I am helping a friend with a small business. I have created a basic, single table, membership application but it needs to be modified periodically. It is not convenient for me to make the modifications on the "production" database. What I would like to do is get a copy of the "production" FileMaker database, make the modifications and then import only my non-data changes (layouts, scripts, etc.) back into the "production" database. I know I can import scripts, but what about layouts or schema changes?

In other words, is there a way (without using FileMaker Pro Advanced) to perform normal developer enhancement functions?

There is no way of importing layouts etc back into another copy. You will need to reverse it, ie, import his data into your newly changed version. Another option is to use separation model where the UI is separate from the data. But don't be deceived there ... you will sometimes still need calculations in the data file and will STILL need to replace the data file as well.

But the idea is that most scripting and layouts can be in the UI and you can simply switch it out. Just remember that, if you DO make a change to the data file, to import his data into it as well.

LaRetta :wink2:

LaRetta, thanks for your response. I'll have to investigate the separation model. I'm familiar with the concept, but not with how to implement it in FileMaker. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'm confident I'll figure it out.

Thanks again,

Darrell

If your on a mac you can!

http://myfmbutler.com/index.lasso?p=422