Author Professional Custom Solutions

FileMaker Developer 7 is an enhanced version of FileMaker Pro with integrated developer tools and utilities to help you build databases faster. Now FileMaker Developer 7 includes a special, test-only Development License for FileMaker Server 7 Advanced. Use it to build and test solutions for deployment with FileMaker Server 7 or FileMaker Server 7 Advanced without having to purchase a full license of the software.

With new features, including custom functions and file maintenance tools, and enhancements to the Database Design Report, script debugger, and customization options, FileMaker Developer 7 gives you power you can use to

• Streamline development and maintenance
• Develop and troubleshoot solutions more effectively
• Deploy more customized solutions

Streamline development and maintenance

• Custom functions are centrally stored so you can access the calculation logic across tables. When you update the function, the new formula is instantly calculated wherever it's used.
• Define custom functions directly from within FileMaker Developer 7 that can include parameters and recursion. You can also protect proprietary calculations by hiding the calculation logic in custom functions, or restrict access to the entire function.
• Use the new file maintenance tools, like Optimize File, to logically reorder data within a file, which can improve performance. Now you can compact or optimize open or shared files without expensive downtime.
• Leverage powerful new FileMaker Pro 7 features to speed development, like script parameters, or by including local variables in calculations.

Develop and troubleshoot solutions more effectively

• Run the Database Design Report for comprehensive information on your database schema and options. The enhanced HTML- or XML-based report details options for tables, fields, relationships, scripts, accounts, privileges, and more.
• Use the Script Debugger to systematically step through your scripts for thorough troubleshooting.
• Leverage the new FileMaker Pro 7 robust relational model by consolidating your tables into one file and manipulating a "visual map" of all your database tables.

Deploy more customized solutions

• Leverage the enhanced External Function Plug-in API to create plug-ins that accept multiple parameters, access container field data, produce stylized text, and more.
• Customize solutions to open in kiosk-mode, which hides application menus, operating system elements, and other applications. The External Function Plug-in API is ideal for self-serve applications like mailing lists or event registration.
• Distribute royalty-free standalone runtime applications that do not require FileMaker Pro 7 or FileMaker Developer 7 to run.
• Remove administrative access from users to permanently prevent modifications to the database structure.

Windows

• Pentium 300MHz or higher
• 64MB of RAM for Windows 2000
• 128MB of RAM for Windows XP
• CD-ROM drive and hard disk drive
• Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP (Service Pack 1)*