Chrysalis ...a tool (project) for software developers

[fmdevusa]

Hi,

I am seeking requests for functions/features to be included in a developers tool that I have been building. It creates a FileMaker db from the ddr (xml option). The motivation for this product is rooted in collaboration and brain storming with PHP developers familiar with both FileMaker and popular content management systems.

The link below has some preview screens to give a flavor, and an evaluation version will be available in the fall this year.

http://tinyurl.com/p9b2rp

I received two requests/ideas at devcon for inclusion in the full product:

1) tell me what is "likely" unused or not needed (going beyond unreferenced / no-dependence model) in a project,

2 ) tell me the similar (common) elements (functions, scripts, etc., scan for patterns in logic - a bit of a brain teaser) between two projects.

The product will be a "data full access included" and inexpensive since I believe developer tools should be almost, if not completely, free.

There might be, in its place or in addition, an "import only version", for those creative people who want to make their own application/integration/code generator - whatever. This import only version would be updated as needed when any ddr change occurs from a release from FileMaker, Inc. If there is only an interest in a "create my data file" process then it would help me to know.

In addition to finding out what is wanted and needed, after attending devcon and seeing the extreme interest in code portability, I was wondering whether there would be an interest in other developers creating their own "feature files" (free and for charge versions) that could be centrally listed/hosted somewhere much like CMS systems such as Drupal, Joomla, Sugar, etc.

My motivation with regard to "Chrysalis" is not to get rich on it, but to promote the platform, help other FileMaker developers, and open doors for open source (PHP) people who want to automate some of their activities related to FileMaker.

Some food for thought...

One idea for a "feature file" - E.G. The Chrysalis data file includes all available layout objects and conditional formatting's character styles, draw styles, field borders, font family, font size, etc. and so someone might want to have methods or a way of creating, updating, maintaining external (websites (php/css), web services, erp integration - anything downstream, connected, or participating in some way to a FileMaker core of files), i.e. code generation/update routines. (Note: "Layout Part" definitions and their background colors are not available in the current iteration of the Database Design Report)

Another idea: We all want to get portable and extensible, and FileMaker has given us great features with v10 to start doing more of that, but there are still occasions when we need that little extra push to keep our rapid development model alive and well. With the schema in database form there are many ways to extend and reuse our own work product.

Your comments, thoughts, or questions would be appreciated.

Marx Martin

www.systemyes.com

[email protected]