4th Dimension Learning Basics

Networking Differences Both 4D and FMP allow the databases to be networked. Networking is very different between 4D and FMP. While a regular FMP file can host itself and other files on a network (peer-to-peer hosting), this works only in the cases where the number of files and guest are low in number.

With 4D, there must be a Server. There is no 4D peer-to-peer hosting. FMP Networking For any serious database networking the FMP Server must be used. The FMP Server only serves the files.

You still need a copy of FMP application to open any file to make changes or to use the file. You also need a copy of FMP application on each computer on the network that may want to access the files. If you have 100 computers and think 25 would be the most that would access the files concurrently, then you would still need to have 100 copies of FMP application, one on each computer.

FMP Peer-to-Peer Networking As noted above, a regular version of FMP can be used to host files on a network. While this has some utility, many times users get into trouble quickly with this method. While FMP can host up to a maximum of 50 files open and a maximum of 25 concurrent users, in reality you can never have any where close to both maximums.

Typically you can have 1 guest with 48 files open or 2 guests with 25 files open or 25 guests with 3 files open. Besides poor performance with FMP peer-to-peer networking, database management such as backups and crash recovery can be more complex than with using the Server version.

Figure 9 - Hosting Files with FMP Application as Peer-to-Peer Networking FMP Server Networking (FileMaker Pro Server is ~ $1,000) Figure 10 - Serving Files with FMP Server FMP Server can have up to 125 files open (note: each computer can still only open a maximum of 50 files) and up to 250 concurrent guests. FMP Server can only serve files on a network and cannot be used for web hosting the files. 4D Networking (4D Server is $900 - $1,000 and includes two concurrent connections. Additional connections 1 for $249, 5 for $999, 10 for $1999) With 4D you can create Clients that can be put on each computer.

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There is no cost to the developer for these and any number can be created and installed. With 4D you need the 4D Server if you wish to network a database. You then purchase licenses for the 4D Server.

In addition to the two concurrent connection licenses that come with the server you need to purchase enough licenses so you have a total number of licenses equal to or greater than the maximum number of concurrent users. What this means is if you have 100 clients, but only anticipate 25 concurrent users, you need only to purchase 25 licenses. You would put a copies of the 4D Client application on each computer. The 4D server will now allow up to and including the maximum number licenses purchased for that server to connect concurrently.

Figure 11 - Serving Files with 4D Server Note: The structure file on each 4D Client machine is put there automatically by 4D Server. The developer does not have to go around and copy the structure on each machine.

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Also note that the Structure file that is placed with the Client files is a subset of the main Structure file. There are two versions of 4D Server. One version allows 4D Clients to not only use the files, but also open and do design work with the database structure (~$1000).

The other version of 4D Server allows only use and is called 4D Server Application (~$900). Both versions allow both networking and web publishing of the files.

Note: for other than testing, to use the web publishing you must purchase an additional the web license ($1,000). Client Files With FMP there is no such thing as a Client file. A full version of FMP must be used on each computer. With 4D only a 4D Client application is needed on the user’s computer.

Note: the Structure file is downloaded and updated automatically by 4D Server. 4D Client can be distributed freely on a network to each user. 4D Client allows the user to access the database located on the Server computer. Copyright

P.S. A few readers have asked which relational database platform we actually reach for — it's Claris FileMaker Pro; take a look here if you want the current details.