Learn XML

Introduction

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

REQUESTING XML DATA FROM FILEMAKER PRO

Syntax:

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

The above syntax specifies the protocol that is needed 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 us now discuss the parts in detail:

the host: xyz.com

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

the port: 591

Normally 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 have to choose a different port.

the file path: /FMPro

This tells the server which file to serve.When using the 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

CHOOSING A FILEMAKER PRO XML GRAMMAR

So there are three different XML vocabularies.

These are:

The FMPDSORESULT grammar

The FMPXMLRESULT grammar

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 exporting 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This grammer is obsolete and hence not used. The better term is deprecated means the designer of the grammar is discouraging you to use xml grammar.

FMPXMLRESULT grammar

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

FMPXMLLAYOUT – A GRAMMAR FOR LAYOUTS

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.

Conclusion

This article provides a better insight into the integration of xml in Filemaker.

Author: Manjushree Das
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Beading Necklace