Developer Tools

Does the runtime in FM5 Developer allow you to create an application that accesses data on a file server? We have FM Server 5 and several FM5 Pros but would like to use runtime to distribute to a wider range of users. ------------------ Chris B

you might try creating a temporary globalfield, gTemp, then right after the print step in your script place the following: SetField ["gTemp","Status(CurrentError)"] then place the gTemp field on a layout somewhere and then run your script.if fmp is generating an error it will show up in this field. if there is you can use this error number to control what happens in your script, with a conditional script step, when you encounter the error.

Say for example, I have distributed a runtime app Version 1.0. Then I have an upgrade version 2.0 that i would like to distribute. In order to correctily upgrade, Version 2.0 must import ALL RECORDS from Version 1.0. What is the best way to upgrade this runtime? I currently have Version 2.0 call for an external script in Version 1.0; SHOW ALL RECORDS, before importing. This works fine on my hard drive, but if the end user tries it, Version 2.0 can not find the correct file path to Version 1.0, and produces an error. I am sure this must be a common problem, and hope that one of you FM geniuses (genii?) can shed some light on my woeful situation. ThX!

I'm developing a kiosk solution using FM5 under Windows. Does anyone know how to handle things like: paper out or printer offline errors?

Does anyone have an idea on how to accomplish what I need in a special search? Let's assume that in File "2" I have 4 repeating Fields: A, B, C, D, each with 10 repetitions. From File 1 I want to look at a given record in File 2 and search Field A repeating fields for a particular phrase such as "a1". If "a1" is found among the repeating records of Field A I then want to copy back the respective records from Fields B, C, and D into a set of fields in File 1. For example, if I find the code "a1" in the 7th repeating field of Field A then I want to copy the 7th repeating field of Field B to a specified field in File 1, the 7th record of repeating Field C...etc. Thanks, …

Somewhere I saw a program that does an analysis of a Windows FM5 database: fields, layouts, scripts, value lists, etc. Does anybody have any experience with it and who markets it? Thanks [This message has been edited by Steveinvegas (edited September 04, 2000).]

I want to buy the Developer edition mainly to get the runtime capability. All the Filemaker promo materials make it look like you can do unlimited distribution of runtime solutions with the developer edition. Someone else told me it is about $5,000 more to add that functionality! Which is the case? Thanks! Cael.

Has anyone run into this problem. I was using FMP Dev 5 to rename files in my system. Some of the files had spaces in the names, and I wanted to replace them with underscores. I had just gotten the FMP Dev 5 package, and thought I would try this feature. For the most part it worked, but for some scripts, when they ran, I was told that the file was missing and asked to locate it. Of course, once I did, it worked fine. But I was under the impression that this is exactly what the Dev kit was suppose to allow us to avoid. Thanks, Chuck

I am using a external plugin that pops up a calendar (from PCC). I've got 30 fields on a layout that should be wired to use this plugin. I'm using a script to activate the plugin, so that the user can go to field # 'n', popup the calendar,go to another field and do the same thing, etc. The function 'StatusCurrentFieldName' does not appear to work when a script is wired to the field, so I've had to write 30 separate scripts. Does anyone know a better way? Ideally, all the popups should be handled by 1 script. Thanks.

Getting rid of the 'Powered By' screen is great. Anybody know how to remove 'Filemaker Pro' from the top line of the script command 'Show Message'. It's pretty ridiculous there as well.

I want to customize my database on-line, and FileMaker 5 ready-to-go layouts doesn't seem enough. But developer sounds away too techinical. I can write HTML and a language which is similar to ASP. Is developer something for me?

I have a solution that I want to make available for a 30 day free trial. I'm trying to write a start-up script that will check a date range. If the range is valid it will open, if not it will close and tell the user to contact the developer for access. I'm having a terrible time getting the script idea to work. Any ideas?

I am providing this information "AS IS", the only reason I am providing this is that Filemaker is not being very realistic thinking that they have a 'right' to say powered by after the program is done executing, if that is the case I will pay more to NOT have the ad. 1. Download a resource editor. http://rpi.net.au/~ajohnson/resourcehacker 2. edit the fm_usr.dll 3. select the dialog resource type in the tree and expand it. 4. scroll to 8006 and expand it. 5. make the changes you want to 6. save the dll 7. done

What's the best way to get this? Does the run time engine alone do it or so you have to resort to 3rd party plug-ins like SecureFM or internal scripts? I need to send out demos of my solutions as run times on CDs with assurance that they cannot be stolen. Copying I don't care much about. It's theft of the total design that I need protection for. Thanks.

Hi, everyone. Is anyone aware of anyone using Filemaker Developer 5 to publish XML for static publishing to multiple formats (static web pages, PDF, CD-ROM, print, etc.)? The FileMaker web site XML information is all oriented towards dynamic web site publishing. I am interested in, essentially, writing "books", but using FM Dev 5 as the repository of elements to be assembled in different ways. I would have asked this directly of FM at their web site, but couldn't find a good place to ask it. If anyone knows of any FM Dev 5 add-on tools that further enable such publishing, that would be of interest as well. With appreciation in advance, Mike

Q1: Would anyone know if it's possible to remove the "created using filemaker" splash screen when quitting from a runtime database? I was told 'not possible' by support, but I see apps on the market that don't have it! Q2: What's the easiest way to change the desktop icons of the filemaker runtime databases? Thank you in advance for sharing! Regards, Mark

Just like to warn anyone planning to purchase FMpro Dev. The Splash screen at the end of the solution which says Made with FMpro Dev is PERMINANT... you cant get rid of it......' If they really wanted everyone to see it was a filemaker product at least they could have made the splash screen a little more attractive. Its god ugly

This is a Developer 4.0 question because I haven't upgraded yet to 5.0. I am having a problem installing the dictionaries from the system's folder. The directions in the Filemaker's Developer Guide state that you drag and drop the Runtime Files folder from the CD-ROM into the root level of of your solution folder. Can someone give me a clearer explanation of how to include the system file with the dictionaries into my solutions file? Must I use the CD rather than my downloaded binder files? Where's the root? Also, is there a way of testing the solution file on my computer without it opening my Filemaker program? The reason is, that spell check works fine on my comput…

Hi folks - need a tad more info on cross platform binding since the FM Dev manual is masterfully inept (as usual) -- In cross platform solutions, first you bind on Windows, then the Mac. When you bind on the Mac, I understand that you bind the previously Windows-bound file, not the master file. But when you perform the actual binding on the Mac, I'm wondering if you get a second runtime file and app in a new folder, in the same folder, only a new app, or is the binding invisible so you wind up with the same runtime solution and app in the original solutions folder? If you wind up with two separate apps (a Windows and a Mac), this would be a ton of overhead to downloa…

Just got FMP5 DevEdition and browsed the API for Eternal Plug Ins. I was hoping to be able to write summarization functions that would let me process table fields over a whole 'found set' and things like that. I don't see anything remotely like this. (i.e. no record navigation features or ability to get meta data, etc.) I suppose I could do an end run by using ODBC calls, but that's a back door I'd prefer not to open in a little plug in!!! Any help would be welcome.

Am using FMP 5 and recently downloaded an unrelated program on 10 day free trial. Upon exiting the 10 day trial a FMP5 Splash Screen displayed. I then looked in the 10 day trial's subdirectory and tried opening the db files with my FMP5. The 10 day trial program seemed to run the same with my FMP5 as it did with the Developer Runtime Routine. My questions are: (1) Did the Developer of the Solution that I downloaded overlook something? (2) Was there a way he could have protected his Solution from someone having FMP5 and running the solution after the free download expired? (3) If you have FMP5, are you then able to run any solutions using your own program? If this is…

I've made a runtime-version of a fmpro5-database. it opens ok in win98 and win2000, but if i try to open it on a computer running win95 there is always this error-message: <FileMakerPro could not be launched because af incorrect installation, missing system components or insufficient memory Please see the FileMakerPro documentation> I cannot find anything about it in the documentation. Does anybody know this problem? Can anybody help? Thanks for reply Pixmess

Is there a way to minimize the entire app while in kiosk mode and display the windows desktop?

I would like to debug my plug-ins with Microsoft Visual C++, how can i trace ?

I've created a run time solution in File Maker 5 My problem is anyone with file maker can open the files if they have the password. I've tried locking the .EXE file with InterLoc from PACE but that dose no good sense skip over the .EXE file, I also tired locking some of the .DLL files But that didn't work either sense File Maker uses its owned .DLL I'm using InterLoc because I want to be able to supply my customers with a timed DEMO. Any help would be AWASOME I've racked my head on this one!! Thanks Ron Bascom

Q 1 of 2 re: kiosk mode... I have a solution I'm working on that has six related databases in it that I am trying to get to work in Kiosk mode. I followed the Dev. Guide's suggestion of using "Toggle Window [Zoom]" to get the layout to center on the screen. Works well for form layouts. But for list layouts I get the layout aligned in the top left corner of the screen, at full screen height. The bouncing between different size and position screens is annoying to me. I can only imagine how a user would feel. Any thoughts?

Am on the 30 Trail of FMP5 and considerinfg the Developer. Inasmuch as I cannot find a basic tutorial and there are no help files on the Trial, can't determin this for myself. Have developed a Solution in Excel 2000 that I would like to distribute. Generally speaking, is there anything that can be created in Excel that can't be done in FMP5. This is a rather "Basic" Solution, read Not Heavy Programming. There are some "behind the scenes" formulae with the results showing in a "Printable Form". Thanks Gary

Q 2 of 2... I'm creating a Windows runtime kiosk solution (eventually it'll be cross-platform but the user needs the Windows version first) and I'm having a problem with the layout being cutoff. Doesn't happen all the time, but often enough that it is noticable. For example, I have a button on the main menu layout that takes you to another layout. On that layout, if you click to return to the main menu and then return to the alternate layout you will sometimes (not always and not predictable) loose part of the right side of the layout. If you are "lucky" you'll only loose half an inch or so and still have half the "Main Menu" button left (the design says the button ha…

Hi, I am developing a standalone product ( which is nearly finished ) and I would like the size of program to scale depending on the user's screen resolution. Firstly is this possible ?? Secondly is it something to do with DDE ?? Thanks in Advance Dom Walker

Does anyone know how to edit the startup splash screen in Filemaker Pro 5. I'd like to place my own logo or animation in the startup procedure. If anyone knows the answer please do not hesitate to respond at [email protected]

Does anyone have a benchmark cost/CD for CDs that would be mass-produced and distributed by mail in the manner that made AOL famous. Any refrences to reliable vendors for this would be appreciated. Thanks to any and all who respond.

Does anyone know of a way to "group" a set of feilds so that when i print a layout this group does not split over a page! I need to use sliding printing and each set of feilds varies in length.

Any insight to the following would be appreciated. I used Dev. 5 to created a run time on my Mac-G3 from a solution that I've moved back and forth between my Win98 and Mac desktops. Last update before creating the RT via the G3 was from the Win98 side. I configured the RT for Wintel compatibility. After burning my solution to a CD using "Toast" on my G3, upon testing it back on my Wintel side, I received an error message saying that the files had been created with an earlier version on Filemaker and could not be read. The strangest thing is that the file extensions burned on the CD say "Filemaker4" not 5, or the same file extension I see on the G-3 after creating the RT…

I need to produce a database to be used by 10 to 20 users. Can I create my db in FM Pro and then convert it to a runtime with Developer and run it over a network on the local machines? That's how I would do it in Access. The documentation in Developer makes me think I can't do it. Is there a way to do this or do I have to buy FM for each machine. If so then what's the point of the Developer? Dave

Hi Does it have to be tab separated ? If it can be comma separated you can export to a .mer file and the first row will be the field names. Otherwise you may have to use an itermediate program (like Excel) to convert from comma to tab delimited. Or what about entering the field names as the first record in your FMP file.... just thinking outside the box a bit. quote: Originally posted by jcsmonogram: I've been trying for days to figure this one out, maybe someone here can help. I've got a button to export data from FMP to a tab-separated text file. I need the field names to be the first line of the exported document so the program that imports the …

I want to create Database which will be delivered on CD-ROM. Can I integrate Web-Links into FileMaker? The browser has to open and show the URL.

Does any one know where I can get FileMaker Developer training fast (either hands-on or via video/CD)? Although I have developed in several languages and DB platforms (Oracle and SQL Server) I am new to FileMaker and am now responsible maintenance and development of our non-profit company

Is it possible to use an SDK solution (made with FM DEV5) from several computers in a TCP/IP network at the same time, that communicate with a database shared on the FM Server 5? The SDK version running on the computers has the function to input data in a central database. Who can help me finding the answer

Is there any way to get a vertical scroll bar at the bottom of a Kiosk program. When I first started testing it was there, I think?!? Thanks Brian Cryderman Walsworth Publishing

I am considering purchasing FMP Developer 5. Can someone who has it give a run down of what is included? Is Home Page 3 included or is there an updated tool similar to the FileMaker Connection Assistant? Is there an updated version of the CDML tool that was included in FMP 4.x? What do the new XML tools consist of? How extensive are the included examples and documentation? Thanks, Brian ------------------

I've looked into the FileMaker Solutions Alliance and am considering applying for membership. I have 3 questions all related to the Solutions Development Kit, available to members only. Do individuals designing for both Mac and Windows formats have to purchase two kits or does one kit contain everything needed for cross-platform development? Also, the information I found was for version 3. Since FileMaker is now selling version 5, has the SDK been updated as well and has the $499 price changed? Thanks, in advance.

If anyone knows how to get around these issues please feel free to correct me. Why can't I use MY icon for the application ? All I get is this cheesy FMP runtime icon. This splash screen is CRAP, why don't they require you to put a "Powered By" icon in the about window ? For $500 they could at least include the installshield lite. I thought I would be able to do 'real' development and deployment with this tool, NOT. I just got it today, by Wednesday I will decide wether or not it is justified and if not then return it. What about some advanced ActiveX features ? [This message has been edited by haucks (edited June 03, 2000).]

Do anyone knows if there is a way to turn FMP 5 into kiosk mode via a plug in with a command such as "Toggle window - Full screen". This would actually solve the licensing problems of FileMaker while enabling us to market kiosk style solutions.

I am fairly new at FMP. I have created a solution with Kiosk in mind. I have just received the new Dev. 5 edition. However the documentation on creating a Kiosk solution is weak at best. Where can I go to get a better step by step instruction for creating a Kiosk solution? Thanks in advance! ------------------

Do anyone knows if there is a way to minimize AP in kiosk mode. Thank you.