1. Integrating Databases with the Web Using FileMaker Pro 5.0 Michael Lindeman Illinois Online Network Faculty Summer Institute May 22-24, 2000

2. FileMaker Pro 5.0 n Powerful, easy-to-use relational database product n Excellent as a personal and small group productivity tool (not for large, enterprise systems n Available for both Windows and Mac

3. FileMaker Pro and the Web n Versions prior to 4.0 required a third party product for web integration n 4.0/5.0 includes a built-in Web server called the Web Companion n 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 n Versions prior to 4.0 required a third party product for web integration n 4.0/5.0 includes a built-in Web server called the Web Companion n 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

4. Two Methods for Web Publishing n Instant Web Publishing –quick and dirty –no knowledge of HTML or scripting required –standard interface; no customization n 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

5. Examples of Eductional Uses of Web Enabled Databases: n Course Evaluations –Web Design for Online Educators Evaluation Web Design for Online Educators EvaluationWeb Design for Online Educators Evaluation n Learning Contracts –Student Assessment in Online Courses Student Assessment in Online CoursesStudent Assessment in Online Courses n Registration –Web Design for Online Eductors Registration Web Design for Online Eductors RegistrationWeb Design for Online Eductors Registration

6. Important Factoids n In custom publishing, the FileMaker Pro 5/Web folder is the virtual root--all Web files must be in or beneath it n In custom publishing, if you want the browser to render database field data as HTML, use the “raw” encoding method

7. What We’re Going to Do Today n Create a database and serve it via instant publishing n Learn how to enable and configure Web Companion n Adding features such as: –setting up value lists via radio buttons, menus, etc. –data validation –security

8. What We’re Going to Do Today n Brief Introduction to Custom Publishing –Homepage –CDML Tool –CDML Reference –CDML Templates –Sample Databases n Let’s Get Started!!! n Go to: http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/ionresources/fmpro http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/ionresources/fmpro