FileMaker API for PHP Public Beta Overview
The FileMaker API for PHP is an interface that allows FileMaker information to be accessed via the PHP programming language.
What is a public beta?
The FileMaker API for PHP code is a public beta available for free download from the FileMaker website. The code has been through some pre-beta testing but there is no support from FileMaker. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on any issues encountered during the beta period (see link below). There will also be a public forum available for users to discuss issues and provide support to each other.
Read the End User License Agreement
As an alternative to using the Custom Web Publishing with XML or XSLT, FileMaker API for PHP makes it much easier to:
- Publish information from a FileMaker database to web sites
- Store information in FileMaker that is gathered from the Web
- Create new FileMaker solutions combining a Web-based front-end with a rich, FileMaker back-end
The following items are included with the FileMaker API for PHP
Full installer version: The FileMaker API for PHP Installer installs the PHP 5.1.2 engine, the FileMaker API for PHP, example PHP code that uses the supplied FileMaker databases, and API documentation.
Component bundle version: The FileMaker API for PHP Bundle includes the FileMaker API for PHP, example PHP code that uses the supplied FileMaker databases, and API documentation.
Download the End User License Agreement
Requirements
The FileMaker API for PHP public beta requires FileMaker Server 8 Advanced release 8.0v4.
There are three ways to get the FileMaker Server 8.0v4 Advanced release:
- Purchase FileMaker Server 8 Advanced.
Buy Now - Update an existing FileMaker Server 8 Advanced to 8.0v4
Download Here - Join the FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA) program and use the included FileMaker Server 8 Advanced Development license. This license lets you build and test solutions (but is not for production systems), You also get a copy of FileMaker Pro 8.5.
FileMaker online PHP forum
Visit the FileMaker PHP Forum to exchange information and get tips from other FileMaker and PHP developers.
How Does FileMaker Help PHP Users?
PHP is the most popular language for building data-driven web pages with over 25 million sites. Unfortunately, data related to PHP web sites is often “locked up” in SQL-type programming databases. These databases require a programmer to make use of the information, to produce reports and analysis, and to create internal solutions that link with the external web data. Web developers don’t want to spend time on internal applications and reports, while the use of higher end development environments such as J2EE or .NET result in very expensive projects.
We call solutions with a web-based front end and a rich back end “Extended Web Applications”. The FileMaker API for PHP, used in conjunction with other FileMaker products, is ideal for creating these solutions.
The FileMaker API for PHP “unlocks” web data, allowing knowledge workers to access information linked to the Web. With FileMaker, anyone can create reports, analyze data, or print labels. Internal solutions for data entry, workflow, customer email communication, security, and system administration, can be built at a fraction of the cost and expertise required by traditional programming tools.
For the PHP User: Comparing FileMaker and SQL Databases
FileMaker combines graphical layouts, scripting, and database functions into one seamless package. SQL databases have power when performing high volumes of transactions, but require separate graphical layout and programming tools. Both types of databases have their uses.
How Does the PHP API Help FileMaker Users?
The PHP programming language is one of the most popular languages for building data-driven web pages. It is popular due to its simple syntax, fast learning curve, open source codebase, and wide-ranging educational resources.
The FileMaker API for PHP makes it easy for FileMaker Server 8 Advanced users to extend their applications to the web. The PHP syntax is procedural and will feel comfortable to learn for those who can create FileMaker scripts.
The FileMaker API for PHP makes it easy to leverage existing FileMaker databases by exposing FileMaker layouts and portals through PHP. The PHP developer has access to the full FileMaker XML interface if needed but in many cases a few PHP API commands will be all that is required.
Support information:
FileMaker does not provide support for this public beta. You may interact with other beta users in our online forum, and we welcome your feedback.