The calculation engine is the heart of a lot of functionality in FileMaker Pro databases. This means that it is very important for every FileMaker developer to understand and use functions to construct expressions to return a result or to test a condition.

So February is FileMaker Function month. Throughout February, we will be posting blog articles on a whole range of FileMaker functions. Articles will include tips and examples of use for each function. By reading each article and carefully studying the examples, you will gain a better understanding of the use of a whole range of functions. In turn, this will allow you to create better FileMaker solutions.

We start with a selection of Text functions. So check back on February 1. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

uLearnIT is proud to announce that David Head is a FileMaker 10 Certified Developer. This certification demonstrates his technical expertise with the FileMaker 10 product line and is the only credential sponsored by FileMaker, Inc.

And you can become a FileMaker Certified Developer too. Find all the details at the FileMaker website. Here are the steps to become a Certified Developer:

1. Start developing in FileMaker 10 now - There is no substitute for direct hands-on experience with FileMaker products.
2. Get training - uLearnIT is a FileMaker Authorised Trainer and offers courses based on the modules of the FileMaker Training Series - the most comprehensive training available for FileMaker products. Training is recommended but not a prerequisite for certification.
3. Study FileMaker resources - Get the FileMaker Training Series, self-paced training materials that include 12 modules of in-depth FileMaker development topics. This series includes a 700+ page manual along with a a CD of demo files, exercises and videos to enhance your learning experience.
4. Join the FileMaker Technical Network - get access to technical briefs and resources only available to members. Also get 50% off your copy of the FileMaker Training Series.
5. Review product manuals for FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, FileMaker Server Advanced
6. Explore the in-product Help section found by clicking on the "Help" menu item in each product.
7. Search the FileMaker Knowledge Base
8. Take the Exam: "Developer Essentials for FileMaker 10" - The exam consists of 62 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Certification tests are offered in over 5,000 Prometric testing locations worldwide. The exam costs AU$208 in Australia.

uLearnIT is offering a Developer Certification Preparation training day for developers wanting to become a FileMaker 10 Certified Developer. You can read about the course on this page. We will be running this course in Christchurch, New Zealand on June 10, and in Sydney on July 9. Please email us directly for enrolments.

FileMaker, Inc. has today announced the new FileMaker Training Series updated for FileMaker 10. The training series provides the building blocks necessary for developers who plan to become FileMaker 10 Certified Developers. The certification examination will be available from June 2009.

uLearnIT is proud to announce that David Head has updated his status as a FileMaker Authorised Trainer for the new FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 10. As a FileMaker Authorised Trainer, David has undergone training with FileMaker, Inc. in the USA to deliver the FileMaker Training Series programs and has extensive knowledge of FileMaker best practices and solutions.

uLearnIT offers a three courses based on the official FileMaker Inc., training curriculum - the FileMaker Training Series. Check the course schedule for locations, dates and costs. Book online early to avoid missing out on your place.

Well folks, it is complete. Over the last 20 days, we have detailed the 20 tips that were presented in the recent FileMaker Seminar series in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. We hope that you have learnt something new about FileMaker Pro that makes your life easier and your development faster.

But we are not finished. No, that was just the start. We will continue to publish useful tips and techniques in FileMaker Pro.

So stay tuned and bookmark this blog or the RSS feed to keep up to date.