What Is OData and Why Does FileMaker Support It?

Beginner

Understand the OData protocol, what FileMaker exposes via it, and when to use it instead of the Data API.

What you'll learn

  • What OData is and how it differs from the FileMaker Data API
  • Which tools can consume FileMaker OData natively
  • The FileMaker OData endpoint URL structure
  • When to choose OData vs. the Data API

OData (Open Data Protocol) is an ISO standard for building and consuming RESTful APIs. FileMaker Server 19+ includes an OData 4.0 endpoint that exposes your FileMaker tables as a standards-based data service. Any tool that speaks OData -- Power BI, Excel, Tableau, Postman, or custom code -- can query your FileMaker data directly, without FileMaker-specific adapters.

1/4
1

OData vs. the FileMaker Data API

The FileMaker Data API is FileMaker-specific -- it uses FileMaker concepts like layouts, portals, and find requests. OData is a generic standard that maps your tables to collections and fields to properties. The Data API is better for deep FileMaker integration (scripts, portals). OData is better for connecting BI tools, Excel, and other systems that already speak OData.

All OData & Custom App API lessonsAuthenticating to the FileMaker OData Endpoint

Sign in to track your progress and pick up where you left off.

Sign in to FM Dojo