Technical Brief
FileMaker Go 1.2.1 Technical Brief
5
That said, while most things work, there are some limitations; please pay special attention to the section on Scripts.
Depending on the application and how frequently it is used, some developers will decide to tailor specific layouts
and database files for the mobile devices. These mobile layouts could be aimed at smaller screen sizes, or simply
provide larger targets for touch. In cases where FileMaker Go is connecting to existing hosted FileMaker solutions,
it could be useful to have mobile interfaces for employees like salespeople in the field, allowing them to quickly
and easily check the status of an order, enter expenses, and so on, without requiring them to sync or re-enter data later.
FileMaker Go allows users to work with local files stored on their devices. Local access is great for quick reference
information or anything that does not need to be shared with other users. For instance, if you wanted to take
your existing contact database with you on a trip where web access will be unreliable, you could copy it to your
device for use during your trip. Loading and opening files within FileMaker Go is well covered in the product
documentation:
For iPhone: http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-go/for-iphone/help/1/index.html
For iPad: http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-go/for-ipad/help/1/index.html
This technical brief details the FileMaker Pro features that are supported in FileMaker Go, those that are not, and
closes with a discussion of best practices. One of the biggest issues to keep in mind is that FileMaker developers
must consider client compatibility during testing and development efforts. Additional attention should be paid
to all your hosted solutions since you can now expect users to work both via FileMaker Pro on desktops and
FileMaker Go on mobile devices, whether or not you designed them with that in mind.
If you are new to FileMaker Go, the FileMaker Go Development Guide is recommended reading and can be found at:
http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-go/docs/fmgo_development.pdf
As a companion to this Technical Brief, the screenshots and user interface elements (art, buttons, layout designs)
usedarealltakenfromthe“FileMakerGoToolkit”databasecreatedbySoliantConsulting.Itisavailableasafree
download at http://www.soliantconsulting.com/gotoolkit/ and contains a collection of assets and examples for
developing FileMaker Go user interfaces.
OS Minimum Requirements
FileMaker Go is a client that accesses either local files stored on your mobile device or databases hosted on
FileMaker Server or FileMaker Pro.
• iPhone&iPodTouch:iOS4.2.1orgreater
• iPad:iOS4.2.1orgreater
Hosts (supported):
• FileMakerServer/ServerAdvanced10and11
• FileMakerPro/ProAdvanced10and11