FileMaker Pro to 4th Dimension Quickstart Guide

Differences

There are many concepts in 4th Dimension that have no direct equivalent in FileMaker Pro, and vice versa. Both products have features that are not present in the other product. The following table explains these differences:

FileMaker Pro	4th Dimension	Definition/Notes
View as Table	n/a	Spreadsheet-like view of data
Sliding Objects	n/a	Help eliminate unused space during printing ¹
n/a	Transactions	A series of data modifications stored locally until validated or cancelled.
n/a	Processes	Allow Multi-Threading²
n/a	Sets and Set Operations	Allow stored "found sets"³
n/a	Named Selections	An ordered list of records for a table in a process.
n/a	Queries	Ad Hoc searches and relations⁴
n/a	Macros	Ability to assign shortcuts to frequently typed characters in the method editor.
n/a	Quick Reports	Ad Hoc Report generation⁵
n/a	Label Editor	Ad Hoc Label generation⁶
n/a	Arrays	A type of memory-based variable that stores a series of values. Used for pop-up menus, combo boxes, scrollable lists, etc.
n/a	Style Sheets	Allow platform-specific UI⁷
n/a	Entry Filters	Special formatting for SSN, Phone Numbers, etc.
n/a	Hierarchical Lists⁸
Picture Library	Picture Library	Interface allows access to Picture Library⁹
n/a	Splitters	Allow dynamic resizing of forms¹⁰
n/a (without plug-in)	Charting/Graphing	Built in to 4th Dimension
n/a	Stored Procedures	Server-side processes

¹ FileMaker Pro handles unused space during printout by shrinking up sliding objects. 4th Dimension handles it by growing or moving objects/fields as needed.

² 4th Dimension is multi-threaded, and allows multiple processes to run at the same time. This allows 4th Dimension to perform multiple operations at the same time (for instance, you could browse and edit records while performing an import behind the scenes). It also allows you to have more than one window showing the same table at the same time, each with its own independent Current Selection.

³ A set is a compact representation of a selection of records. Sets are used to save and later restore a selection when the order does not matter, to access the selection a user made on screen (the User Set), and to perform a logical operation between two selections (union, intersection, or difference).

⁴ The Query Editor allows the user to search for a group of records in the database based on the contents of one or more fields. The Query Editor can be brought up anywhere in your application by using the command QUERY ([TableName]).

⁵ The Quick Report editor allows end users to build their own reports without needing design-level access to the database.

⁶ The Label Editor allows end users to build their own labels without needing to design new forms, and without design-level access.

⁷ Like FileMaker Pro, 4th Dimension is completely cross-platform. But unlike FileMaker Pro, 4th Dimension allows your database to inherit the user interface from the OS. So, radio buttons, check boxes, drop down menus, etc. all inherit the platform-specific look and feel.

⁸ Hierarchical Lists should not be confused with Relational Value Lists in FileMaker Pro. Hierarchical lists cause "side menus" to open when the cursor hovers over an item, much like the Programs menu in the Start Menu, or folders listed in the Apple Menu.

⁹ Both 4th Dimension and FileMaker Pro have a picture library, but 4th Dimension has an interface that allows you to directly browse and edit the Picture Library.

¹⁰ Splitters allow you to resize a window and cause the objects on the form to dynamically resize (grow or move) with the window.