Custom Web Publishing - I Need Resources

[jnmorrison]

I'm an experienced FileMaker developer, but brand new to web publishing. I see many people suggesting CWP for FileMaker use on the web. Can you point me to some good, helpful resources online to learn more about it? Thanks!

[Unable]

Search the CDML forum for "CDML Reference Database". You will find at least one link. The CDMLRdb is invaluable.

Search the Sample Files forums for Web and CDML threads. There are many working examples already posted. They all demonstrate uses of CDML.

[jnmorrison]

Is CDML supported in FileMaker 7? I'd hate to invest the time if it's not. I'm currently developing using 6, but I'm sure I'll switch to 7 soon enough.

[Jeff Spall]

Hi, the short answer is "NO".

This is a real shame, because CDML was always the quickest and easiest way to dynamic web publishing and could deliver convincing-looking solutions without getting into major code writing.

I still find CDML invaluable for jobs that need results *right now* on a tight budget and for interfacing with systems that are using FileMaker for other reasons - like workflow control.

A lot of people (including me!) are starting to use PHP instead now, but in that case MySQL becomes a natural for the database.

I'm sure the decision to phase out CDML is because FileMaker see XML as the coming thing, and maybe there are licencing issues with the Lasso guys as well, but its loss is going to reduce their presence on the web to almost zero! It also means we won't be upgrading to v7 on any of our existing systems (all the web interfaces would stop working!) and we probably won't develop any major new stuff in FileMaker.

regards, jeff

[Steve T.]

"ditto" to Jeff Spall's response. If you're gonna stick w/FM for web publishing, I'd suggest looking into XML and XLST. I am also eagerly awaiting what folks will be complaining or extolling about FileMaker Server Advanced. In the mean time, I'm learning PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, but I'm feeling more like a programmer than a web designer.

I'm also wondering about FX and the FX GoLive/Dreamweaver plugin and how they will be affected by FM7SA.

Stay tuned.

--ST