What is an API? A formal definition of an API or Application Program Interface is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. In terms of 4D and 4D WebSTAR, an API is a way for developers to enhance or add functionality to 4D or 4D WebSTAR that was not previously in the product. 4D and WebSTAR both provide developers with their own API's which outline all the different possibilites to enhance the software. One thing to keep in mind is that 4D actually uses several of its own API calls to execute certain functions. For example, the API call PA_QueryDialog displays the 4D Query Dialog, or the API call PA_Alert displays the 4D Alert message.
4D Plug-in for Mac OSX Compatibility Chart
4D WebSTAR for Mac OSX Compatibility Chart
Why should you write a plug-in?
Explanation of 4D WebSTAR Plug-ins
The following white papers offer further explanation on the various 4D plug-ins. Download these informative guides for free today!
Adventures in Connectivity with 4th Dimension - This paper explores 4D's ability to provide not only data and application connectivity but Web connectivity as well.
4D and Oracle: Powerful Flexibility - The extreme flexibility and diverse capabilities of the 4th Dimension development environment enables it to be used in powerful ways with Oracle.
4D and SQL Server: Powerful Flexibility - As an extremely flexible development environment with a strong and diverse set of capabilities, 4th Dimension is an ideal partner for MS SQL Server.