FlameRobin 26.6.12 Release Notes

We are pleased to announce the release of FlameRobin version 26.6.12. This release introduces significant security enhancements, modernizes our installer, and resolves critical SQL engine compatibility issues.

Key Changes and Enhancements

1. New Built-in Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server

FlameRobin now includes a fully functional Model Context Protocol (MCP) server written in C++. This allows agentic AI coding assistants (such as Claude Desktop or Antigravity) to safely interact with registered Firebird databases directly.

• Integrated MCP Tools:
• list_databases: Enumerates all databases registered in FlameRobin.
• get_schema: Retrieves structural definitions (tables, views, columns, keys) of a specific database.
• execute_query: Runs standard read-only or DML SQL queries.
• get_metadata_ddl: Generates the exact DDL statements used to create table/view/procedure/trigger objects.
• get_database_info: Retrieves operational stats, buffer config, sweep intervals, ODS version, and active transactions.
• Command Line Option: Run the compiled executable with --mcp to launch in stdin/stdout communication mode.
• Clean Termination: Fixed exit path to cleanly return exit status 0 upon reaching EOF on standard input.

2. Transitioned to WiX Toolset v7 MSI Installer

We have deprecated the Inno Setup installer on Windows in favor of a modern, SDK-style WiX v7 MSI Installer.

• Installer Enhancements:
• Implemented structured FlameRobin.wixproj and FlameRobin.wxs packaging definitions.
• Packaged 64-bit binaries natively, placing resources (docs, conf-defs, templates, styles) in the standard directory structure.
• Configured proper shortcuts for the application, release notes, license, and website link.
• Windows Security & Port Permissions Dialog:
• Under modern security guidelines, the installer now prompts users for firewall exception authorization.
• Added a custom installer wizard page (FirewallDlg) with a checkbox: "Add an exception to Windows Defender Firewall for FlameRobin".
• If approved, the installer registers a native firewall rule targeting the FlameRobin executable to allow database network communication (such as port 3050 connections) without post-install system prompts.
• CI/CD Integration:
• Fully updated GitHub Actions workflow build scripts (windows-build.yml and release.yml) to compile and package the new .msi installers and output version-stamped filenames (e.g. FlameRobin-26.6.12-x64.msi).

3. Database Dialect Handling Fix (Issue [#623])

• Resolved a compatibility bug in the new fb_cpp engine where connection dialects were hardcoded, forcing Dialect 3 and preventing successful connection/queries on older Dialect 1 Firebird databases.

Thank you to all contributors who helped test and develop this release! For bug reports and contributions, please visit our GitHub Repository.