I understand that it is possible to create an executable file in FM Advanced 9.0 that will allow an end-user without the filemaker software limited functionality of a filemaker database. Is this true? and if so how limited? Could a small multi-table database with a couple of relationships be usable in such a format? Does the executable conduct any type of installation and thus require system level permissions on the PC on which it runs? Thanks.

It's called a Filemaker "runtime" solution. The big gotcha with runtimes is that they are not multi-user. Only one person can work on the database at-a-time. Will this work for you?

Yes, in this particular case a single user stand alone solution will work. When the organization sees the value inherant in the solution they can then choose to invest in the FM software itself. However, will the execuatble require system level permission to function? Aka does it INSTALL anything, or will simply copying the executable file to the target PC be sufficient for it to run?

Can anyone answer the above questions? Thanks in advance.

The runtime does not need to install anything AFAIK. All of the necessary dll files are right in the same folder with the executable, so it can be run from any location, and doesn't require admin access. (unless you've written it to do something on the computer that requires it)

Thanks!

One last question. Is it possible to export records from the runtime version when the client decides to purchase the full FM package?

I just looked at a runtime I made yesterday and you can export the records from it. Assuming the password has the privledges to do so.

Michael

Great, Thanks!

Actually, the runtime includes the data file which will open with FM if renamed to a .fp7 file. So, no export is required.

Can a filemaker file be renamed as the datafile and inserted into a runtime?

I don't know. I doubt it. Worth a try.

Yes, you must use same "Bindkey"

Ann

Can a filemaker file be renamed as the datafile and inserted into a runtime?

No. It must be run thru the Developer Tool and assigned the same binding key as the others. Then it will work.

Steven

Hi , Does the runtime make one file that includes the .fp7 file ? If my .fp7 file is 300K then what size is the runtime solution?

Thanks in advance

No, the runtime (executable program) is separate form the data (fp7) file.

I've never done a Mac runtime myself, but I've heard that it's about 84 MB, and a Window runtime is about 54 MB. That's excluding your fp7 file.

Thanks Vaughan, I guess that compares, sizewise with Java Runtime and is less than .net

I want to develop on Mac and deploy on Windows, hence FM

"I want to develop on Mac and deploy on Windows, hence FM"

Ahhh... you need to create the Windows runtime from within WindOS, so you'll need either a PC or Parallels (or BootCamp) on your Mac.

"I want to develop on Mac and deploy on Windows, hence FM"

Ahhh... you need to create the Windows runtime from within WindOS, so you'll need either a PC or Parallels (or BootCamp) on your Mac.

Also, you'll probably want to test the database on the deployment platform anyway, to check for platform-specific issues.

You can also reduce the size of the runtime by deleting unnecessary language files.

Yes , That is a good thing about FileMaker Pro 8.5 , I can install it on my XP laptop as well from the same CD.

Edited August 20, 200718 yr by Guest