ProductsMapForceProgrammer ToolsAPI & ActiveX Control

In addition to its easy-to-use graphical user interface, Altova MapForce® 2012 provides powerful Java and COM based automation interfaces that let developers access its advanced features programmatically - by calling it from another application. MapForce can also be accessed through an ActiveX control, as well as via the command line.

The MapForce API lets you embed its award winning data transformation technology in any other software component or application architecture. This means that you can implement MapForce as true middleware, automating your data conversions and providing interoperability across distributed environments.

Accessing the MapForce API

The methods and properties of the MapForce API can be accessed from third party applications and common development environments, such as those using Java, .NET, C++, and Visual Basic - and with scripting languages like JavaScript and VBScript.

The entry point for any implementation of the MapForce API is the Application object, from which you can run remote procedure calls to invoke MapForce functionality such as code generation, mapping execution, and project management/support.

Object Model of the MapForce API

MapForceControl

MapForceControl.ocx is an ActiveX control that can be embedded into another application, or other ActiveX container.

Two different levels of integration are provided:

• Integration at the application level lets you embed the complete user interface of MapForce into the window of your application including menus, toolbars, the status bar, document windows, and helper windows.
• Integration at the document level gives you freedom over instantiation of the individual components of the MapForce interface including editing windows, overview window, library window, validation window, and project window.

The MapForce API can be used to automate tasks in MapForceControl.

Command Line Interface

The command line interface allows programmers to call MapForce functionality through the command line.

A simple example of this is demonstrated in the Scheduled Data Exchange case study, in which an IT manager at Altova set up a system to update currency exchange rates in an SAP accounting system using the MapForce command line interface and Microsoft® Scheduled Tasks.

IDE Integration

MapForce also provides integration packages for the Visual Studio and Eclipse IDEs, allowing you to continue your build process in your preferred development environment.

API Documentation and Examples

Complete documentation of the Application Programming Interface for MapForce® 2012, is available in the Programmer's Reference section of the MapForce® 2012 Online Help on our web site and in the integrated MapForce Help system. C# and Java API example projects are included in the MapForce examples folder.

Experience MapForce programmability for yourself – click here to download a free, fully functional 30-day trial of Altova MapForce® 2012 today!