FMP and PHP

new comer · May 4, 2004

I don't have FM Unlimitted, only FMP 6. Can I publish FM database using PHP?

Seems I can only use Web component as web server. How should I configure the PHP? I put the PHP folder under root directory, and have this statement <?php phpinfo(); ?> saved in a PHP file. but I cannot choose it in WC configure. I put this line into a html file, still not work. I'm totally new to PHP, so please bear with me if this is a silly question. Thanks!

Garry Claridge · May 4, 2004

If you are using OS X you should have PHP enabled in the httpd.conf file. All PHP scripts will exist in the "/Library/WebServer/Documents/" directory. With "Personal Web Sharing" enabled Apache will be running on Port 80.

WebCompanion should be set to a Port other than 80 (try 591).

From a PHP script you can access a FM database with somthing like this:

<?php

include("http://localhost:591/FMPro?-db=mydb.fp5&-format=mypage.html&-findall");

?>

Good Luck.

Garry

new comer · May 4, 2004

Thanks Garry. but I use Window XP

Steve T. · May 4, 2004

Hi, new comer!

I believe PHP can run as an Apache module (like a plug-in) or as a cgi itself although I think most folks use the Apache/PHP combo most. I believe in order to use PHP with FileMaker, you need some kind of major web server software that supports PHP such as Apache or (I believe) IIS. PHP is a scripting language that executes server-side first and then usually outputs a finsihed HTML page which is then given to the visitor's web browser. If the visitor views the SOURCE code of the page, all that would be seen would be the finished page, none of the original PHP code.

Apache is primarily a UNIX-based application but with the the development of Mac OS X based on BSD UNIX, Mac owners have been introduced to this new world. Apache ships with Mac OS X as Garry mentioned and can be easily enabled as "personal web sharing" but is a full blown web server. The httpd.conf file in /etc/httpd/httpd.conf can be edited to allow PHP4 module to load (2 lines must be changed). I'm not sure, but I think Apache is available for Windows users, too, but I'm not sure how easy/difficult installation and configuration would be. A quick search should provide a wealth of info on the subject, though, I'm sure.

--ST

Steve T. · May 4, 2004

Oh, BTW...

I believe mechanically you can serve FM db's using php and a web server with FileMaker 6 client, but if you have more than 10 IP address accesses in a rolling 12 hour period, you will be violating the FileMaker EULA. FM Inc. wants you to get Unlimited for public web service, or I guess now they want you to get FileMaker 7 Server Advanced when it's available.

<HTML>

<? phpinfo() ?>

</HTML>

I think you should be able to save that as "myphpinfo.html" or something and have it show all your php settings if you ever get php going w/apache or iis.

--ST

Batfastad · May 5, 2004

Installing PHP on a windows XP/2000 machine is an absolute breeze. I can't remember the details but here's what I've been testing...

win 2000 server, apache, php all installed fine.

You still need filemaker unlimited installed on there as well to actually share your database, as you still need the web companion - even if you plan to use PHP rather than filemaker's cdml language.

To use PHP with the web companion, there's a very cool thing called FX.php from http://www.iviking.org/?page=FX.php which is a ***FREE*** PHP class to allow PHP to access data via the web companion.

Steve T is correct though - to do full publishing filemaker data to the web you need unlimited, as the normal version of the web companion plugin has restrictions on the number of IP addresses that can access the databases. FileMaker unlimited doesn't have this restriction - take a look on ebay and try and find yourself a copy.

I'm very much experimenting in this department at the moment, apache and PHP installations but it seems like the most powerful solution there is to get your databases on the web.

Though you can't go wrong with just installing filemaker unlimited, and using some CDML. CDML is greatly underestimated in my opinion - however I'm trying to get a uniform platform of PHP here.

That might be completely wrong what I've said, but I'm gradually learning all this and that's how I understand the issues surrounding web publishing at the moment.

If anyone would like to guide me or explain anything further then feel free.

Thanks

new comer · May 5, 2004

Thanks very much for all your inputs. I truly appreciate.

Let me see if I understand you correct.

1. FMP doesn't work with real web server (apache/IIS)

2. PHP has to work with real web server

3. So, FX.php can make PHP work with FMP without real web server?

I understand the 10 IP address restriction. and we will buy FMU/ 7 server advance eventually. But can I test these PHP/FX.php/FMP stuff before buying FMU?

Thanks

Didier · May 5, 2004

See iviking.org for fx.php

Garry Claridge · May 5, 2004

Re: 1

FMP WebCompanion is a Web-Server, which does not run PHP.

Re: 2

Apache and IIS are Web-Servers that can run PHP.

Re: 3

FX is written with PHP, hence it requires Apache or IIS to run.

The Apahe/IIS Web-Servers, via PHP, talk to the FMP WebCompanion Web-Server. Hence, if they are running on the one computer they need to be running on different ports.

Hope this clears it up

Garry

new comer · May 6, 2004

Thanks Garry. got it now.

StephenKnight · May 6, 2004

Chris Hansen and Stephen Knight just released a product for bringing PHP and FileMaker to the web. http://www.fmwebschool.com/fxphp.htm The plug-in is called VisualFX.php there will be modules for both GoLive and Dreamweaver available.

Also, they have just finished a book on FX.php available at: http://www.fmwebschool.com

Feel free to email me questions.

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