Updating plug-ins
You can use calculations and scripts to check the version of installed
plug-ins, then update plug-ins with plug-ins stored in container fields in a FileMaker Pro file. To see examples of script and calculation syntax, see
Plug-in update example.
To update plug-ins:
1. In the solution file, create a table to store plug-in information.
2. In the table, define:
•a text field for the plug-in name
•a text field to store the description of the plug-in
•a number field for the plug-in version currently required by the database
•unstored calculation fields for the version and enabled state of the plug-in that is installed in the FileMaker Pro file
•a container field to store the plug-in file
3. Create a layout in which to display the stored plug-in and, optionally, descriptive information about the plug-in, then add to the layout the appropriate fields you created in step 2.
Note While you need only the container field on the layout, you might consider adding the plug-in name, description, and version number fields so you have access to this information.
4. Create a script that compares the version of the installed plug-in with the version of the required plug-in, then uses the Install Plug-In script step to update the plug-in, if needed.
5. Create a script that alerts users to possible plug-in installation error conditions, if the plug-in cannot install.
6. Create a script that checks to ensure the installed plug-in is enabled.
7. Create a start-up script that references the above scripts, in their script order, when a user opens the database.
Notes
•Clients must be running FileMaker Pro 12 or later to update plug-ins using this method.
•For plug-ins to install, the
Allow Solutions to Install Files option must be selected in the client’s Plug-in preferences. See
Setting plug-in preferences.
•If a plug-in has been disabled in the client’s Plug-in preferences, it will install but will not be accessible until it is manually enabled by the user.
•Only one plug-in can be stored in each container field, but you can view all plug-in information by creating multiple plug-in container fields on a single layout.
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