FileMaker for Your Database Application

FileMaker was initially designed as a DOS application for Apple Macintosh in 1985. But after two decades, FileMaker has emerged as one of the widely used cross-platform relational database applications. At present, it supports Windows, OS X and iOS. The enterprises also have option to use FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Go, or FileMaker Server according to their requirements and budget.

FileMaker allows users to take advantage of Oracle, MySQL or SQL Server through the SQL database ODBC driver. So the programmers can easily connect FileMaker to their preferred SQL database, and create custom layouts based on the SQL database. The custom layouts make it easier for users to create, edit and delete SQL records directly using FileMaker layouts and functions. The cross-platform relational database application has been updated regularly to meet the latest trends in custom database application development.

FileMaker 14 comes with several features to simplify custom database development. It enables non-programmers to create custom database solutions by providing a drag-and-drop development environment. After defining the data, the users can take advantage of the drag-and-drop development environment to create custom screens according to their specific needs. The development environment allows them to create custom screens simply by dragging, dropping and stretching the required buttons, fields, boxes and bars. They also have option to add labels inside the fields to convey the nature and type of user input.

The navigation bars make it easier for end users to move from one record to another seamlessly. Also, the users can make the custom database applications more attractive through customized themes. The themes now use styles that include a number of attributes like fonts, text size and colors. So the users can easily change the attributes to create custom themes that can be reused across multiple projects. At the same time, they can also take advantage of the native iOS behaviors supported by FileMaker 14 to make the custom database solution accessible on iPhone and iPad.

FileMaker 14 further comes with several features to provide updated information to users without refreshing the page. It uses WebDirect to allow users to access updated data without any restriction. The feature works on web browser just like FileMaker works on desktop. Thus, WebDirect delivers updated information to users without requiring them to refresh the entire page. FileMaker 14 is also designed with features to reconnect to a server that is temporarily unavailable without re-launching the database. As the database is not re-launched, the working context of the user remains intact.

The features boost the custom database application’s performance regardless of the type and speed of data connection. FileMaker database development professionals can take advantage of the redesigned script workplace feature available in FileMaker 14. The revamped screen workplace allows developers to enter scripts directly from the keyboard. It further enables them to use the script step library to build scripts by following a number of steps. Thus, the seasoned programmers can simply start a script, and write lines of code using keyboard. They can further add script parameters and edit specific formula without using any additional tool.

The latest version of FileMaker supports .fmp12 file format which was introduced along with version 12 of the platform. So the users can easily switch from version 12 or 13 to version 14 of FileMaker. Also, they have option to import their existing data stored on a variety of files including XML, ODBC, Tab, .CSV and Microsoft Excel. FileMaker 14 also comes with several reporting and charting tools. These tools help users to quickly create colorful charts, summary reports and executive dashboards. They also have option to store the reports and charts in both PDF and Excel formats.

On the whole, FileMaker 14 comes with features to speed up custom database solution development. The drag-and-drop development environment provided by it makes it easier for non-programmers to create custom database solutions. At the same time, the redesigned script workplace helps seasoned programmers to create, edit and update scripts in a more effective way. Also, the users can use the framework to create applications by targeting Windows, OS X and iOS platforms.

Mindfire Solutions is a FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA) partner. We provide expert off-shore FileMaker development services across multiple platforms – iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and the web.

FileMaker - Different Versions and Features

At present, FileMaker is one of the most widely used cross-platform relational database applications in the market. As it is designed by integrating a database engine with a GUI interface, FileMaker makes it easier for developers to create custom applications by dragging different elements into the form, screen or layout. But FileMaker was originally launched as a DOS-based application called Nutshell in early 1980s. The product was subsequently purchased by Claris, and renamed as FileMaker II. Thus, the versions of FileMaker can be divided into pre-FileMaker 6 and post-FileMaker 6.

Evolution of FileMaker as a Cross-Platform Relational Database Application

Version 4.0

In 1997, FileMaker 4.0 was released with a plug-in architecture. The version was designed just like Adobe Photoshop. The plug-in architecture enables developers to add custom features to the application. At the same time, the users also have option to use FileMaker as a web server using a bundled plug-in called Web Companion. The version 4.0 also allowed programmers to perform several file operations, along with sharing FileMaker files over the web or intranet.

Version 7

In 2004, FileMaker 7 was released with a new file format which supported file size up to 8 terabytes. The version also allowed individual fields to hold binary data up to 4 gigabytes or 2 gigabytes of 2-byte Unicode text per record. The enhanced relational model now enabled programmers to offer multiple tables for file. Also, the users have option to manipulate the related tables through a graphical relationship editor.

Version 8

The FileMaker 8 product family was introduced in 2005. The FileMaker 8 product family enabled developers to avail a number of advanced features like script variables, custom menus, tabbed interface, tooltips and enhanced debugging. Also, the users have option to copy and paste scripts, script steps, and whole tables and field definitions. The new features made it easier for developers to create custom database applications according to client’s specific requirements.

Version 9

FileMaker 9 was introduced in 2007 with a number of new features including conditional formatting, fluid layout auto-resizing, external SQL link, and hyperlinked pointers into databases. The Quick Start screens provided by FileMaker 9 further made it easier for users to access and update the database application in a quicker and more efficient way. The version also allowed uses to share images, documents, spreadsheets and other content of a field through emails.

Version 10

FileMaker 10 was released in 2009 with a completely revamped user interface. It came with a status bar that displayed some of the commonly used tools at the fingertip. Also, the version 10 came with a number of new features like script triggers, saved finds and dynamic report. It further allowed users to send emails directly through the SMTP server without using any additional email client.

Version 11 and 12

FileMaker 11 was released in 2010, whereas FileMaker 12 was introduced in 2012. The version 12 streamlined some of the major features introduced with FileMaker 11. FileMaker 11 allowed users to quickly create reports in a spreadsheet-like format, and make the reports appealing using a variety of charts. It further enabled users to search for information just like initiating web searches. FileMaker 12 made it easier for developers to accomplish precise design by using a variety of design layout tools. The version also included a variety of scripts, themes and design tools for iOS development. These versions also came with several new themes and database templates. FileMaker 12 further made it easier for programmers to create iOS databases.

Version 13

The most recent version of FileMaker was released in 2013. FileMaker 13 supports several web and mobile methods of data access. It further allows developers to create custom themes using colors, font, text size and similar attributes. The programmers can further create new fields, and drag and drop multiple fields directly into the layout. They can further reuse the custom themes across different projects. The version further optimizes the security of data using AES 256-bit encryption.

At present, users have option to choose from four distinct versions of FileMaker 13 according to their specific needs. Each user can chose FileMaker Pro 13, FileMaker Pro Advanced 13, FileMaker Server 13 or FileMaker Go 13. The features of each version of FileMaker 13 differ, along with the targeted users. So it is important for the user to compare the features of each version of FileMaker 13 according to his requirements.

We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to hire FileMaker developers for your development needs, please contact Mindfire Solutions. 

Tips to Work with FileMaker Pro 13

As an efficient relational database application, FileMaker Pro is used by enterprises in cross-platform environments. FileMaker Pro 13 further comes with several new features to help programmers in creating a variety of custom business solutions for various devices. Along with new design, development and security features, the latest version of the relational database application also comes with several features to rapidly create applications for iPhone and iPad. However, it is important for new users to understand some tips and tricks to work with FileMaker Pro 13 more efficiently.

Tips for Designing Custom Solutions in FileMaker Pro 13

Understand Different Ways to Create a File

FileMaker Pro allows you to create databases in a number of ways. You can create a new file from the scratch or create a new file by importing data from another application. FileMaker allows you to import data stored as XML, Microsoft Excel and Tab-Separated Text (.tab or .txt). Likewise, you also have option to convert an older version of FileMaker Pro file. Also, you can create the file using Starter Solutions (templates). When you understand different ways to create a new file, it will be easier for you to decide the most appropriate method for creating a new file.

Use Field Picker to Define Database Fields

After crating the new database, you can use the Field Picker dialog box to define the fields in simple and quick way. The dialog box can also be used for adding or changing fields for an existing layout. Once you define the fields using Field Picker, they will be added to the Manage Database dialog box. However, you use the Field Picker to define fields for the current layout of the current table in FileMaker Pro. The dialog box will allow you to decide the field configuration through options like labels and field placement.

Use Field Picker to Control Fields

In addition to creating new fields, the Field Picker dialog box can also be used for deleting and modifying existing fields. While in Layout Mode you can always access the dialog box by clicking on the "Field Picker" button displayed in the status toolbar. After selecting one or more fields, you can simply right-click or control-click on them and select the Delete Field option. Likewise, you can choose the field type by choosing the new field type from the list. You can further choose the Field Options after right-clicking on the specific theme.

Use Themes to Make the Database Solution Look Professional

FileMaker Pro 13 allows you to use themes to provide professional look to the business solution. As a collection of coordinated styles, a theme allows you to easily define various attributes of the layout including color, font, background, parts and objects. You can further use the theme to provide a consistent look to both layouts and reports. The theme can be further changed for a layout in the Layout mode. You also have option to save the theme in a new name after incorporating desired changes. You must know how to use and manipulate themes to make your application look more professional.

Keep the Layout and Navigation Simple

Along with making the layout look professional, it is also important to keep it simple. You must make it a practice to avoid adding additional fields and objects to the layout. Likewise, you need to remove the fields and layout objects that will be used by the users rarely. If it is required to use secondary fields and layout objects, you can consider removing them from the main layout. You can move the secondary fields to another layout, or separate them using tab panels or slide panels. While designing the solution, you must keep the navigation option simple and fast. The users must be able to navigate without putting any extra time and effort. Instead of using buttons, you can consider using icons to covey the information to users without labeling.

While creating custom business solutions using FileMaker Pro 13, the developers must not forget to avail styles, custom themes and layout enhancements. The new features will help them in improving the application’s look, feel and performance without writing longer lines of code while doing FileMaker development.

We provide FileMaker database development service. If you would like to hire Filemaker developers for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.