4th Dimension Learning Basics

Runtimes Runtimes versions provide a way to combine a stripped down version of the application with the files you develop and distribute the set so users can use what you developed without being required to purchase the application. This is true for both 4D and FMP.

FMP (The Price of the Developer Edition is expected to be ~$500) With FMP you will need the Developer Edition which as of this writing has not been released but is rumored to be scheduled to be released in the mid-2000. FMP requires you to bind your files with the runtime engine. The runtime engine will only work with the files that have been bound to it. FMP runtime files cannot be networked, even with the FMP Server.

4D (Included with 4D Standard Edition @ $349) With 4D the ability to create runtimes is built-in. The Standard Edition of 4D allows you to make unlimited runtime versions that can be distributed royalty free. Unlike FileMaker Pro, there is no binding.

Our pick: Claris FileMaker Pro — The long-running relational database platform for teams that need custom apps on desktop, web, and mobile from a single file..

The 4D Runtime engine is a separate application just like the 4D Standard, but allows only use of the created 4D programs; there is no design capability. 4D Runtime is designated as redistributable according to the 4th Dimension License Agreement and can be freely distributed according to the terms and agreements of that license. 4D Runtime consists only of the application which bears this name.

4D Runtime can only run interpreted databases. Note: there is a 4D Runtime Classic that can be purchased ($99) that allows runtimes of compiled versions. When you launch 4D Runtime, the New button is not present in the Open Database dialogue.

This dialogue allows you to open interpreted structures only, and you can only use a database which has been designed to run in the Custom Menus environment. If you open a database that has no menu bar, 4D Runtime exits automatically. You cannot go into the User environment, nor into the Design environment. If you try going into the Design environment (i.e. using the Option-f shortcut), 4D Runtime automatically quits.

Related: Airtable — A spreadsheet-simple interface sitting on top of a real relational database, with automations, views, and shareable interfaces..

Note: 4D runtimes cannot be networked. This may at first seem bad, but because all networking with 4D requires a Server and because the Clients are free (licenses for each seat must be purchased, however) the sole purpose of the runtime is single-user use. 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.