FileMaker’s ExecuteSQL function has been available for quite some time and is a powerful tool in your developer's tool kit. While FileMaker’s native relational model is simple and intuitive, the ExecuteSQL function introduces an additional level of flexibility, enabling developers to access data across tables without creating extra table occurrences or relationships. The recent release of FileMaker 21.1 represents a significant enhancement to SQL functionality with the new ExecuteSQLe function. One of the biggest limitations has been addressed - error reporting. Unlike ExecuteSQL, ExecuteSQLe provides the return of clear error messages, enabling developers to troubleshoot queries much more effectively. If you’ve been frustrated with ExecuteSQL’s cryptic “?” symbol, ExecuteSQLe’s feedback is a welcome change. Read more

We’ve got some very exciting news to share! The latest version of FileMaker, 21.1 is now available, and it’s packed with some powerful features. The latest release of Claris encompasses updates to FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server, and FileMaker Go for iPhone and iPad. Although version 21.1 is a point release, don’t be fooled. This release is a big deal. In fact, a total of 309 issues addressed! Claris has put immense effort into improving PSR (Performance, security and reliability) and we are happy to see the results of this effort in the improvements in version 21.1. Read more

Your data is valuable and protecting it is vital in terms of legal obligations, your business reputation, competitive advantage, and more. The importance of test data in FileMaker is a discussion worth having when starting a new project or updating your solution. One easily overlooked area of data protection is the security of your data in the development and test versions of your solution, whether a FileMaker solution or a web application. While your live production data may be carefully secured, the copy of the data made for testing, especially if residing on an outside server, may not be safe. Read more

I had such a fun time joining Edward Lee and Rosemary Tietge on this month’s Claris Community Live. It was an amazing opportunity to share my excitement about Claris Connect and how we are using the tool to solve real-world business problems. I demoed how to build a FileMaker/Twilio integration for real-time SMS integration in a FileMaker database. You can check out the recording and also read our article which explores the new features just released for Claris Connect. Read more

October and November have lots of ways you can keep learning about Claris Connect and other FileMaker integrations. Start by joining a Community Live call, hosted by Claris, where our own Kate Waldhauser will be one of the presenters. Then catch the Claris Beyond Meetups on each third Wednesday. (No meeting in December) For ongoing learning, join a FileMaker FixIt! session on a first or third Tuesday afternoon. You'll be speaking directly with a Portage Bay dev who can answer your questions and assist with expanding your FileMaker database. These sessions are complimentary and are open to all experience levels. And, as always, you can contact us directly or schedule a more in-depth consultation. Read more