I don't need SQL or high order math. Just a dozen or so text fields with a couple date fields. Much like Filemaker had some years ago. Three of the text fields will need to handle full 8.5 x 11 inch texts for one-page MSWord letters.
[Re-Titled By Moderator]
Mac mini
I would not recommend any database solution that depends on a current Java installation. That is what LibreOffice Base requires and the additional installation/usage complications are simply not worth it.
The operating system ships with sqlite3 which Apple actively uses. The user interface is the Terminal, though one can install a free visual interface that allows one to define tables and views in the database. That interface is DB Browser for SQLite and is currently supported, even on Apple Silicon. The SQLite website has documentation available for using SQLite3.
The concepts of simple and database usually are mutually exclusive. That is especially true when you want to use blobs to contain those MS Word letters.
I would not recommend any database solution that depends on a current Java installation. That is what LibreOffice Base requires and the additional installation/usage complications are simply not worth it.
The operating system ships with sqlite3 which Apple actively uses. The user interface is the Terminal, though one can install a free visual interface that allows one to define tables and views in the database. That interface is DB Browser for SQLite and is currently supported, even on Apple Silicon. The SQLite website has documentation available for using SQLite3.
The concepts of simple and database usually are mutually exclusive. That is especially true when you want to use blobs to contain those MS Word letters.
LibreOffice Base requires JDK. Before doing anything else, check LibreOffice > Preferences > Advanced > Java Options and see if you can add (install) it there. Note that on macOS you must install JDK, not JRE; and since I believe you are using an M-series Mac (a 2020 Mac Mini if I remember correctly), make sure it's a 64-bit ARM version of JDK.
Although LO Base requires JDK, they don't make it easy to install, and they don't document it very well. If you can't install the JDK via LO Preferences, let us know.
Have you considered LibreOffice Base? It's an open source, Mac database similar to MS Access.
Glad to hear it's working for you now. 😀 Sorry to hear it turns out that it doesn't actually meet your needs. 😞
I thought a bit more about what you said re: just needing a few date & text fields and being able to save documents. Take a look at Evernote.
Evernote didn't come to mind earlier because it's not a "database" app as you were asking for. I'd call it more of a records organizer. It has been around a long time, has tons of users and a good reputation. I suspect it can do what you need. And you can try it for free. It even has a job application tracking template where you can attach copies of resumes, etc. (See all the ready-made templates here.)
Sounds like you don’t really need a database at all, just a program to store all that information. Might even be able to do it in Notes. As long as you don’t need to do any aggregation or accounts or sums or anything across records and only need to search, you might be able to just put all the information into note cards and keep them in a specific folder in notes, possibly tagging them.
I also recommend LibreOffice Base.
tcarder wrote:
TO: All
OpenOffice gave me the following:
“OpenOffice” cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified." macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.
That's easy to get around:
1 - Control (right) - click on the app and select open from the contextual menu.
2 - in the window that pops up click on Open
I remember you! You were instrumental in helping me set up file sharing between my Mac mini 2009 and mini 2020.
Yes. I have Libre 24.2 installed, but I cannot get the database to work.
I need help getting Libre database up and running. My system is Mac mini 2020 with Sonoma OS (14.6.1).
The Libre app tells me:
"The connection to the data source "Job Hunting Records" could not be established. at /Users/cloph/build/workdir/UnoApiHeadersTarget/offapi/normal/com/sun/star/sdbc/SQLException.hdl:27"
"SQL Status: HY000”
and
"No Java installation could be found. Please check your installation. at /Users/cloph/build/workdir/UnoApiHeadersTarget/offapi/normal/com/sun/star/sdbc/SQLException.hdl:27"
I went there and could not figure out what was said. I have not yet installed JDK, or I don’t think I have. I tried, but the installation window did not close after clicking “OK.”
HELP!!!
MartinR:
Java Options gave no opportunity to install JDK. Below the Java Options window title said
❒ Use a Java runtime environment.
Java runtime environments (JRE) already installed:
with its checkbox already checked (which I deselected).
Below that is a blank Vendor | Version screen. To the right of that screen are "Add...", "Parameters..." and "Class Path..." options, each inside its own clickable box.
At the bottom of the Java Options window are
Optional Features
❒ Enable experimental features (may be unstable)
❒ Enable macro recording (may be limited)
with neither of them checked.
Nowhere on that window does JDK appear.
And yes, the Mac mini 2020 is an Apple M1 chip.
Sorry to spin you up again, but I cannot install JDK via LO Preferences.
I need to be more specific in what I need in a database. I need about a dozen fields, mostly text, plus a few date fields and phone number fields, PLUS two fields where I can place 8.5 x 11 inch MSWord documents. I will soon launch a Job Hunting project for a Technica Writer position. I need the fields to record matters such as date of application, company, point of contact, phone number, response comments, résumé, cover letter, and more as the project grows. The only database I have ever used is FileMaker Pro v. 9.0.3. With it, I could create a report with exactly what I need, but I don't have more than $500.00 for an upgrade of FileMaker Pro, nor am I likely to ever be able to afford it. I am a retired dude looking for a job. We-uns do not typically have that amount of greenbacks available.
I hope someone can point me to the database that is perfect for what I need.
tcarder wrote:
No. It calls up my mini 2020 SSD menu. I do not have anything remotely connected to or with JDK—at least, I don't think I do. A search confirms that "JDK" does not exist on my SSD.
I was afraid of that. It means you will have to install JDK yourself.
I am not an expert on this, so I can only point you to resources you may need. If you run into problems installing JDK, post another question specific to installing JDK and others more knowledgeable than I will help.
After you install JDK it "should" show up in LibreOffice > Preferences > Advanced > Java Options under "Add." Wishing you good luck!
Okay, Mr. MartinR. The ARM64 DMG download appeared in the Java Options window as Oracle Corporation 22.0.2 (below the screen was "Location: /Library/Java/Java VirtualMachines/jdk-22/Contents/Home"). Am I done? Did not the installer put the file in its proper location? Do I need to tell the app where to place that Oracle Corporation file? If so, where? I click OK and the Prefs > Advanced > Java Options screen goes to a lIbre open file screen (Job Hunting Records). FYI: I traced the path from the Mini 2020 Library and "jdk-22.jdk" appears under Java > JavaVirtualMachines > jdk-22.jdk > Contents > Home ... . As ignorant as I am regarding Mac file handling that appears to be done. Right? Pleeeeze say "yes"?
It sounds right to me.
Is LibreOffice Base working ok for you now?
(ps. if you have not shut down & restarted your Mac, you should do so. Sometimes it takes a shutdown/restart cycle for the system to fully recognize a newly installed app and I wouldn't be surprised if JDK was one of those apps.)
Well, Mr. Martin, you again got me to where my issue was resolved. Libre dBase is working. But it is FAR too complex and intricate for my needs. Its file management is maddening. Its report templates are highly confusing. I never got one to work correctly. And I have no idea where all the files went. I am going to have to post another question asking for a free simple database again. All the free dBases I found are "CSM", "SQL", "XYZ"... 🙂. I only need text fields and a couple date fields. If there is a database for Mac that will permit full letter size text fields it will be great but I may have to lower my sights and settle for saving the résumé and cover letter as text URLs in two of the fields. Libre has dozens of icons surrounding its working screens. I just do not have the time t learn Libre database. I still intend to use Libre "Word: to prepare cover letters and my résumé and maybe some drawing with it but other than that Libre database is unworkable for me. Thank you for all the help you have given me.
Sorry you're having trouble with the link. I just tried it again myself and it takes me to this page where you can download the x64 dmg installer. Try it again.
https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#jdk22-mac
Simple and Free database app compatible for my Mac mini running macOS Sonoma.
