FileMaker WebDirect architecture

The architecture of FileMaker WebDirect bridges two different environments: the web browser and a FileMaker custom app. In the web browser FileMaker WebDirect runs as a client that interacts with a custom app hosted by FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud.

FileMaker Server and FileMaker Cloud include the following components:

Database Server: Hosts the custom apps you share with all FileMaker clients (FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, and FileMaker WebDirect). It handles layouts, data, scripts, script triggers, user account authentication, record locking, and communication with all FileMaker clients.
Web Publishing Engine: Translates the layouts, interactions, and data defined by your custom app into HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and data for the web browser; and processes user interaction. In real time, the Web Publishing Engine (WPE) creates the user interface from your layouts to work in the web browser; and processes scripts, script triggers, user clicks, and key presses. In FileMaker Server multiple-machine deployments, the WPE manages communications between the primary and secondary machines.
Web server: Communicates with web browsers using HTTP/HTTPS and WebSocket protocols to serve your custom app as a web application.

FileMaker WebDirect deployment architecture

FileMaker WebDirect deployment architecture