XML Basics ?

[NYPoke]

I'm getting sucked into XML World. I've written XML Parsers before, in Java & C#, but I've never encountered XML in FileMaker. I'm still trying to get my mind around what I can & can't do.

We are using FileMaker 11, both client & server, in a Windows environment. I need to build a process, on the client, which sends XML requests to a web service and gets the XML reponse back.

I'm just starting to write the Stylesheet, to translate the FileMaker Field Names into the necessary XML Tag Names. This part should be easy.

From what I can tell, the FileMaker client can export an EML file to disk, just like any export. The import can bring back the response. However, I cannot see how the client could possibly communicate with the web services. Looks like I need an outside program, probably a Plug-In. Am I correct in assuming so?

Also, while I have used FileMaker for along time & dearly love Version 11, I have never seen any way to execute a server side script from the client. In other words, FileMaker does not seem capable of having our user click a button & me executing a server side script (which might fill my XML needs). I can only assume this is true, but I'm willing to learn if I have missed something. Am I correct on this assumption as well?

Thanks for any help.

[comment]

I cannot see how the client could possibly communicate with the web services.

It depends on the service. If it will respond to a HTTP GET request, then you are in (the request itself can be calculated). Otherwise look for a third-party tool.

See also:

http://fmforums.com/forum/topic/65900-import-error-with-xml-file/page__p__317295#entry317295

[NYPoke]

It depends on the service. If it will respond to a HTTP GET request, then you are in (the request itself can be calculated). Otherwise look for a third-party tool.

See also:

http://fmforums.com/forum/topic/65900-import-error-with-xml-file/page__p__317295#entry317295

Thank you. That helps. I sent an email, to see which way this web service works. Looks like they use Post, which means I'll have to go with a plug-in.

Out of curiosity, would I use the Script Step "Open URL" to issue the HTTP Command? I haven't seen any examples, but that seems to be the only option.

[comment]

No, you would use Import Records[].

[NYPoke]

Well, I'm not the first to go through this, but for future reference, I downloaded the free version of 360Works & got the XML Results on the first try, using the PostXMLData Function.

I currently have a very high opinion of 360Works.