Transcript Integrating Databases with the Web Using FileMaker Pro 4.0

Integrating Databases with the
Web Using FileMaker Pro 5.0
Michael Lindeman
Illinois Online Network
Faculty Summer Institute
May 22-24, 2000
FileMaker Pro 5.0
Powerful, easy-to-use relational database
product
 Excellent as a personal and small group
productivity tool (not for large, enterprise
systems
 Available for both Windows and Mac

FileMaker Pro and the Web
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Versions prior to 4.0 required a
third party product for web integration
4.0/5.0 includes a built-in Web server called the
Web Companion
In order to serve databases over the Web:
– FileMaker application and Web companion must be
running (cannot run as NT service)
– Databases must be open
– Best to use a server rather than a desktop machine for
production services
Two Methods for Web
Publishing

Instant Web Publishing
– quick and dirty
– no knowledge of HTML or scripting required
– standard interface; no customization

Custom Web Publishing
– requires knowledge of HTML (especially forms)
and Claris Dynamic Markup Language
– allows total control over the appearance and
features of individual pages
Examples of Eductional Uses of
Web Enabled Databases:

Course Evaluations
– Web Design for Online Educators Evaluation
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Learning Contracts
– Student Assessment in Online Courses
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Registration
– Web Design for Online Eductors Registration
Important Factoids
In custom publishing, the FileMaker Pro
5/Web folder is the virtual root--all Web
files must be in or beneath it
 In custom publishing, if you want the
browser to render database field data as
HTML, use the “raw” encoding method

What We’re Going to Do Today
Create a database and serve it via instant
publishing
 Learn how to enable and configure Web
Companion
 Adding features such as:
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– setting up value lists via radio buttons, menus,
etc.
– data validation
– security
What We’re Going to Do Today
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Brief Introduction to Custom Publishing
– Homepage
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CDML Tool
CDML Reference
CDML Templates
Sample Databases
Let’s Get Started!!!
Go to:
http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/ionresources/fmpro