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You can extend the functionality of FirstClass by creating:
• database extensions that allow the server to communicate with external databases
• client extensions that build specialized file viewers for use with the client (such as the QuickTime one in the FirstClass Plugins folder)
• client extensions that build real-time interactive applications for use with the client.
To provide interfaces to database and client extensions, you must create forms that contain fields for sending data to, or receiving data from, the extensions.
We provide toolkits for building server (database) and client extensions, and for building gateways to other messaging systems. These toolkits are available from the Downloads section of FirstClass Online.
For database extensions, this help simply provides an overview. For full information, and for information on client and gateway toolkits, see the documentation that accompanies the toolkits.
Want more functionality than is available with the toolkits? You can use FirstClass Application Services (FCAS) to add a wide variety of functions to the FirstClass client with simple BASIC coding. For information on FCAS, see the FCAS help conference.
Database extensions
FirstClass database extensions add functionality to servers. You can use database extensions to send and receive data through FirstClass. A common use for a database extension is to provide access to a third-party database. For example, a user can enter a search string on a FirstClass form, and the target database will return a hit list based on this search.
To add a database extension to a server, you must create:
• a database extension code file built with the FirstClass Database Toolkit
• a settings file containing the custom forms that work with the database extension.
Most database extensions are called by a main form that you create as stationery and bind to the database extension. Depending on your design, the database extension may perform all functions in this one form, or open additional forms as required.
Tips for creating the main form
Create the main form with a "Type" of Form Stationery and a "Range" of Database Query.
To bind this form to the database extension, use the "To names" field (field ID 9).
Assign all buttons a command number of zero.
To tell the database extension which tab has the focus, select "Send clicks to server" for tab controls.
To make a database extension collapse and expand a collapsible group, call Set long where zero is collapse and one is expand.
Tips for creating additional forms
Create any additional forms with a "Type" of Form Template and a "Range" of Database Hit List.
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