FileMaker Pro is a cross-platform relational database application from FileMaker Inc., formerly Claris, (a subsidiary of Apple). It integrates a database engine with a GUI-based interface, allowing users to modify the database by dragging new elements into layouts, screens, or forms.
FileMaker evolved from a DOS application, but was then developed primarily for the Apple Macintosh. Since 1992 it has been available for Microsoft Windows as well as Mac OS, and can be used in a heterogeneous environment. It is available in desktop, server, and web-delivery configurations.
A defining characteristic of FileMaker is that the database engine is integrated with the forms (screen, layouts, reports etc) used to access it. In this respect, it is closer in operation to desktop database systems such as Microsoft Access and FoxPro. In contrast, most large-scale relational database management systems (RDBMS) separate these tasks, concerning themselves primarily with organization, storage, and retrieval of the data, and providing little to no capability for user interface development. It should be noted, however, that the storage capacity of recent versions of FileMaker far exceeds most desktop database products, and indeed approaches that of many dedicated back-end systems.
FileMaker software includes the legendary FileMaker Pro product line for Windows, Mac, and the Web, and Bento, the personal database software for Mac, iPhone, and iPod touch. With FileMaker software, creating, customizing, and sharing easy-to-use software solutions is quick and easy. And the FileMaker Pro product line is powerful enough to integrate with corporate data environments, share on the Web, and grow as your needs grow.
Filemaker is a cross-platform database application and a compatible version for both the Apple Mac OS and Microsoft Windows operating systems. It can also be networked to mixed Windows and MAX OS user base.
FileMaker can be used on two levels: first, it’s a simple database management system. You define tables, fields, and relationships, and FileMaker provides a structured way to store and retrieve data. Even though I’ve created some very large and complex systems with FileMaker, I have often used it in this manner to create simple databases that are basically glorified list managers, such as the Serial Numbers database we’ve worked on in past columns. Used in this mode, manipulating data in the database is a matter of using FileMaker’s built-in interface elements, such as Command-N to create a new record, View ‣ Find Mode to search for records, etc. FileMaker is very useful at this level. Anyone can create a simple database with a couple of tables and a few fields and begin storing data in it within minutes.
The other level that FileMaker can be used at is as a cross-platform application development environment, which basically means that you create a complete application within FileMaker that will run on either Mac OS X or Windows. In such applications, the built-in interface elements of FileMaker will often be disabled, and all interaction with the database happens through scripts. Layout tools are used to build a custom interface, and the user clicks buttons or chooses custom menus that execute these scripts. The application can then be hosted on a server, to be accessed by multiple users, or possibly bound as a double-clickable file that doesn’t even need the FileMaker application in order to run.
Use of Filemaker
FileMaker Pro is simply the best relational database system on the market. You will find no other piece of software that gives you all the power, all the functionality, and all the flexibility of FileMaker Pro. It's easy to see why everyone from Fortune 500 companies to home business owners are all using FileMaker Pro to keep them in control of their businesses!
