FileMaker DevCast: Everything Claris FileMaker

Joe, John, and Xandon were able to attend Claris Engage this week, at the Apple campus in Austin. They recorded a DevCast session while still in the capital of Texas, to recap some of their observations and experiences about the latest news and trends in the FileMaker ecosystem. 

Dan Smiley joined as our ever-illustrious host, along with a few more of our Portage Bay staff - Mike Ross, and our newest developers, Evan and Jillian. 

AI remains a prominent topic both at the conference and in our discussion, along with thoughts about LLMs, DevOps, Claris Studio, the Apple campus, and cheese.

Jump on in and listen to more of the details.

The Portage Bay team welcomes Julie Sigfrinius, from Claris, to discuss plans for the upcoming Claris Engage 2025, which is less than three months away. Listen to hear key reasons why you should attend this 26th FileMaker developer conference. 

Get access to product updates and innovations, as well as Claris experts and leaders. Develop your skills through networking, mentoring, and training. 

Learn from the wealth of knowledge and experience that will be represented at Claris Engage. Be inspired by the success stories and innovative use cases that will be shared. Plus foster stronger connections within the Claris community.

Here are some things you can look forward to in Austin, Texas, from March 25th through March 27th. Register today at claris.com/engage.

1. Keynote location large enough to fit all attendees (gone is the overflow room!)
2. Full floor expo hall, for plentiful space and visibility.
3. Plentiful networking time has been built into the schedule, to allow for important connections and collaboration.
4. A training day follows the main conference, so you can put your learning into action.
5. The Claris Museum! Curated by Clay Maeckel and featuring artifacts from 40 years of Claris history.
6. The return of Tech Support Central, offering on-site technical assistance.
7. A Visionary Bar where you can consult with Claris design experts.
8. The return of DevCon To Go, from Claus at DataManix. Rebranded as Engage To Go (Maps, scheduling, and note-taking!)
9. A quiet room for mindfulness and relaxation.
10. Get your merch! Choose from a selection of Claris and Engage branded items.

In Episode 20 of the FileMaker DevCast, join our Portage Bay developers as they talk web apps. Charles, Jacob, Joe, John, Mike, & Russell discuss the nuances of deciding what approach to use when integrating FileMaker data with a web front-end. Do you stick with WebDirect, branch out to using FM BetterForms, or commit to full-stack development?

WebDirect has an advantage of proven simplicity. But it also comes with limitations, such as a non-standard web experience and licensing costs for public-facing applications. 

FM Better Forms can be an excellent fit when you want to provide a polished, web-based user experience while still leveraging your FileMaker expertise. FM BetterForms can reduce development complexity by handling the back-end integration, deployment, and maintenance tasks that would normally be required in a full-stack web app approach. It also includes common front-end libraries - such as Tailwind, Bootstrap, and Lodash - that are kept updated for you.

(NOTE: FM BetterForms is not currently compatible with FileMaker Cloud, since Cloud does not yet support XML web publishing.)

Listen to the episode, subscribe to our channel, and send us your feedback!

#Claris #FileMaker #webapps #WebDirect #FMBetterForms #fullstack #Tailwind #Bootstrap #Lodash #devs #DevCast #calbee #shrimpchips #wasabi

Join us for a very special in-depth interview with Lucy Chen, VP of Claris Engineering. Kate Waldhauser hosts this special edition of the FileMaker DevCast, as Lucy gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the engineering world at Claris, an Apple Company.

Lucy shares insights as to how new features get into the product and how the latest version improves performance, reliability and security.

She takes us under the hood, diving into the new enhancements of FileMaker 21.1, including the move to newer technologies like Java 17, Xcode 16, and OpenSSL 3.3.

She also covers new features in FileMaker 21.1, such as HTTPS tunneling, improvements to the Admin Console, and the integration of AI-powered semantic search, for both natural language and image content searches.

These changes have come about through Claris’s ongoing commitment to understanding customer feedback. Join Kate & Lucy as they explore how the FileMaker platform continues to empower businesses with innovative capabilities.

Portage Bay Solutions is a custom software development firm based in Seattle, WA, with additional offices in the Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Omaha, Orange County, and Vancouver areas. For more than thirty years, we have been helping businesses of all sizes get the most out of their FileMaker investments. As a full-service Claris FileMaker Platinum Partner, Portage Bay is committed to helping you optimize your software investments and improve your business processes.

#claris #filemaker #devtools #devs #devcast #openSSL #https #tunneling #AI #semanticsearch #innovation #portagebaysolutions #portagebay  #FileMaker21.1

Enjoy Episode 18 of the FileMaker DevCast as our developers discuss JSON, along with special guest Matt Navarre of Navarre Training. We explore the latest tools, techniques, and best practices for using JSON to build fully capable custom applications in FileMaker.

"Basically, if you're a FileMaker developer, at this point ... you cannot afford not to get really good at using JSON. It's ... no longer really an option, even for just regular FileMaker use." - Matt

Some of the areas we talk about are efficiently handling large data sets, integrating with web technologies, and making use of the built-in JSON support within FileMaker. 

Matt Navarre is a veteran developer whose expertise dates back to the early days of FileMaker version 1 (released 4/1/1985). He has a long and successful history in the FileMaker community and today dedicates his time to providing expert training in FileMaker development.

Visit him at navarre.training to continue the conversation and see the class options available, both free and paid, along with other resources.

In this episode of the FileMaker DevCast, we welcome Mike Ross to the Portage Bay team. Mike is a seasoned FileMaker developer with over 35 years of experience and discusses his transition from running a one-person business to joining Portage Bay for continuity of care, shared expertise, and collaboration.

He shares his approach to database development, emphasizing simplicity and client involvement, and answers several questions from his new coworkers. Mike showcases two of the many solutions he’s created - one for a painting company and one for an artist’s collection of works.

He explains his choices in implementing features such as proposal templates, using hamburger menus versus button bars, and following an achor buoy methodology.

Mike also recounts his most challenging project - integrating Google Maps for a well-drilling non-profit in Africa that needed to map the locations of and distances between 3,600 wells.

We are delighted that Mike has joined our development crew and we think you’ll enjoy hearing from him as well.

In this episode of the FileMaker DevCast we welcome Beth Murillo, Operations Manager and Software Developer at The Scarpetta Group, to discuss using Claris Connect for automation and integration between various systems. We share our experiences and challenges with custom connectors, API changes, and error handling. We talk about creative uses of Claris Connect in our work, such as managing support tickets and forms across multiple clients. And we discuss some improvements we’d like to see added to Claris Connect, such as copying flows between projects, tracking flow usage, and adding calculations. Tune in and transform your Claris FileMaker skills.

In this episode of the FileMaker Dev Cast, we step into the critical topic of error logging with the development team from Portage Bay Solutions. Join us as they share their best practices and solutions for effectively capturing and managing errors within FileMaker applications. From common pitfalls to advanced techniques, this episode is packed with insights to help you enhance the reliability and performance of your FileMaker projects. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, you’ll find practical advice and actionable strategies to improve your error logging practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the pros and take your FileMaker development to the next level!

Don’t miss out on discovering how AI can transform your approach to database management and client interactions. In Episode 14 of the FileMaker DevCast, we talk more about the world of artificial intelligence and FileMaker. We’ve been looking into how to seamlessly integrate large language models like ChatGPT into FileMaker solutions, to enhance functionality and user experience. We talk about some step-by-step workflows - from setting up the initial API connections to deploying real-world applications - that let us incorporate AI in our projects. Listen in and get some knowledge and tools to start integrating intelligent features into your own FileMaker solutions. 

Join us for a special episode of the FileMaker Devcast, direct from Claris Engage, featuring an exclusive live interview with Clay Maeckel, Chief Software Architect at Claris. In this insightful session, Clay will peel back the curtain on the innovative process behind adding new features to FileMaker, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the development and decision-making that drives this leading database platform.

But that's not all—we'll also take a deep dive into the latest buzz in the FileMaker community: Claris Studio. Discover how this new tool is revolutionizing the way developers approach database and application design, with its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities. 

The episode doesn't stop there; we'll explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI and database development, shedding light on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of data management and automation in FileMaker. 

And there's more! We'll also delve into the world of Claris Connect, illustrating its pivotal role in streamlining workflows and fostering seamless integration across various platforms and services.

Rounding out our episode, the entire team from Portage Bay Solutions will join us to share their takeaways, insights, and favorite moments from Claris Engage. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your journey with FileMaker, this episode is packed with valuable information, expert perspectives, and a peek into the future of database development with Claris. Don't miss this comprehensive review of Claris Engage, filled with expert analysis, firsthand experiences, and a community of voices from the forefront of database innovation.

In this insightful episode titled 'New Beginnings in Data: Setting Strategic Goals for FileMaker Success in 2024,' we pivot our focus towards setting actionable goals for FileMaker developers aiming to leverage AI more effectively, dive into Python, and seamlessly integrate JavaScript into their projects. We'll explore strategies for harnessing the power of AI to automate and enhance data processes, the benefits of Python for scripting and automation within FileMaker, and the advantages of integrating JavaScript for richer, more interactive user interfaces. This episode is dedicated to empowering FileMaker developers with the foresight and skills to not only set ambitious goals in these areas but to achieve them, paving the way for innovative, efficient, and advanced database solutions in the new year.

In this dynamic episode of FileMaker EngageU, we delve into the heart of community and innovation within the FileMaker ecosystem. Our guests, Joris Aarts from Clickworks, Johan Hedman from Square Moon, and Kate Waldhauser with her Portage Bay design team, come together to discuss the evolution and impact of EngageU. We compare the vibrant atmosphere of EngageU to its predecessor, Engage, highlighting the unique blend of networking and knowledge sharing that has become a hallmark of this European conference. Our conversation traces the origins of EngageU, exploring the collaborative spirit that spurred these leaders to work together. John, a pivotal figure in the community, poses intriguing questions about the differences in the FileMaker business environment between Europe and the U.S., the role of AI in the future of FileMaker, and the possibility of EngageU returning to Antwerp next year. We also take a lighter turn, discussing the fun and attractions in Antwerp, offering a glimpse into the cultural experiences that complement this exciting conference. This episode is not just about technology; it's about the people, places, and ideas that are shaping the future of FileMaker.

In this captivating episode of "The Power of Pause," our development team delves into their comprehensive experience at the renowned Pause conference / unconference. They kick off the discussion with a vivid recount of the retreat's atmosphere, highlighting the innovative spirit that permeated the event. The team touches on the keynote speeches that resonated with them, sharing how these insights have the potential to shape the future of technology and creativity.

In this episode of DevCast, the brilliant minds from Portage Bay Solutions join our ever-curious host, Dan Smiley, for a deep dive into the synergies of FileMaker and JavaScript. We'll showcase the versatility and enhancements possible with the Carafe Kitchen tool, allowing for a seamless integration experience. Plus, witness the magic of integrating the Google Maps API, demonstrating functionalities in FileMaker that were once thought to be beyond reach. Tune in to discover how you can push the boundaries of what's possible in FileMaker with a touch of JavaScript ingenuity!

Join Portage Bay Solutions and Cris Ippolite, a renowned leader in the Claris FileMaker community, as they unpack the highlights from the Pinecone Summit held in San Francisco. Dive deep into the world of generative AI, explore the significance of vector databases, and understand their synergy with FileMaker. With over 800 global attendees, the summit was a melting pot of insights, innovations, and forward-thinking discussions. From the intricacies of AI hallucinations to the practical applications of coreML in FileMaker, this episode offers a comprehensive debrief of the event, shedding light on why generative AI is pivotal for FileMaker developers and the broader tech community.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the capabilities of Claris Studio, the latest offering from Claris International. More than just a development tool, Claris Studio promises to redefine how we approach and appreciate app creation. Rather than just talking about it, we'll be demonstrating some of its standout features live on the show. Witness firsthand the innovation and simplicity that Claris Studio brings to the table. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just curious about the future of app development, this episode promises insights and real-time showcases that you won't want to miss.

In today's digital world, securing personal data has never been more critical. Tune into our latest episode where we delve deep into the world of data depersonalization using FileMaker. We'll unpack the steps to anonymize sensitive data, ensuring robust privacy protection without losing the ability to analyze and utilize information effectively.

Joining us in this enlightening journey is the team of experts from Portage Bay Solutions, a leading authority in the FileMaker space. With their years of experience and extensive knowledge, they will offer practical insights, techniques, and guidance on creating and maintaining a depersonalized data environment.

In this enlightening episode, Portage Bay Solutions, a seasoned player in the field of Claris FileMaker development, takes you behind the scenes to illustrate how Postman can streamline API integration. Tune in as they reveal key techniques, share invaluable tips, and demonstrate how to efficiently integrate Postman into your developer workflow. Whether you're new to FileMaker or a seasoned pro looking to enhance your skills, this episode is packed with practical knowledge to help you troubleshoot, test, and utilize APIs in Postman. Don't miss this chance to learn from the experts, refine your approach, and supercharge your FileMaker development process!

Welcome to 'FileMaker 2023 Unveiled: Revolutionizing Database Design and Beyond!' - your go-to source for everything FileMaker 2023. Join us as we dive into the exciting new features of this game-changing release with the experts at Portage Bay Solutions. Get an insider's perspective through exclusive interviews with Rick Kalman, Director of Project Management at Claris, and Ronnie Rios, Product Owner for Claris Connect. Together, they'll unveil the innovative enhancements and breakthrough integrations that make FileMaker 2023 a truly transformative tool for businesses and individuals alike. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the minds behind the software that's redefining database management and collaboration. Tune in, and stay ahead of the curve with FileMaker 2023!

In this episode of the DevCast podcast, we delve into some expert tips and tricks to take your FileMaker development skills to the next level. Our experienced guest speakers will share their insights on using custom keyboard shortcuts, selection tools, fences, Visual Studio (VS) Code, and the MBS plug-in. Whether you're a seasoned FileMaker developer or just starting out, these practical tips and tricks will help you work more efficiently, save time, and boost your productivity. Tune in to discover how to streamline your workflow, enhance your coding capabilities, and get the most out of this powerful software tool.