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Filemaker and XML

Introduction

We can exchange information and messages between two computers, using XML data sent over the web via Http. But why xml? The reason is that xml is faster, it is a standard, and it is well documented.

FILEMAKER PRO XML DATA REQUEST

Syntax:

xyz.com:591/FMPro?-db=myDB.fp5&-format=-fmp_xml&-max=all&-find

The preceding syntax specifies the protocol that is required to communicate with the server. When we need to use FileMaker Pro over the web, the protocol has to be http, the hypertext transfer protocol.

Let’s now analyze the parts in detail:

the host: xyz.com

Describes the name or IP address of the server on which FileMaker Pro is running.

the port: 591

Typically, HTTP servers run on port 80. However, if FileMaker Pro is sharing a machine with another web server, say Apache or WebStar, then in that case, you must choose a different port.

the file path: / FMPro

This tells the server which file to serve. When you use FileMaker Web Companion as your server to serve XML, this is always / FMPro.

the query string: -db = myDB.fp5 & -format = -fmp_xml & -max = all & -find

CHOOSE A FILEMAKER PRO XML GRAMMAR

So there are three different XML vocabularies.

These are:

o The FMPDSORESULT grammar

o The FMPXMLRESULT grammar

o The FMPXMLLAYOUT grammar

From the main menu file you can choose file-> export records-> choose xml grammar-> export choose file-> import records-> select file-> import

XML export does not support export of container field data.

FileMaker Pro can export XML in two grammars: FMPXMLRESULT and FMPDSORESULT.

The following is an example of XML in the FMPDSORESULT grammar.

The FMPDSORESULT grammar

This grammar is outdated and therefore not used. The term best is deprecated means that the grammar designer discourages you from using the xml grammar.

FMPXMLRESULT grammar

The FMPXMLRESULT grammar contains additional information about the database that is not in the
FMPDSORESULT grammar, such as number of records, field types, and field formats.

FMPXMLLAYOUT – A GRAMMAR FOR DESIGNS

FMPXMLLAYOUT is the third and final XML grammar that FileMaker Pro supports.

While both FMPDSORESULT and FMPXMLRESULT focus on the data in the database, FMPXMLLAYOUT describes the layout of the fields.

Conclution

This article provides a better perspective on XML integration in Filemaker.

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