Functions Reference

FILEMAKER FUNCTIONS REFERENCE 67
External functions
Use external functions to access FileMaker Pro plug-ins. Plug-ins add features to FileMaker Pro.
For more information, see Setting plug-in preferences.
External functions are only available if FileMaker Pro plug-ins are installed and enabled on your
computer. If no FileMaker
Pro plug-ins are installed, you see only the generic external function
definition in the Specify Calculation dialog box:
External (nameOfFunction; parameter)
Plug-ins written for version 7.0 and later
Each plug-in defines its own functions and parameters. See the documentation that came with the
plug-in for each function’s usage.
Plug-ins written for version 6.0 and earlier
These plug-ins are still supported and continue to use the External function to access the plug-in’s
functions. The first parameter is the name of the plug-in function to execute and the second is a
parameter that is passed to that function. See the documentation that came with the plug-in for each
function’s usage.
For more information, see Updating plug-ins.
External
Purpose
Accesses plug-ins created for versions of FileMaker Pro prior to 7.0 and uses the syntax
External(“function name”, parameter), where function name is in quotes and is the
name of an external function.
Format
External(nameOfFunction;parameter)
Parameters
nameOfFunction - the name of the external function
parameter - the parameter(s) required by the external function. A parameter is required, even if it’s
only
0.
Data type returned
Depends on the external function
Originated in
FileMaker Pro 6.0 or earlier
This function Does this
External Enables access to FileMaker Pro plug-ins written for versions of FileMaker Pro prior
to 7.0.