FileMaker Plugin Developer: Sitecraft
Number of Plugins: 1 FileMaker Plugin
Jeff Hough is the owner of Sitecraft.
When did you first start using FileMaker?
After I graduated from college. (1990) I was hire to build an event scheduling solution using FileMaker II (not FileMaker Pro 2).
What made you start making FileMaker Plugins?
I wanted a cross-platform solution for compressing and decompressing archives. I hired a developer to write it for me.
Do you use any plugins created by other people? If so which ones?
Which of your own plugins do you feel is your best work?
Do you think making plugins cross-platform is important?
Very. I have very few single platform clients.
What do you think of FileMaker adding features that come from Plugins? Such as Printing to PDF and Script Triggering?
It might sound funny, but I would love if FMP included the features provided by plug-ins. It would make deployment much easier. But, I understand the reasons not to. Back to the question, I think it is a complement to the plug-in author when the functionality is implemented into the program natively.
What do you think the next feature originally come from a plugin FileMaker will add will be?
Hard to say. I would love to see FMI give the FileMaker developer the ability to build custom dialog using layouts. Don’t confuse this with using a layout as a dialog. I am looking for the ability to control the delivery of a layout as a dialog, something like RealBasic use of views and OS native dialogs.
Do you think Free plugins harm companies who sell plugins?
There are times when a free plug-in is the right choice for a client. Most of my work these days is with a commercial solution. We make use of 5 plug-ins, all commercial.
What features would make the next version FileMaker perfect?
There are too many to list.
Any tips for people who want to make a FileMaker Plugin themselves?
Unless you have the chops, hire someone. There are lots of contract developers out there that can help you get going. If you want to just learn something, the free framework from 24U will help you get going quickly. Also, the plug-in developer community is really great at helping new developers get started.
