Claris FileMaker SQL Reference

As a database developer, you can use Claris FileMaker Pro to create database solutions without any knowledge of SQL. But if you have some knowledge of SQL, you can use a FileMaker Pro database file as an ODBC or JDBC data source, sharing your data with other applications using ODBC and JDBC. You can also use the FileMaker Pro ExecuteSQL function to retrieve data from any table occurrence within a FileMaker Pro database.

This reference describes the SQL statements and standards supported by Claris FileMaker software:

• The FileMaker ODBC and JDBC client drivers support all of the SQL statements described in this reference. See Using a FileMaker Pro database as a data source.

• The FileMaker Pro ExecuteSQL function supports only the SELECT statement. See Using the ExecuteSQL function.

About this reference

• For information on using ODBC and JDBC with previous versions of FileMaker Pro, see the Claris Help Center.

• This reference assumes that you are familiar with the basics of using FileMaker Pro functions, coding ODBC and JDBC applications, and constructing SQL queries. Refer to a third-party book for more information on these topics.

About SQL

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language that was designed to query data from a relational database. The primary statement used to query a database is the SELECT statement.

In addition to language for querying a database, SQL provides statements for performing data manipulation, which allow you to add, update, and delete data.

SQL also provides statements for performing data definition. These statements allow you to create and modify tables and indexes.

The SQL statements and standards supported by FileMaker software are described in this reference.