Did you just download Mirth® Connect?

If you just downloaded Mirth® Connect, before doing anything else, stop!  There are three immediate steps you need to take to make sure your implementation of this powerful interface tool will be a success.  

#1 – Replace the database for the Mirth® Connect Instance.

For production systems, you should replace Derby as the Database for your Mirth® Connect instance.  Derby works ok for limited development or testing but production systems should not run Derby as the underlying database.  Mirth® Connect can use MySQL, PostgresSQL, MS SQL Express (and others); all work well for the production replacement of Derby. 

Tip:  Do not run Derby as the underlying database.

#2 – Get the right developer tools.

Although Mirth® Connect is a powerful integration engine, you will need some tools to support your healthcare interface development efforts. Below are several HL7 message viewers.

HL7 Message Viewers – to help you more easily inspect and validate elements of an message.

•  SmartHL7
•  7Edit
•  HL7Inspector

Here are some other useful development tools to consider.

•  Soap UI –  Test and evaluate WebServices Connections and RestAPI Connections
•  NotePad++ with XML Plugins – Text Editor with plugins for JavaScript and XML –  very useful tool for looking at XML
•  WireShark – Helpful when building VPNs and reviewing issues with MLLP Traffic
•  Beyond Compare – Text compare tool that is very useful when reviewing files or comparing code between channel versions.

Tip:  The right tools will make the difference.

#3 – Read, research and network.

Most Mirth® Connect open source users started exactly where you are.  These more experienced users can be very helpful when you are first getting started with building an interface.  You can easily network with them via the Mirth® Connect forum.  

Networking, researching and reading about Mirth® Connect, HL7 and other common healthcare standards will be your best friend.  Here are some helpful resources we recommend:

1. Join the Mirth® Connect Forum
2. Download the Mirth® Connect User Guide
3. Download the v2.x HL7 Specifications from HL7.Org
4. Download the v3.x HL7 Specifications from HL7.Org
5. Download the HL7 Specifications that are referenced by US Regulations
6. Visit Mirth® Wiki – useful information provided by Mirth®
7. E4X – working with XML guide
8. Velocity – Java based template engine
9. Review the Zen Guide to Mirth® Connect

Tip:  The more knowledge and connections you have, the better your overall experience will be.