FileMaker Development best practices

Nowadays many organizations make use of FileMaker for creating custom solutions without giving extra time and effort. It is convenient to use as it allows the users to modify the database by simply dragging the new elements into screens, forms or layouts. Furthermore, the current version of the FileMaker is powered with new capabilities that help users to access the data across a variety of mobiles and other conventional devices.

Following certain guidelines as well as carrying out certain practices will result in getting accessible and robust solutions with the FileMaker 13.

Layout Mode to be More Accessible

The design of the layout of FileMaker solution determines to a great extent the accessibility of the same. With the help of the Accessibility Inspector, the programmers will be able to connect the field labels to the active field. Moreover, with this feature one can simply use the Layout button instead of the Status bar to get enhanced control and accessibility.

Optimization of Search Capabilities of the Application

Optimizing the FileMaker search capabilities goes a long way in increasing the accessibility of the FileMaker solution. Herein, each of the fields requires to be described properly in an unambiguous as well as clear manner for the purpose of enhancing the search capabilities of the FileMaker solution. As users access database in recent times from varied number of devices like laptops, computers, tablets, Smartphones, etc. it thus becomes extremely important that the solution finds the related data on the basis of particular search keywords entered by the users to display the results of the search faster. At instances of the data fields being properly identified along with results being clearly read out, the solution finds it easier to display the data.

Enhancement of Code Readability

FileMaker at present do not provide the developers with a code editor that is comprehensive. It, thereby, leads to the event of missing out the convenient options of writing clean and structured code by the developers. The programmers however have the option to access the external editors and snippets as well as various tools for keyword expansion. To enhance the readability of the code, it is important for the writers to write codes that are cohesive, which are able to be encapsulated and can be used repeated number of times without going through any hassle. The programmers are also required to actively handle probable errors without making use of additional dependencies apart from including grouping conventions that are strongly named.

Optimizing the Images

Optimizing images is another best practice for effective custom FileMaker development. The developers need to be careful enough to avoid the use of images as well as uninformative and functionless decorative objects at the time of designing the layout. Furthermore each of the text objects is to be spelled correctly in order to be easily read and understood by the reader reading the screen to optimize the use of images.

Improve the look & feel of the application

Working on the look as well as feel of the FileMaker solution is another recommended practice that results in enhancing the accessibility level of the same. Optimizing the layout by the application of high contrast themes is an easy way to enhance the look of the same. The developers should make sure that the document window of the application gives the users the option of increasing its Zoom level. Further, avoiding animation portals, tab control and videos helps greatly in making the solution work quicker. The application can further be enhanced to prompt the designers using the FileMaker solution for the next course of action with the help of the custom dialog box which can again be used to give out error alerts.

Option of List View Layout

Programmers have the option of choosing from both Table View Layouts and List View Layouts during the creation of the FileMaker solutions. However, the accessibility of the same can be enhanced only by the use of the latter that is the List View layout and hiding the former- the Table view layout. Moreover, in this context the programmers need to make use of field objects in place of the merge text at the time of working with List View Layout.

It is important to note that each of the updated versions of the FileMaker comes with new features as well as several enhanced capabilities to make the work faster and easier. The developer, thus, requires following the best practices with respect to the features of the latest version of database application.

We provide Filemaker database development services. If you would like to hire filemaker developers for your database development needs, please visit Mindfire Solutions.