Sending mail using a mailing list?

[preet]

I have a database with a few tables. One of the tables called (EmailList) has an email mailing list. Another (called EmailContent) has dates and corresponding messages. I'm trying to use the send mail script step to send mail (through the default mail app).

 

When I specify the content of the To:, Subject: and Content: fields (all pointing to respective fields on different tables), the email that pops up with my default mail client only has the information that is found on the table that is active in FileMaker. For example, Subject: and Content: will be blank if the active table is "EmailList", however the To: field will be filled properly.

If I'm on a completely unrelated table in the database (ex."ClientInfo"), none of the fields will be filled in.

 

I've read about using Global Fields (I'm very new to FileMaker and might not fully understand how seemingly normal aspects of the program function), but Global Fields are only updated once the database is actually closed and open again. In my application, the database will be continuously open on a server.

 

How do I make it so that all fields (in my mail app) have the correct content regardless of what table I'm browsing? The script to send the email will be triggered automatically through a plug-in, so I need the flexibility for the user to be browsing any page of the database.

[preet]

Alright, sorry to quickly reply to my own question. I'm guessing I have to use relationships. But I have a very large number of tables in my database (50-60+)... I do not think that creating a relationship between my three e-mail tables and all the 60 other tables is the right step.

[Ted S]

preet,

 

*IF* I understand your question then I think global fields are the way to go.

 

I have a table in my database file that I call SESSION. In it I have a bunch of global fields that I populate on an as needed basis. So I might have a global "MailTo" field, a global "MailSubject" field, a global "MailBody" field ext. Then I will script populating the fields with the proper information. One of the nice things about this is that you don't need to draw a line from your regular table to the SESSION table as all of the global values are available without a specific relationship.

 

If you're new to FM you should check out this white paper:

 

http://www.foundationdbs.com/downloads.html

 

It is chock full of good info for FM developers of all skill levels. His first topic is globals.

[preet]

Hey Ted! Thanks for the quick reply. I looked over the first few pages of the white paper. When you use script to fill in your globals in your SESSION table, doesn't this problem arise (ie, you have to go to the table containing the email list, then go to the table containing your MailSubject and MailBody information, execute a script on those respective tables to fill up the global fields, after which you'll be able to send the email from any table in your database).