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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
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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 • 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 OnlineEducators Evaluation • Learning Contracts • Student Assessment in Online Courses • 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: • setting up value lists via radio buttons, menus, etc. • data validation • security
What We’re Going to Do Today • Brief Introduction to Custom Publishing • Homepage • CDML Tool • CDML Reference • CDML Templates • Sample Databases • Let’s Get Started!!! • Go to:http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/ionresources/fmpro