FileMaker

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FileMaker Pro

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Basic data

developer Claris
Publishing year April 1985
Current  version 18.0.4
operating system iOS , macOS , Mac OS Classic , Windows (from 7)
category Database system
License proprietary
German speaking Yes
filemaker.de

FileMaker is a proprietary database system by Claris for managing data in databases and develop database applications, the operating systems macOS , Apple iOS and Windows is running.

Data storage

A FileMaker file contains both the data and information about the structure of the data. The structure contains the tables with the associated fields and field definitions, the formulas and functions of the fields, the relationships between the tables ( relations ), the layouts, the scripts and the access accounts with passwords and access rights.

Interoperability

In the database publishing environment, for example, to create database-supported catalogs, FileMaker is used to collect and edit data. The data is transferred to layout programs via CSV or XML export. It can also be accessed via ODBC , SQL , Adobe InDesign plug-ins and QuarkXPress- Extensions.

With Instant WEB Publishing, shared FileMaker databases can be accessed via a web browser without additional investment . This enables FileMaker files to be used in the local network or on the Internet without the need to install additional client licenses.

The functionality of a FileMaker database can be extended by external plug-ins from third-party manufacturers. To install a plug-in in the FileMaker client, it is usually sufficient to move the plug-in to the FileMaker "Extensions" directory. Plugins are available separately for the Windows or Macintosh platform. As of FileMaker 7, the FileMaker plug-in interface has been revised.

restrictions

A data field in FileMaker can hold a maximum of 2 GB (text field) or 4 GB (media field) of data. A FileMaker file can store up to 8 terabytes of data.

application development

In contrast to other database systems, FileMaker does not require data binding to separate programming languages ​​and user interfaces; instead, all elements of an application are created directly in the same runtime environment.

A database application in FileMaker consists of one or more database files. In addition to the schema and the data, these also contain the user interface (GUI) and script objects, which are formulated in the FileMaker Script programming language . Since this is a script language that is interpreted when the system is running, applications can be adapted and further developed during operation. This is one of the particular strengths of FileMaker because it allows extensive applications to be further developed quickly and directly based on user needs. FileMaker is therefore often referred to as RAD (Rapid Development Tool). The included layout editor enables the design of user interfaces and forms for printing directly within the application. The user interface of a FileMaker application is displayed identically across platforms. Applications in mixed operating system environments can thus be easily implemented.

Although FileMaker was originally designed as a workgroup database for the office area, the FileMaker platform is often used to develop professional industry solutions based on its flexible options.

history

FileMaker's roots go back to an MS-DOS product called Nutshell , which was developed by Nashoba Systems of Concord, Massachusetts in 1982/1983. The Nutshell product was marketed by the Leading Edge company , which had started selling PC-compatible hardware and software at this time.

With the introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984 and its graphical user interface, in 1985 Nashoba merged the Nutshell database concept with the menu and window-controlled surface on the Apple Macintosh. The result is a database that is much easier and more intuitive to use.

Since Leading Edge did not want to enter the then emerging Apple Macintosh software market, Nashoba was looking for a new distributor and a new name. As a distributor, Nashoba found the company Forethought , which was already active in the Macintosh market with its own presentation program "Presenter" (later renamed PowerPoint ).

The name "FileMaker"

Nashoba chose FileMaker as the new name . The name is a combination of the name of the Microsoft database program MS-File for Apple Macintosh and the DTP program PageMaker from Aldus, which has just come onto the market . Based on the new Apple Macintosh model Macintosh Plus , the FileMaker Plus version followed in 1986 . In August 1987 Microsoft took over the company Forethought and its product PowerPoint. Microsoft wanted to use the purchased distribution rights (including documentation and packaging) to FileMaker to sell FileMaker under its own name. Nashoba, as the owner of the software code, decided to develop FileMaker under its own name to version FileMaker 4 (June 1988) and to sell it itself.

Shortly afterwards, in August 1988, Claris (an Apple subsidiary) bought Nashoba and launched the program as Claris FileMaker II .

FileMaker Pro 1.0 through 6.0

With the introduction of Claris FileMaker Pro in October 1990, the version number jumped back to 1.0. At the time, FileMaker was the first database program that made it possible to change the database structure, define new data fields and delete existing ones while the system was running.

From version FileMaker Pro 2 (1992), FileMaker was not only available for the Mac OS operating system but also for the Windows operating system in an identical version.

From version 3.0 (1996), FileMaker is a relational database system in which several FileMaker files (tables) can be relationally linked.

With version 4.0 (1997) FileMaker had ODBC import and rudimentary SQL capabilities, as well as its own plug-in architecture. Since 1998, the program has been manufactured and sold by FileMaker, Inc. , a company founded specifically for this purpose .

Version 5 was released in 1999, and version 5.5 in May 2001, which also ran natively under the Apple operating system Mac OS X for the first time (except for Mac OS 9 and Windows).

Version FileMaker 6 was released in September 2002. FileMaker supported the import and export of XML data for the first time. For the first time, existing search results could be expanded or restricted.

FileMaker Pro 7 to 11 with a new data model

Version 7, published in 2004, has been reprogrammed, the entire data model revised and the functionality expanded. Version 7 supported multiple tables per file and Unicode . In addition to or as an alternative to relationships between files (from version 3.0-6), there are now also complex relationships between tables within a file. The maximum file size from 2 gigabytes to 8 terabytes and the maximum data content of individual table fields from 64 kilobytes to 2 gigabytes have been greatly expanded . Up to version 7, relationships were only shown in tabular form, since then only graphically in a relationship diagram (like an entity relationship model ).

Version 8 (2005) added the option of defining your own functions that support recursive calls. In 2006, the version FileMaker Pro 8.5 appeared, which as a new layout object can integrate HTML content from web pages directly into FileMaker databases via so-called web viewer elements.

Version 9 brought the input-dependent formatting for fields and field contents. With regard to the connection to external databases, version 9 enables a real-time connection to external SQL data sources (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server , Oracle, MySQL ). Several script windows can be opened at the same time; Scripts can be grouped in groups and subgroups. Scalable elements offer better adaptation to screen windows.

Version 10 of FileMaker, released in January 2009, brought new features to the user interface , search, reports, functions and new import and export formats . The built-in e-mail dispatch via SMTP enables e-mails to be sent directly from the database. The Excel -12 formats are natively supported as new import and export formats. Mac users can also import database files directly from Bento 2.

FileMaker 11 (March 2010) enables the visual presentation of saved data in the form of a diagram, as well as a quick search across fields.

FileMaker 12 with a new file format and integrated iOS support

Since April 2012, with the release of version 12, FileMaker has been working with a new layout design architecture (based internally on cascading style sheets ) that can completely convert FileMaker layouts into another design with one command. FileMaker provides 40 design themes that also contain special touch designs for iOS devices. The "quick diagrams" function enables the user to create flexible diagrams at the push of a button. Container fields (media fields) now support drag and drop to save documents, photos, videos, music, or other files directly to a FileMaker file. Media files managed in this way (e.g. PDF files) can be viewed or played within the container field. The innovations require a new file format (.fmp12). Existing FileMaker fp7 files can be converted to the new file format with FileMaker 12 and used without restriction. For the first time, version 12 allows not only external SQL data sources from FileMaker to be addressed with SQL commands, but also your own databases.

FileMaker 13 with HTML5-based core technology (WebDirect) and self-created storable designs

FileMaker 13 (December 2013) extends the layout design architecture introduced in FileMaker 12 with additional elements. Design templates can now be customized and passed on if necessary. The user can design the appearance of individual control elements such as buttons and input fields more uniformly using editable styles. A change in the style template automatically adapts all associated elements. A new field selection palette makes it easier to create data mask layouts. For iOS devices, there are now swipe gestures, popover functions and a built-in barcode interpreter for all common types of barcodes and QR codes . The core technology named by FileMaker WebDirect, which is based on HTML5 , has been completely redeveloped . This makes it possible to run FileMaker databases without installed software directly in the client's browser when a FileMaker server is accessed. The FileMaker 13 version runs from Windows 7, OS X Lion (or Mountain Lion for the server) and iOS 6 and 7.

FileMaker 14 with improved WebDirect and a new script workspace

FileMaker 14 (May 2015) offers a new script workspace, new design tools, improvements to the HTML5-based core technology WebDirect, as well as new functions for iOS and a new launch center. WebDirect now supports more internet browsers (Safari 8, Internet Explorer 11, Mobile Safari 8 and Chrome 38 on Android). FileMaker Server now offers the option of setting up a standby server without additional license costs, which automatically mirrors the production server and is automatically available in the event of a failure. The FileMaker 14 version runs from Windows 7, OS X Mavericks 10.9 / Yosemite 10.10 and iOS 8.1. FileMaker Server 14 requires Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Edition with update, OS X Mavericks 10.9, or OS X Yosemite 10.10.

FileMaker 15 with improvements in mobility, automation, performance and security

FileMaker 15 (May 2016) includes some functional enhancements for mobile devices such as Touch ID and 3D Touch support on iOS devices and support for iBeacon. WebDirect applications can now also be run on iOS or Android cell phones. Incorrect script lines are marked in red in the script workspace, and changes to script commands can be undone as often as required with the new undo function until they are saved. The new ESS adapter can be used to establish connections to other SQL data sources such as PostgreSQL or IBM DB2. FileMaker 15 offers a new masked edit field for entering passwords or other sensitive information. The current version supports SSL certificates from nine frequently used providers as well as intermediate, subjectAltName (SAN) and wildcard certificates. Proactive security alerts can be used to warn users when a connection is to be established with an invalid security certificate. With the new statistics logging, slowdowns can be detected within the FileMaker platform. In sections, a new status bar indicates when data filtering and sorting has been completed in a portal. This process is also carried out in parallel in FileMaker 15 and allows you to continue using the solution during this time. With FileMaker 15, FileMaker introduces new licensing for teams of five or more users. FileMaker 15 no longer allows connections to databases on a FileMaker 12 server. The FileMaker 15 version runs from Windows 7, OS X Yosemite 10.10 / El Capitan 10.11 and iOS 9.3. FileMaker Server 15 requires Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Edition with update, OS X Yosemite 10.10, or OS X El Capitan 10.11.

FileMaker 16 with improvements in the interface, file handling and developer support

In the FileMaker Pro 16 desktop application, the FileMaker interface, which is based on the common Windows interface, should be mentioned in particular. FileMaker 16 databases are displayed in a window as in macOS; the previously surrounding FileMaker Pro Windows main window is no longer available. This also allows working with two screens very well under Windows.

FileMaker 16 provides a new layout element with index cards that can be used to display so-called "overlaying windows". This allows a user to be guided through any processes, since the index cards can be programmed in such a way that the user has to follow the programmed processes. This enables an app-like handling of databases. This is supported by the elimination of the previous function bar at the bottom of all FileMaker windows.

The FileMaker Pro Advanced 16 version provides a new layout object window in layout mode, in which all objects of the called layout are clearly displayed. The objects can be selected, hidden and renamed, the stacking order can be changed. This improves the clarity and controllability, especially in the case of complex layouts with overlays and layout objects that are only visible in certain states.

FileMaker 16 Go supports new scripted animations and transitions, for example to switch from a detail view to a list view. This allows you to develop FileMaker applications for iOS exactly according to the recommended guidelines for iOS user interfaces.

The Filemaker Server 16 version now has PDF support - allowing the printing of PDF invoices, labels or stickers from WebDirect. Scripts on FileMaker Server save information as PDF files.

FileMaker 17 brings improvements in development, mobility, administration and integration

"FileMaker Pro" is no longer available, only the version FileMaker Pro Advanced, which was previously marketed as a developer version. The developer functions can be issued within the app. The FileMaker 17 platform consists of the following products: FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced (single user and small workgroups), FileMaker Server 17 (server solution for small to medium-sized workgroups), FileMaker 17 Cloud (cloud-based server solution for single and small to medium-sized workgroups), FileMaker Go 17 for iPad and iPhone.

With regard to the innovations, the following improvements are worth mentioning:

- The redesigned layout mode helps you develop your own FileMaker applications: The layout tool tabs "Inspector", "Objects" and "Fields" can now be integrated into the document window or, if necessary, separated into palettes. - A new layout function allows the simultaneous display of a data record list and the detailed display of a data record in a layout without creating self-relationships and additional scripts. - Individual objects within a group can be selected and changed without first having to ungroup the objects. - When creating a table, a number of fields are automatically created that are important for each table (unique data record number, creation and modification date of a data record, etc.). - Multiple email attachments can be added to an email message (previously only one). - Customized menus, menu sets and menu items that you have created yourself can be inserted into another file using "copy and paste".

In the mobile area, a new formula function guarantees the integration of sensors so that sensor data can be recorded from the iPhone or iPad under iOS.

FileMaker 18 brings improvements in file import, access to external files, security and important script steps for recursions

FileMaker Pro Advanced 18 : There is a vastly improved dialog for the data import, which enables easier assignment of the import fields. FileMaker can now save a FileMaker file in XML format. In these files, changes between file versions can be more easily compared. New script steps provide access to, read, write, and manage external data files. Recursions can be controlled more easily using new functions and no longer have to be programmed as separate functions. The subject of security and access rights has been further improved in some aspects. Each license now has a license certificate, which is a "lifelong" identical installation code.

WebDirect supports a larger number of visitors.

FileMaker 18 Server now automatically restores files and creates a restore log after a software crash. The FileMaker Admin API based on the OpenAPI specification is now a standard feature. An improved FileMaker Server Admin Console brings a clearer display of the database status and when it was last started. With Zabbix, several servers can now be monitored at the same time.

FileMaker Go 18 for iPad and iPhone (still free of charge via the Apple AppStore) can now attach additional data to a PDF file via script step. Four additional barcode types and additional login accounts are supported.

distribution

FileMaker Pro is offered in different versions with more or less identical functionality for the Mac OS X and Windows operating systems. Since version 17, only the FileMaker Pro Advanced version with integrated developer functions is offered. The FileMaker Server version is required for operation in a network with more than five users; the licenses are offered as purchased versions or as subscription versions. The FileMaker Go version can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple AppStore.


FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced

  • FileMaker Pro: the actual database program for single-user applications or small workgroups with up to 5 simultaneous users. ODBC access to other databases and direct publication of the database on the web (called WebDirect ) is possible from FileMaker Pro 13. In the Filemaker Pro 16 desktop application, the interface of the Windows version has been adapted to the common Windows surface. All users can open a new window or files without having to close the first tab.
  • FileMaker Pro Advanced expands the Pro version with special developer functions such as a database design report, script debugger, the option of adding user-defined functions, and creating your own menus and menu commands. Independently executable databases (so-called FileMaker runtimes) can be created with this version for Mac OS X or Windows. Any number of FileMaker runtime solutions can be distributed without a license. The data of the FileMaker runtimes can be edited as required, the structure of the database cannot. FileMaker runtimes can be operated in kiosk mode (without menu line), but can only be used as a single-user solution. With the introduction of the FileMaker 14 platform, FileMaker initially announced that it would no longer support the creation of runtimes from the next version. After this discontinuation caused a sensation among FileMaker developers worldwide, FileMaker announced on July 8, 2015 in the developer community that the creation of runtime solutions will also be available in the next version of the FileMaker platform, but will continue to do so working on a new technology to replace runtime solutions in the medium term. The Filemaker Pro Advanced 16 version has a display of a hierarchical list of all objects in a layout. The objects can be selected, hidden and renamed, the stacking order can be changed. This improves the clarity and controllability, especially in the case of complex layouts with overlays and layout objects that are only visible in certain states.

With FileMaker 17, the Pro version is no longer offered, only the Pro Advanced version

FileMaker Server

  • The FileMaker Server version requires a dedicated computer (Windows or Mac OS X) as the FileMaker server and allows you to work on the FileMaker database in the network . FileMaker Server does not limit the number of connected users; technical restrictions arise only through hardware, solution design and operating system. Starting with FileMaker Server 13, databases can be shared with Internet browsers using WebDirect technology. Custom Web Publishing enables custom data-driven websites to be created using PHP or XML. New in FileMaker Server 14 is the ability to reconnect to the server after a network connection is lost, security improvements and the new standby server option. With this function, a second dedicated server can be operated without additional license costs and is immediately ready for use in emergencies. The data on the standby server are also taken into account for time-controlled backups.

FileMaker Go

  • FileMaker Go is available free of charge from the App Store in versions for iPhones (iPod Touch) and iPads . On the one hand, FileMaker databases transferred to the iOS device can be edited directly on an iPhone or iPad. On the other hand, iOS devices can also access and edit FileMaker databases that are hosted via WiFi or 3G / 4G cellular networks on a single-user computer with FileMaker Pro or on a FileMaker Server. You cannot create new databases or change their structure with FileMaker Go.
  • FileMaker Go 11 works with files in the .fp7 file format (created with FileMaker versions 7-11). The respective versions for iPhones (iPod Touch) and iPads were available for a fee in the Apple App Store. The offer was discontinued on September 30, 2013.
  • FileMaker Go 12 only works with files in the .fmp12 file format (created with FileMaker 12). The versions for iPhones (iPod Touch) and iPads are available free of charge in the Apple App Store. With the availability of FileMaker Go 13, FileMaker Go 12 was replaced by version 13 in the App Store.
  • FileMaker Go 13 only works with files in the .fmp12 file format (created with FileMaker 12/13). The version is the same for iPhones (iPod Touch) and iPads and is available free of charge in the Apple App Store and contains functional sample databases. The new features for iOS devices (e.g. swipe gestures and barcode recognition) are only performed by FileMaker Go 13 and require a database created or hosted with FileMaker 13.
  • FileMaker Go 14 only works with files in the .fmp12 file format (created with FileMaker 12/13/14). There is also a new user interface in the style of iOS 8, a new start center for the databases used, inserting barcodes, editing text with text styles, setting the screen orientation, improved signature capture, controlling video and audio playback, activating the touch keyboard and optimizing the vertical scroll bars in boxes.
  • FileMaker Go 15 works exclusively with files in the .fmp12 file format (created with FileMaker 12/13/14/15) and supports all new features of the FileMaker 15 platform. FileMaker Go 15 can no longer connect to databases shared with FileMaker Server 12.
  • FileMaker Go 16 only works with files in the .fmp12 file format (created with FileMaker 12/13/14/15/16) and supports all new features of the FileMaker 16 platform. The Filemaker Go 16 version is still available as a free version in the Apple App Store. Programs can trigger an automatic execution of a transaction or display of local information as soon as an iOS device is detected in the vicinity of a predefined iBeacon or GeoFence. Screen layouts for digital signatures are now not only available as full screens, but also as overlay or integrated into a layout. When printing from FileMaker Go, you can add your own paper sizes and redefine existing paper sizes.
  • FileMaker Go17 allows the sensors (position, movement, orientation, etc.) to be read from the iPhone or iPad and integrated into applications using a formula.


FileMaker Mobile

  • The further development of the FileMaker Mobile version for Pocket PCs and handhelds was stopped in 2008.


FileMaker is available as a trial version to try out.

Developer conference

Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Up until 2007, FileMaker Germany held an annual developer conference, most recently from December 6th to 7th, 2007 at Gut Ising am Chiemsee in Upper Bavaria. Since 2010, the developer conference has been organized by the FM Conference (FMK) association , which was founded for this purpose . The first conference organized by the FMK took place in Zurich in 2010, and since then there has been a conference every October in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The 2016 conference took place from October 13th to 15th in Salzburg.

An internationally oriented FileMaker Unconference has been taking place in Berlin since 2013; in the first year under the name "pause [x] Berlin", from 2014 to 2016 under the name "dotfmp [x] Berlin" and from 2017 under the name "dotfmp.berlin". From June 2nd to 4th, 2014 dotfmp [x] Berlin 2014 took place in the hotel "nhow Berlin" in Berlin's Friedrichshain district with a total of almost 80 German-speaking and international FileMaker developers. For 2017, the date for dotfmp.berlin was set for June 1st to 3rd.

Dotfmp.berlin is now the leading event for professional FileMaker developers in Europe and takes place on the first full weekend in June.

Trade journals

literature

  • Horst Grossmann: FileMaker Pro 12 in practice . Mandl & Schwarz Verlag, ISBN 978-3-939685-42-5 , 1st edition (2012), 514 pages (German).
  • Susan Prosser, Stuart Gripman: FileMaker Pro 12 - The Missing Manual . O'Reilly Verlag, 2012, ISBN 978-1-4493-1628-0 , 958 pages (English).
  • Horst-Dieter Radke: FileMaker Pro 12 The basic book: Developing and managing databases . 1st edition. SmartBooks, 2013, ISBN 978-3-944165-00-4 , 382 pages (German).
  • Bob Bowers et al .: FileMaker 12 Developers Reference: Functions, Scripts, Commands, and Grammars . Que Publishing, 2013, ISBN 978-0-7897-4847-8 (English).

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ support.claris.com . (accessed on April 2, 2020).
  2. ↑ Technical specification ( Memento of the original from June 26, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.  @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.filemaker.com
  3. ^ Scott Love: Rapid Application Development: Go Native or Go Platform. Retrieved February 2, 2020 (American English).
  4. ↑ FileMaker Knowledge Base: Creating cross platform runtime solutions with FileMaker Pro Advanced
  5. ^ Tony Bradley, PCWorld | About | Practical IT insight from Tony Bradley: FileMaker Delivers Flexible, Cross-Platform Database. April 22, 2011, accessed February 2, 2020 .
  6. ↑ See FileMaker Magazine: FileMaker 11 is here .
  7. ↑ filemaker-magazin.de
  8. ↑ Top 10 FileMaker 18 Need to Know Items-FileMaker Training-FileMaker News-FileMaker Video Training. Retrieved February 2, 2020 (German).
  9. ↑ FileMaker Server - FileMaker. Retrieved February 2, 2020 .
  10. ↑ Creation of FileMaker runtimes no longer possible in the future? In: gofilemaker.de. May 20, 2015, accessed on February 2, 2020 (German).
  11. ↑ filemaker-konferenz.com ( Memento of the original from September 24, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.filemaker-konferenz.com
  12. ↑ FileMaker Conference October 13-15, 2016 in Salzburg. In: FileMaker Conference 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
  13. ↑ dotfmp [x] Berlin. In: dotfmp.com. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .