Custom Web Publishing Newbie Questions

[PTKen]

Hi! I'm starting to set up a database that will use Custom Web Publishing, FMP 6 on Mac OS X. The db will be shared on a LAN and viewed via browsers (so that we don't have to buy additional copies of FMP). I don't know CDML, XML, CSS or JavaScript yet. I do know HTML, C, REALbasic, AppleScript and some other languages. The purpose of this is an in-house workflow tracking system and automated archiving manager. It will have stuff like production staff inputting details about a job, special instructions, where the job is archived, cross-reference old related jobs, etc.

My questions:

1) It looks like I should choose between developing with CDML or XML. Is that right or can I mix and match as needed?

2) I'm looking for recommendations on which to learn and which to develop in. I don't think I'll have any trouble learning any of them, I just don't know what's the best thing to do--XML, CDML, any other options... (Short development time is a consideration, but not at the expense of performance/capability.)

3) Can someone explain the advantages/disadvantages of each language for CWP? Examples of situations where one might be better than the other, etc.

4) Any good resources (besides this forum) that I can read to learn? (i.e. Should I learn general XML or is there anything specific to FMP that can help?)

Thanks a ton for your help! I found an old thread on this topic, but couldn't find a current one...

Ken

[Garry Claridge]

You need to be able to use CDML to access the Database. You can either have HTML or XML returned by database actions. Having HTML returned by database actions will be easier to use as you do not have to convert the output (XML) to HTML.

Hope this helps.

Garry

p.s. Javascript is very handy for use with CDML.

[Unable]

And if you don't have it, get the "CDML Reference" db from the FileMaker site. There's probably a quick reference somewhere on one of these internet boards under that "", but unless someone posts it or you do a search here, you'll have to find it at FMI

CWP is cool. Good luck.

[PTKen]

I was unable to locate the CDML reference on the FileMaker site or on this forum. Does someone have the URL where I can find it? Thanks!

Ken

[Lorne]

6 weeks later but - there are two libraries with Claris Home Page - the forms library and the reference library that cover CDML tags. Filemaker doesn't "own" CHP - Apple does and has killed it. I happen to have an old copy and found them there.

www.fmwebschool.com seems to have a set of CDML training/self study material - haven't used any - just found the web site recently.

[Unable]

The link to which I referred is still available on the CDML Forum. I just did a search and found it right away.

Search CDML Reference Database. It's been there a while, so search over the past 6 months at least.