FileMaker developer looking to convert

jalz · Post by **jalz** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:16 pm

Hello,

I'm not sure this is the right forum to post this message, if not please can the moderators move it.

I've got a FileMaker solution which I would like to convert to runrev and SQLite(or another SQL db that is free).

First thing I would like to know is, are the runtimes I create FREE to distribute and resale them on clients(with your disclaimer)?

Secondly, FileMaker runtimes are quite easy to install for the end user. Is it possible to make the installation of a SQL database bundled with RunRev just as easy? Im trying to create a good end user experience.

Finally, FileMaker has relationships build into the sodtware, which allows you to enter related data extremely easily into what they call a portal. Is there a similar element in runrev that will allow related values to go in quite easily?

Many thanks to all that reply.

Many Thanks

BvG · Post by **BvG** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:02 am

Q1, Standalone rules:
You can distribute your Software however you like, no disclaimer needed. However if you add a copyright notice to your application or the advertisement for it, then you are required to add this string in the same text (example for 3.0): "Portions (c)2000-2008 Runtime Revolution Limited, All Rights Reserved Worldwide."

Q2, ease of installation:
With SQLite it is. For Windows you'll have a dll next to your application (you can change the place where it resides, but that's a bit advanced). In Mac OS X, there will be a driver bundle within your own application bundle, so most users won't even notice it there. SQLite needs to save it's own file, which you can store anywhere on your clients hard disk (for example in the "application support" folder on Mac OS X).

Q3, Relationship Portal: I'm not sure what you mean here, as I haven't used Filemaker since almost 10 years. Of note is however that Rev is not made for Databases alone, so many features that are standard in Filemaker, Access et cetera will not be found in Rev. However, unlike those tools, you can create almost all of those things yourself using Rev.

Janschenkel · Post by **Janschenkel** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:32 am

Hello and Welcome to the Revolution!

BvG already answered your questions, so I'm just going to elaborate on a few things:

- embedded databases like SQLite and Valentina do not require setup, but are single-user; so if you need multiple client applications to edit records in the same database, you'll have to look at MySQL, PostgreSQL or Oracle.

- Revolution doesn't offer 'portals' out of the box; but you can simulate this behaviour with 'groups' of controls that are created dynamically and filled with data from your related table as you traverse the 'master' result set.

- Speaking of result sets, Revolution will not be as intertwined with the underlying database as the FM UI with the underlying DB engine; this means you'll have more work to do in terms of calling the database by means of SQL statements.

- You may want to take a look at FMPro Migrator which will not only transfer your data out of FileMaker, but can even recreate your FM layouts as Revolution stacks.

- As mentioned by BvG, Revolution is not a dedicated database front-end tool; once you get the hang of it, you can build so much more; but be prepared for the un-learning and re-learning process that's part of any transition to other tools.

You're not the first FileMaker Pro developer to seek refuge in Revolution. There are a fair number of them on the use-revolution mailing list and plenty of people with database experience so feel free to ask questions!

Best regards,

Jan Schenkel.

jalz · Post by **jalz** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:42 am

Thank you both of you.

I can see it being a bit of a learning curve, but it does look like the right tool I need to convert my solution into a "proper" solution.

I'll download trial copy of Revolution Studio and follow some examples.

BvG, thankyou for the heads up on SQLite, I thought that db was scalable to multi user, I think I'll look at using Valentina (Im a big fan of MySQL but I think this), as I'm trying to make the installation experience as easy to use and setup as possible.

Janschenkel, thankyou for suggesting FMPro migrator. I'll definitely be taking a look at this tool.

Do I need separate licenses to compile code for the PC as well the Mac?

bangkok · Post by **bangkok** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 12:53 pm

Hi jalz,

I'm in the same situation : going from FM 7 to Revolution.

It's great. A few comments :

-SQL Lite, 1 user only, but great to quickly and with no ressources create a DB and test SQL queries (the main challenge actually)

-a "portal" in FM 7 is nothing but a record set with SQL (SELECT), with a "relationship" (JOIN...ON), displayed in a list field. Very easy to do with Revolution.

-I see one difference (but to be confirmed by SQL specialists) : the "portal" in FM 7 is updated in real real time (if a record within the relationship is modified, the portal is "updated" immediately visually).

-so voila, the challenge is to learn the SQL stuff.

-and of course, it takes more time to design tables and "relationships". I mean with FM7, it's so easy with the graphic tool to place tables and "draw" link between them. Same for reports (we drag and drop fields).

-but I'm sure it would possible with Revolution to create a tool to mimic those behaviors and functions.

-on the other hand, FM is very poor with scripts. With Revolution... the freedom is total to crunch, manipulate your datas, in every conceivable ways.

-and the cost ! If i remember a FM runtime can not access FM Server. So if you have multi users, you need to buy a client licence for each...

-So it would take little (a tool to create report, by draging fields, and to create "relationships", plus a few pre-programmed buttons (next record, previous record, print) , and a "motor" to "mimic" the "find mode" of FM) to give a boost to the couple Revolution/SQL.

sbswensen · Post by **sbswensen** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:45 pm

I have been using SQLite for about 1 year in a multiuser application.

SQLite can in fact handle multi-user applications.

HOWEVER, SQLite uses file locking vs. PAGE or ROW level locking. If your application requires one user to be able to insert or update large numbers of records this will impact the performance on the other users. They will have to wait for the FILE locking user to complete his work before they can move forward.

As with all thing PROGRAMATICALLY speaking - you can work around any limitations. Or you can purchase a tool that does not have those limitation.

SQLite is small and perfect for embedded apps. I have loaded over 400 Gig into a single SQLite database. Just a single table with indexes. It does well in handling up to that point. I have experienced some problems with indexing data sizes greater than 400 Gig.

Any SQL database has a great learning curve. But so does Filemaker as you dive deeper into their capacity and capabilities.

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