FMStudio v2 Live Fields and AJAX - Magic Moments with Michael, Episode 4

Another episode of Magic Moments with Michael - the show that showcases amazing tricks that FileMaker can do when the right tools are used. In this episode we are looking at how FMStudio v2 connects text fields, drop down value lists, checkboxes, and radio buttons live to FileMaker databases.

This live connection is not the standard connection that you see where a form is submitted and appears in FileMaker. In FMStudio v2 you can now update FileMaker fields as the user finishes typing data into each one!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• FMWebschool
• FMStudio
• FileMaker
• MagicMomentsWithMichael
• PHP
• FMStudio2

[gregincolumbus]

Michael

VERY cool stuff. Is there a limit to the levels for the cascading lists menus? You show two.....I am really hoping there are at least 3 :)

Can this live field feature serve as a lookup to populate other fields after a commit and show those looked up fields on the web back to the form? For example, I type in a key field.....it triggers a lookup which populates 4 other fields according to the lookup data in the field definition.

I am also on the beta test list....looking forward it!

[MichaelPetrov]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the kind comments!

There are actually 3 levels of cascades on here (Industry selection brings up Positions, which then show the Position Details checkboxes). Not quite 3 levels of drop downs, but a chain of 3 nonetheless.

However in theory it is definitely unlimited. It reads the value lists from FM that are on the layout based on the last edit and goes from there populating everything.

I'll look into allowing lookups and such to affect actual text fields.

[jalz1975]

That is seriously neat! V2 looks to be THE ultimate tool for rapid development for FMWeb Publishing. Just curious what happens if you don't submit the form after the changes?

[MichaelPetrov]

In this case nothing really happens. The submit is meant to turn a flag switch from INCOMPLETE to COMPLETE. That is the main idea I have is to delete any edits that were not marked complete within 24 hours periodically.

You might ask why the complexity in the first place. Well, the multi level value lists are not possible without a real record being edited - so the submission process might as well be more of an "I am done working on this" flag setting.

[bandmandq]

I knew at some point, I should learn AJAX. WOW, this is so cool. When can I purchase this? :)

[MichaelPetrov]

We are still a couple of weeks away from release, but certainly getting closer. I am working on getting an API build of this to beta testers as soon as I can - hoping mid to end of next week. I believe you are on the beta testing team, Jon, so you'll definitely be able to play around with this baby very very soon. :)

[gregincolumbus]

Hi Michael

Any word on the BETA? I am on the list of testers and have a big project I am dragging my feet on waiting for v2.

Thanks!

Greg

[gregincolumbus]

Michael

Any word on the BETA? Not that I am acting like a 3 year old crying.....I want, I want, I want :)

Thanks

Greg

[gregincolumbus]

Hi Michael

Do you still feel you are going to have an API build for Beta testers this week?

Greg

[jalz1975]

Thanks Michael,

Thought that was the case, as I've got something similar (a drop down based on another drop down) the fields are updated via a ajax script which permanently updates the filemaker record whether the user submits the html form or doesn't.

FMStudio V2 does this all out of the box!! The feature set is looking awesome.......and can't wait to purchase this!