ODBC and JDBC Guide

Chapter 1
Introduction
This guide describes how you can use Claris™ FileMaker
®
software as an ODBC client application
and as a data source for Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Java Database Connectivity
(JDBC) applications.
About this guide
This guide assumes that you are familiar with the basics of using ODBC and JDBC, and
constructing SQL queries. This guide provides the SQL statements and standards supported by
the Claris FileMaker Platform. Refer to a third-party book on constructing SQL queries.
Where to find FileMaker product documentation
To learn about, view, or download FileMaker product documentation, visit the Product
Documentation Center.
Overview of ODBC and JDBC
ODBC and JDBC are application programming interfaces (APIs). ODBC is an API for applications
written in the C language, and JDBC is a similar API for the Java language. These APIs give client
applications a common language for interacting with a variety of data sources and database
services, including FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server.
All applications that support ODBC and JDBC recognize a basic subset of SQL (Structured Query
Language) statements. Working with SQL, you can use other applications (such as spreadsheets,
word processors, and reporting tools) to view, analyze, and modify data.
Using ODBC or JDBC APIs, a client application communicates with a driver manager that
identifies the client driver to communicate with a data source.
Some FileMaker software can act either as a client application or as a data source.
Driver
Manager
Client
Application
Client
Driver
Data
Source