tracking url parameters (query string) to fmp database

[Chris Thacker]

Hi, I have some FMP development experience but more so on the intermediate level.

We have a FMP database, hosted on a FMP server, that we use to track a bunch of our digital signs. All the data in the db is manually entered with fields such as 'name' and 'ip_address'. Sometimes these signs go offline, hangup, change ip addresses, etc.  I had the idea to have the remote signs call a url every hour that is our signage db hosted on our FMP server.  Something like:

https://fmp.server.com/fmi/webd/db_name?name=signName&ip_address=ip

The db could track these calls for all signs in the db and I could create a layout or report that would list the ones that haven't called in within a certain timeframe.

I know exactly how the signs themselves would technically call the url, and can handle the layout & report, but don't know how to get the db to listen for the call and handle it.

How can I do this? Are there any examples anywhere that explain this?

I'm thinking the db would need to have webdirect enabled with a layout that is shared to Guest so a login isn't required but other than that I'm not sure where to start... or if there is a better way to handle this.  Once the url call is made, the db wouldn't need to do anything back to the client/sign itself except for perhaps a simple 'success' message.

Thanks!

Edited September 4, 2019 by Chris Thacker

[OlgerDiekstra]

Have a look at this post: 

If you have FMSv17 or 18 you can use the API instead of the PHP webserver. I would suggest using PHP instead of WebDirect if your FMS is v16 or older.

 

 

[Chris Thacker]

14 hours ago, OlgerDiekstra said:

Have a look at this post: 

If you have FMSv17 or 18 you can use the API instead of the PHP webserver. I would suggest using PHP instead of WebDirect if your FMS is v16 or older.

 

 

I have 18 installed on our test server and am open to using the API. Are there any demos of this sort of thing being done using the API?

Thanks for your reply and link to your PHP solution.

[OlgerDiekstra]

I'm still running a v16 server due to the underlying operating system, and therefore haven't had a chance to play with the API, but it's supposed to be pretty standard. This https://dbservices.com/articles/integrating-filemaker-with-rest-apis/ might provide a start. Others on this forum might be able to provide some pointers as well.

If your digital signs are linux based you can use the curl command to send data to the FMS server.

[Chris Thacker]

22 hours ago, OlgerDiekstra said:

I'm still running a v16 server due to the underlying operating system, and therefore haven't had a chance to play with the API, but it's supposed to be pretty standard. This https://dbservices.com/articles/integrating-filemaker-with-rest-apis/ might provide a start. Others on this forum might be able to provide some pointers as well.

If your digital signs are linux based you can use the curl command to send data to the FMS server.

I think that example shows how to connect a database to a remote API, if I'm not mistaken. My needs only use the FMP db, and being able to access it with an http call. (or the FMP API to access that db)

[OlgerDiekstra]

This is for v17 but should apply similarly to v18: https://filemakertoday.com/how-to-use-the-filemaker-17-data-api-video-tutorial/