You can use FileMaker Pro scripts to automate the interface elements, to automate database manipulation, and to control operations of scripts themselves. This chapter is devoted to scripting interface elements.

If you are creating a custom solution, this chapter is key. The user may have no idea that FileMaker Pro or a database is involved. There may be few (if any) menu commands visible; the interface can be constructed totally from custom-designed graphics with buttons that you link to scripts and FileMaker Pro commands. (See the examples that ship with FileMaker Pro for some innovative ideas and sample graphics.)

On the other hand, if you are creating a Web-based solution, this chapter is largely irrelevant. Filemaker Pro's interface is not seen over the Web (or when using ODBC export). That is why it is so critically important to factor your solution, separating interface automation from database automation. The scripts that manipulate the database will be needed for your Web-based users; if they also contain interface manipulation, you will have to rewrite or restructure them.