FMA Address
FileMaker allows you to create addons. Addons are like building blocks. You create small building blocks to then use them in larger projects. But what is small and what is too big? What can you use it for? This FMA Address addon explores that notion.
Is it useful to create an address database as a FileMaker addon? Probably not. But this add-on is not about what you should or could, but rather a test case on how to perceive addons. Here is an example: Quite a few advanced addons use JavaScript. Does that mean you have to master JavaScript before you can create addons? Of course not.
Addons are about FileMaker, not about external technologies. Even if you can use JavaScript and other technologies, it is because FileMaker is enabling you to do that. There is no obligation to use those options. You can, but it is optional. So it is for FileMaker addons: You can create addons with whatever FileMaker allows you to use. Addons therefore can be quite simple or complex. It is up to your expertise and ideas.
If you ever tried to turn an entire solution into an addon, you might have noticed that FileMaker froze during the creation of that addon. What you wanted was simply too big a task. If you cautiously wait the add-on will eventually be created, but it is evident that Claris did not intend FileMaker addons to be large solutions. It is all about smaller functionalities.
Many addons out in the wild are highly technical. They allow you to integrate great functionality without having to know the ins and outs of such a solution. Simply add it to your Filemaker solution, configure the settings, and off you go.
But what about simple structures? You can build starter files, of course. However, could you also use addons to quickly transfer basic tables, layouts and scripts to any other file? That is the test for this sample addon.
What else?
This addon shows that it is easy to add tables, layouts, scripts, etc. to an add-on. It is then irresistably simple to add that addon to any other FileMaker solution. But what else? Did you know you can create relationships to tables the add-on does not know anything about? Thus, you can enhance existing tables with additional tables and link them automatically.
To learn more about these features, download our product “Add-on Lab FREE”, which is a simple knowledge base about FileMaker addons. It also has two interesting functions: Locate the Extension folder on Mac or Win by a single click. Create an add-on from any open file.
Addons for FileMaker are fabulous. But how far can you go? What makes sense, and what are the limits? The aim of this address add-on is to explore these questions. While it is highly unlikely you will create an address database as an add-on first, you might have needs to include other “modules” in any solution. This sample file shows that it is easy to do so.
Requirements: FileMaker 19.1 or higher to open any addon. Better: It is suggested to always use the latest version of FileMaker.
List Files in Folder
How do you list files in a folder on your machine? FileMaker cannot do that by itself. You need a plugin to extend the options of FileMaker for that purpose.
Plugins for FileMaker
FileMaker cannot and likely will not do everything you want to achieve. After all, FileMaker is a lowcode platform. Without knowing for sure, some things are beyond reach. In that case, plugins can extend the functionality of FileMaker. Plugins can be added to FileMaker to enhance functionality and options.
In this sample file, three different plugins are used to perform the same task. It becomes easy to compare the script steps needed and how it works. If you require this to behave differently, you likely can tweak it. Consider this sample file as an introduction to using plugins in FileMaker.
List Files In Folder
This simple example shows how three different plug-ins can be used to obtain a list of files for any folder on your computer. The way these plugins work is slightly different, as are the results.
List Files In Folder is an example file for FileMaker. It shows how to use plug-ins to show all files in a folder. The example file can be considered a mini-introduction to plug-ins.
Plug-ins used (test with free versions):
- BaseElements
- TROI File
- MBS
You must at least have a test version of the plug-in you want to use installed. All download links for the plug-ins are part of the example file.
Requirements: FileMaker Pro 20 or newer.
SimpleBackup
Create snapshots of your local files with a single click.
Working locally with FileMaker files?
If you do, you need to be careful about your backups. This example file shows how you can easily create a snapshot of your current file with a single click on a button. It stores the file with a timestamp and some information about the tool title and version.
SimpleBackup lets you be intentional about your local snapshots. Just before or after imports, new implementations, or any other differences with effect to data or development, you create a quick backup with a single click.
Creating a unique backup file name
Your backup will have a timestamp included, but also can be enhanced with, for example, the title and version of your solution. That information is stored in a separate table and shown to be of help while creating a backup. The backup file can be labeled like:
20260504-163208-565-Simplebackup-0152.fmp12
The structure is like:
date-time-random-ToolTitle-ToolVersion.fmp12
YearMonthDay-HoursMinutesSeconds-Random-Title-Version.fmp12
This creates unique names, which are easily sorted by their alphanumerical value.
Simple solution to create snapshots or backups from local files.
The sample file shows 2 things:
- Single script to save unique snapshots of your files
- Additional table with information about your file, which can become part of the file name.