 
multiple Panorama 'databases', you are actually using multiple tables 
together and they then can work as a cooperative database if you are 
using lookups wisely.

>, another was the ability to have the related entry from another 
>table on one form

Not a problem. Use lookups for this.

>and the third was it's use of relational information,

Yes, FileMaker is relational. Panorama is not. By using lookups, you 
can imitate the concept of a relational database but it will be up to 
you to maintain the relations and consistency between tables whereas 
a true relational database would handle this for you.

>So my questions are, first in panorama can I display the related 
>information from one table in another (in the donor table form to 
>display as well the related donations).

Yes.

>I am also wondering the line Item use. Is this kind of against the 
>idea of relational database ?

Line items and lookups are very different and will serve different purposes.

When you use line items, that is a rudimentary method to solve the 
otherwise required second table with lookups, etc. Each use has its 
benefits and detriments. Time and studying of how they work will 
allow you to understand where each might best be used.

>and am I kind of force to the use of line item when I want to work 
>with multiple item invoice or donation?

No.

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Robert Ameeti

You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back.
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