API solution comparison

You can use several REST APIs for accessing data in hosted FileMaker Pro databases. Determine which solution makes sense for your business goals and environment.

Solution Use when Advantages
OData standard

  • Working with applications that can access OData data sources

  • Developing applications that need to interchangeably access other OData data sources in addition to FileMaker Pro data

  • Transaction support is needed

  • Accessing data hosted on FileMaker Cloud and FileMaker Server

  • Third-party application developers implement only one call to interact with all data sources that conform to the OData standard (including FileMaker data).

  • OData supports batches, transactions, metadata creation, and deletion of tables.

  • OData can replace ODBC and JDBC for most uses.

  • Batch processing improves performance by reducing interprocess communication and connection pooling.

  • No layouts are required for interacting with FileMaker Pro data.

  • No additional software (for example, drivers) needs to be installed on the client to work with data.
FileMaker Data API

  • Using FileMaker Pro features (such as layouts and portals)

  • Accessing data hosted by FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud

  • Deep integration with FileMaker concepts, such as layouts and portals.

  • Supported by FileMaker Server and FileMaker Cloud hosts.