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.
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