User manual

Table Of Contents
Chapter 5 | Sharing and exchanging data 128
Limitations on changes to shared files
Although it is possible for multiple users to make changes in the same shared file at the same time,
there are limits to the types of simultaneous changes that are permitted. The following table
describes the types of changes you can and cannot make to shared files.
Opening shared databases remotely using a URL
The FileMaker Pro installer registers FMP as an internet protocol. This enables you to open a
shared database using a URL. You can also run a script in the shared file using a URL.
Clients can use a browser to access shared databases by entering the URL of the shared file on
the host machine in a browser’s address area.
To identify the URL for the shared database on the host machine and send it to a client user:
1. In the shared file on the host machine, choose File menu > Send > Link to Database.
FileMaker Pro opens an email message in your default email application that contains the URL
for the current database, plus client connection requirements.
2. Address the email message to the client user, then send the message.
To open a shared database on a client machine using a URL:
1. Launch a web browser on the intended client machine.
Database change Limitation
Data in layouts and records Two people can’t edit the same record at the same time.
Data in records from external
ODBC data sources
Two people can edit the same record at the same time.
If two users edit the same record simultaneously, FileMaker Pro posts an alert when
either user attempts to commit changes. The alert provides a user with a choice,
allowing changes to be committed (overwriting any changes the other user might
have made), returning to the record without committing changes, or reverting the
record to the state it was when the editing session began.
Layouts and layout elements Two people can’t modify the same layout at the same time.
Value lists Two people can’t modify or define the same value list at the same time.
One person can edit a value list while another person is using it in Browse mode or
Find mode.
Scripts Two people can’t modify or define the same script at the same time.
One person can edit a script while another person is using it.
Tables, fields, relationships
(database schema)
Two people can’t modify any of these elements at one time.
Data sources Two people can’t modify or define the same data source at the same time.
One person can edit a data source reference while another person is using the
external file.
Accounts and privileges Two people can’t modify or define accounts and privileges at the same time.
One person can create or modify an account and privileges while another person is
using it.