FileMaker Pro is a cross-platform relational database application from FileMaker Inc., formerly Claris, (a subsidiary of Apple). It incorporates a database engine with a GUI-based interface, allowing users to change the database by dragging new elements into layouts, screens, or forms.
FileMaker evolved from a DOS application, but later on developed primarily for the Apple Macintosh. Since 1992 it has been available for Microsoft Windows as well as Mac OS, and can be used in a heterogeneous environment. It is available in desktop, server, and web-delivery configurations.
About FileMaker Pro modes
When you work in FileMaker Pro, you work in one of four modes.
>Use Browse mode to enter data and view records.
>Use Find mode to locate a record or a group of records quickly.
>Use Layout mode to specify how information will appear on the screen or when you print it.
>Use Preview mode to see what the pages will look like when you print them.
After you have opened a database, you can switch from one mode to another using either the View menu, buttons in the status toolbar and layout bar, or the mode pop-up menu at the bottom of the application window.
Characteristics of FileMaker Pro
A defining characteristic of FileMaker is that the database engine is integrated with the forms (screen, layouts, reports etc) used to access it. In this respect, it is closer in operation to desktop database systems such as Microsoft Access and FoxPro. In contrast, most large-scale relational database management systems (RDBMS) separate these tasks, concerning themselves primarily with organization, storage, and retrieval of the data, and providing little to no capability for user interface development. It should be noted, however, that the storage capacity of recent versions of FileMaker far exceeds most desktop database products, and indeed approaches that of many dedicated back-end systems. FileMaker Pro 11 is designed for solving real-world business problems, such as the need for interpreting business data.
FileMaker Pro Scripting
FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced allow you to write and edit scripts for automation of common tasks and complex calculations: Over 130 “script steps” are available for navigation, conditional execution of script steps, editing records, controlling windows, finding specific records, checking spelling and managing user accounts. In addition, many of these script steps can use built-in functions for a variety of mathematical calculations, text manipulation and querying your database configuration.
New Version of FileMaker Pro
The first version of FileMaker was FileMaker, v1.0 and the new version FileMaker Pro 11 released on 9th March for Windows and Mac. Prior to FileMaker Pro 11 it was FileMaker Pro 10 which offers scripts to be triggered by user actions and a redesigned user interface that is similar to many applications on Mac OS X Leopard.
FileMaker Pro 11 left beta testing and was released to the general public last Tuesday. It is the only software of its type that runs on both Windows and Mac. As commented by Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, Inc., FileMaker Pro is number one on Mac and number two on Windows after Microsoft Access.
The software is aimed at workers at mid- to large-sized businesses, though FileMaker, Inc. hopes to expand its consumer base to less advanced database users.
FileMaker Pro 11 also includes several new productivity tools to assist users with database creation such as:
- Innovative Quick Find with iTunes style that searches across all fields within a layout
- Inspector, a master tool palette that controls layout objects and properties in one convenient place
- Object Badges to visually identify scripted fields in layouts with color-coded icons
- A new Invoices Starter Solution, one of more than 30 built-in solutions, designed to track product and customer details and create, manage and print customized invoices for every order
- An improved Quick Start Screen to help users create new databases, manage favorite files and find helpful resources
