1. Configure FileMaker Server

Make sure you review the system requirements before you begin.

What is the Helper file?

The helper file is a FileMaker file that acts as proxy to the application files that BetterForms will be connecting to. It also includes many other benefits:

  • Provides code generation for clipboard pasting of custom functions and scripts

  • Allows a single point of entry from the BetterForms framework allowing clear and logical security control

  • Contains a user table for tracking users and authentication.

  • Allows hook scripts to be run locally for debugging.

Configuring the Helper File

  1. Download the helper file. You will find a link to the latest file from the dashboard of the BetterForms online editor.

  2. Change the default user and pass from admin / admin to your choice. This password is used in this file only and is just for your access. This can be your developer credentials you use in other files.

  3. Change the password only for the user account ‘BetterForms’ to a unique one that will be used to access the file by the FMBF servers. Note these credentials will be needed in any file that FM BetterForms interacts with. Note it for later as you will need it. These credentials are used in the BetterForms IDE, helper file and your business file.

  4. Add a BetterForms user credential to your existing legacy business FileMaker file. This must have the same credentials as the Helper file above. Make sure to enable data entry only for the privelige set and one or both of the XML and DAPI privs. The default password is 123456

  5. Upload the file to your FileMaker server.

  6. Enable the Data API or XML Custom Web publishing gateway.

    If you are using the XML gateway, this will have to be done from the command line.

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