Review: FileMaker 8.5 Ups The Ante

database

The CRN Test Center took a look under the hood at FileMaker Pro 8.5. At first blush, the new version looks to be a minor upgrade to last year's version 8.0, but a closer look shows some big-time enhancements under the shrinkwrap.

For developers, FileMaker has created FileMaker Pro Advanced 8.5, which is a version of the product that adds additional design, development and deployment tools to the base version of the product. One of the most significant enhancements to the product is the "Web Viewer" design component.

Web Viewer integrates browser functionality into the database interface. Developers can now make live "Web-based" data part of the end-user experience, without the need for a third-party browser.

The implications of this new capability are worth noting. Developers can now imbed existing Web applications into the FileMaker experience, perhaps using FileMaker to become the front end to a more complex application, creating ease of use for the end user, without disturbing the original application.

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Developers will find Web Viewer easy to implement, but access to the component's more advance features will require some additional scripting (programming). So while the basics will be covered by a click-and-choose method, more advanced features will require intricate knowledge of FileMaker's scripting language.

As many developers know, manual scripts can introduce errors into an application, creating a debugging nightmare. Here is another area that the new FileMaker shows promise. Included is an advanced script debugger, which allows developers to step through scripts line by line and observe the actual results. Developers will be able to quickly track down coding errors and fix them on the fly using this new feature.

Other enhancements to the product include increased speed and native support for Intel-based Macintosh computers. A "universal" code base allows developers to run the product on Windows PCs, Intel Macs and PowerPC-based Macs, allowing cross-platform compatibility for end users and developers.

Many of the other enhancements are minor but worth noting. Developers now have better PDF support, improved import and export capabilities, access to custom "tool tips," and a vastly improved help and demonstration system.

All of the new features added to the product's improvements make FileMaker Pro 8.5 Advanced worth considering for both upgraders and new users alike.