Month: March 2014

One of the most talked about features of FileMaker 12 when it launched in April 2012 was the inclusion of the ExecuteSQL (Structured Query Language). FileMaker 13 has improved the tool with increased functionality.

First off, it is important to note a few things. SQL has been a part of FileMaker since version nine. It is a process that allows databases to perform a "Find Request" as Filemaker developers call it. However, it is not done with a visual reputation of a database like using a relationship graph. It is widely used in most other database platforms and is completely text based.

SQL databases can be used as data sources in FileMaker's relationship graph, thus allowing the developer to create new layouts based on the SQL database, create, edit, and delete SQL records via FileMaker layouts and functions and reference SQL fields in FileMaker calculations and script steps. It is a cross-platform relational database application.

In addition to language for querying a database, SQL provides statements for performing data manipulation, which allow you to add, update, and delete data. SQL also provides statements for performing data definition. These statements allow you to create and modify tables and indexes.

The ExecuteSQL calculation function simplified the process by making it possible for users to perform many tasks without accessing the Relationship Graph. Previously, developers used plugins to expose the SQL underpinnings of FileMaker.

The function also means data queries can be made even when there is no specific layout. This reduces complexity and allows users to pull data independently of the layout. Information can be retrieved without creating any kind of relationship. 

Yesterday, this blog covered the FileMaker 13 feature WebDirect. The web technology allows businesses to take their databases easily onto the Web. While it is important to know what the new feature is, it is also key to understand how it works when in the hands of users.

It hit the selves back in December and users have had three months to play with it. Across the board, reviews of the system are positive.

Macworld described the HTML5-based FileMaker technology as "revolutionary." Despite being in it's first iteration, the program works well. In the testing, both Safari and Chrome were used and it was discovered that the system provides 95 percent of the experience of accessing the same database that works just as a database created in FileMaker should.

A review from Technology Tell called the system "truly spectacular."

"Once you've completed making your solution, you can post the solution into a FileMaker Server, and, well, that's it," the article reads. "Users can now simply direct their browser to the FileMaker Server and use the database pretty much as they would if they had FileMaker Pro on their computer."

Tim Dietrich, a database consultant, called the system "amazing" and noted that it will play a major role in the future of the FileMaker platform, but it will need to go through some growing pains before it is able to get there.

While WebDirect is still a new system, it is clearly impressing the technology community. A Connecticut FileMaker developer can help any business deploy these services.

In December of last year, FileMaker introduced version 13 for iOS 7 and Mac OS X Mavericks. It improved on the older model in several different ways, while also introducing a number of new features. One of the most intriguing is FileMaker WebDirect.

According to the company, WebDirect is a "breakthrough for web technology that runs custom business solutions directly in a web browser on a desktop or laptop." This is done without the requirement of web development skills and offers a full blown FileMaker experience.

So if you are a business looking to create robust web content, you no longer need to be familiar with custom coding tools like PHP, HTML5, CSS or JavaScript. All you need are the existing FileMaker skills to create access to your database through a web browser with just a few clicks.

Through this solution, companies also gain access to other features that include: desktop-style interaction with themes, styles, charts, menus and even the ability to drag and drop files into container field, real-time updates to data without refreshing the browser and automated processes that enable scripts, calculations and conditional formatting to validate data and streamline workflow.

FileMaker WebDirect can also be accessed through concurrent connections in FileMaker Server 13. One connection comes packed with the server at the time of purchase and can be purchased in groups of 5 up to 50 connections, which the service was tested for to ensure proper support.

With the help of a FileMaker developer, any organization will be able to gain a hand adopting the latest version of the database program.