Developer’s Guide

10-6 Developer’s Guide
1 external function coding in FMFunct.c
The following tables describe the modifications you must make to
the plug-in example files to create a custom external function plug-
in.
Customizing FMExample.r
Customizing FMExample.rc
Customizing FMPrefs.c
Customizing FMMain.h
Customizing FMFunct..h
Customizing FMFunct.c
Requirements for writing an external
function plug-in
FileMaker Pro plug-ins are most useful when they contain a single
function or a set of functions with similar features. When you design
your plug-in, keep in mind that most database developers who use
your plug-in may not understand programming conventions that you
take for granted — the format of each function’s parameter should
be understandable to the typical user.
resource
kFMEX_RES_CREATOR
Specify the creator string value.
resource 'vers' Specify the version values.
resource 'STR#'
kFMEX_RES_STRINFOID
Specify the plug-in name and description.
Modify the feature string as appropriate.
resource 'STR#'
kFMEX_RES_FUNCTLISTID
Include the names of all external functions in
the plug-in.
//Version Modify the version variables as appropriate.
//Dialog Specify a custom caption for the dialog.
//Icon Change icon location variable to point to your
icon.
//String Table Edit the String Table strings as appropriate,
including the plug-in name, the Feature
String,and the list of function names in the
plug-in. See “Required resource files” on
page 10-7, and “Feature string syntax” on
page 10-8,
Do_PluginPrefs Add your configuration code to the
Do_PluginPrefs function.
#define
k_Pref_Registry_Path_Value
Place your preferences in the registry under
your own software company or product
name.
kVersionLength Set value to equal the length of kVersionString.
kVersionString Specify the plug-in name and version.
Function declarations Include your function declaration statements as
appropriate.
Do_ExternalFunction Modify the case statements to call your functions, as
appropriate. The first function in the function list of
the resource file is numbered 0.
Function Statements Add your function code following the
Do_ExternalFunction function.
The PluginVersion function is required for all plug-
ins. Do not delete this function.