API documentation

[dsandrei]

Hello,

I am working with an application using a different CMS and i`m trying to evaluate the possibility of migrating to Alfresco. My application uses the content management back-end to store a data structure containing various metadata values , some of which are arranged in a parent-child relationship. The child nodes have various files attached. However i cannot seem to navigate my way through the documentation on the wiki site and i'm on a time limit, so any help with answering the following questions would be greatly appreciated:

1. How do you create a metadata structure in Alfresco where i can store and update data?
2. How is Alfresco accessed from an external application (my application is currently Java-based)?
3. How can a stored file and/or metadata value be retrieved by an accessing application?
4. Can the Alfresco file repository be accessed directly?

[mrogers]

If you are on a tight deadline.   Go out, buy, and read Jeff Potts' developer guide.

1. How do you create a metadata structure in Alfresco where i can store and update data?
Each node has contents, properties, aspects and associations.    Look at the "Content modeling" section of the developer wiki.
2. How is Alfresco accessed from an external application (my application is currently Java-based)?
There's a whole host of different interfaces.   WebScripts are the recommended way to communicate from a remote Java Application.   Although depending on your requirements there may be other approaches.
3. How can a stored file and/or metadata value be retrieved by an accessing application?
Again lots of different ways.    The contents of the file has a URL.  And there are lots of ways to get properties.  
4. Can the Alfresco file repository be accessed directly?
Not entirely sure what you mean here.

[mikeh]

4. Can the Alfresco file repository be accessed directly?

If you mean via CIFS, FTP and/or WebDAV then yes, it can. These interfaces are all supported and are "managed", i.e. don't give users *direct* access to content, but still go through the Alfresco CMS so that permissions, rules, workflows, etc. still apply.

Thanks,
Mike