Mastering API Integrations in FileMaker - Seeking Expert Guidance

Questions
1

Hello Everyone :sunglasses:,

I'm diving into a project to connect our FileMaker database with multiple web services using APIs. While I'm well-versed in FileMaker, the intricacies of API integration are new territory for me. I'm reaching out to this experienced community for insights and best practices to ensure a smooth integration process.

Project Goals:
Seamlessly exchange data between FileMaker and external systems.
Streamline workflows for increased efficiency and productivity.
Enhance data accuracy and consistency across platforms.

Integration Challenges:

  • Integrating with a CRM, accounting software, and a data provider, each with unique authentication methods and data structures.
  • Effectively managing various authentication mechanisms (OAuth, API keys).
  • Accurately mapping FileMaker fields to corresponding data structures in the web services.
  • Implementing robust error handling to prevent data inconsistencies and system disruptions.

Seeking Expert Advice:

I'm eager to learn from your experiences and expertise:

  • Proven strategies for integrating FileMaker with external APIs, particularly for authentication and data mapping.
  • Recommended tools or plugins to streamline the integration process.
  • Practical examples of successful API integrations in FileMaker (scripts, code snippets).
  • Common pitfalls to avoid and solutions to overcome challenges.
  • Valuable educational resources for mastering API integrations in FileMaker.

I also came across this resource/article :point_right: filemaker-data-api · GitHub Topics mulesoft api integration· GitHub on background tasks with Sanic Blueprints, but unfortunately, it did not address my specific needs.

Thank you :pray: for sharing your knowledge. Your guidance will be instrumental in the success of this project.

2

Hello, I will share some thoughts. To be honest, I am not an expert in this area, since I am still learning.

  • Proven strategies for integrating FileMaker with external APIs, particularly for authentication and data mapping.

I could share my approach.

  1. Check the API document, if they support curl, then it should be possible for integration
  2. If not, you may need to create some middleware(by using other languages so that FileMaker could call.)
  3. Use Postman/other similar tools to test the API to make sure you are familiar with the API.
  4. You could then try to implement that in FileMaker.
  5. You may also create an API Log table(include " --dump-header $HEADERS --trace $trace" in your curl option) to store the response for the API so that it may help you in debugging
  • Recommended tools or plugins to streamline the integration process.

Postman and curl library custom function from Soliant Consultant

  • Practical examples of successful API integrations in FileMaker (scripts, code snippets).

You could check the sample files from DB services to get start

  • Common pitfalls to avoid and solutions to overcome challenges.

use the API Log table, and curl library custom function from Soliant Consultant(to handle characters escape in calculation engine)

  • Valuable educational resources for mastering API integrations in FileMaker.

I will suggest to check the blog posts from different partners

DB services

Soliant Consultant
https://www.soliantconsulting.com/?s=curl

Also, familiar with curl, curl option supported by FileMaker and HTTP code

  1. curl - How To Use
  2. Supported cURL options
  3. HTTP response status codes - HTTP | MDN

Hope it helps

1 Like
3

Postman is your friend - altenative is PAW (now RapidAPI) which had an available plugin to convert standard cURL syntax to FM)