FileMaker DevCast: Everything Claris FileMaker

Epizodes

• 
  Episode 33: FileMaker 2026 Review: More Than Meets the Eye 11.08.2026 32min

  It's been two months since FileMaker 2026 was released and our devs are still discovering. This episode, the team is looking into what the update really means for developers and the new features they’re most excited about: AI-assisted development possibilities, WebDirect improvements, layout enhancements, and more. They also discuss some of the quieter but valuable additions in FileMaker 2026, like improved field-name mapping for imports, new PDF commands, and expanded server-side functionality.A couple of our devs even share hands-on experiments with using AI and XML to rebuild and modify solutions and where the current limitations start to show up with larger files.John's Blog Post: https://www.portagebay.com/blog/can-filemaker-2026-rebuild-a-file-clean-testing-generatedbfile/
• 
  Episode 32: The Intelligence Limits of Confidently Incorrect AI 28.07.2026 44min

  In this episode of DevCast, our devs share their firsthand experiences using AI tools like Claude and Gemini for FileMaker development. They spotlight where they excel, where they fall short, and what developers need to watch out for. They cover AI hallucinating FileMaker functions and scripts, misinterpreting FileMaker Server logs, context window limitations, memory persistence, and the importance of verifying AI-generated code before putting it into production. They also discuss practical advice on improving AI-assisted workflows, using skills and agents, keeping conversations focused, building better prompts, and why testing is more important than ever in an AI-driven development process.
• 
  Episode 31: What We’ve Been Building: Web App Edition 12.06.2026 39min

  In their spare time, John, Xandon, and Jacob have been creating personal web apps. John is creating a healthcare referral portal that easily and efficiently collects and processes referral submissions. Xandon is prepping for his kid's college days by having all the info they need, like planning, admissions, and athletic recruiting in one space. Jacob is making a homeschool learning platform for his daughter that helps him design personalized education plans for special-needs students.They share the ups and downs of their processes and lessons they've learned about full-stack development, SaaS products, subscriptions, AI-assisted coding, and turning personal challenges into practical software solutions.
• 
  Episode 30: Using ExecuteSQL: A Cautionary Tale 26.05.2026 34min

  One little ExecuteSQL query can’t hurt… right? In this episode, the team unpacks the FileMaker performance issues hiding inside real-world solutions. Runaway SQL calls, invisible object calculations, and AI-generated code that looked smart until it brought everything to a crawl. They discuss debugging wins, optimization tips, and the kinds of “how did this even happen?” moments that every developer eventually runs into.
• 
  Episode 29: Claude Cowork, AI Linguistics, and 3D Printing 22.04.2026 40min

  Welcome to an inside look at how our devs are testing out where AI can help versus hinder every day work conundrums. Our team's focus in this meeting is Claude Cowork, a tool designed to track everything within a specified local folder.As for team demonstrations and discussions, Xandon uses a plugin that parses FileMaker XML to generate web-based code reviews and actionable recommendations. Nick showcases a clever approach to token efficiency, using Python scripts to convert verbose XML data into a concise format that LLMs like Claude and Gemini can process with greater accuracy.Beyond development, the team shares their real-world applications of AI assistants, like John generating precise 3D printing step files based on scanned images and measurements.
• 
  Episode 28: Comparing Tools: FMPerception, BaseElements, 2empowerFM 05.02.2026 1h 3min

  The Portage Bay team sits down for a conversation about the tools and workflows that support their day-to-day work. Their discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the devs approach problem-solving, collaboration, and efficiency as they kick off the year.The team dives into the systems and tools they use regularly, like FM Perception, Base Elements, and 2Empower which support code navigation, debugging, and understanding complex data flows. While each developer brings their own preferences and opinions on which systems work best, these different approaches help the team collaborate to effectively and consistently deliver well-built, reliable software.
• 
  Episode 27: Meet HAM - Another Option for FileMaker Permissions (with Charles Delfs) 15.12.2025 58min

  We had the pleasure of hearing Charles Delfs break down HAM (Headless Authorization Module) as he showed us how this system transforms the way you manage roles, permissions, and feature access in FileMaker. Inheritance, overrides, and data-driven rules can replace brittle security setups and open use cases like feature flags, SaaS plans, and time-based access.
• 
  Episode 26: Click, Build, Deploy: FM BetterForms Updates Unwrapped 03.11.2025 48min

  We’re diving into the latest updates to FM Better Forms and taking a closer look at one of our own client’s web apps built on the platform. We share what’s new in Better Forms and how we’ve used it to build modern, real-world web apps that bridge the gap between low-code speed and polished web performance while combating challenges like caching.
• 
  Episode 25: Reports, Pickers, and JSON: The Value of Virtual Lists 19.09.2025 51min

  Virtual lists are one of the most powerful and flexible techniques in FileMaker, giving developers the ability to generate custom reports, create dynamic pickers, and display complex data without storing it in fields.The team breaks down the essentials, like how global variables and JSON arrays feed into unstored calculations, how scripts can define headers and build arrays with SQL or looping, and why this approach is so effective for reporting and beyond.We also look at advanced use cases, from scaling large data sets and handling character limits to applying conditional formatting, integrating with WebViewer for interactive tables, and exploring Kevin Frank’s MD5-hashed window method for running multiple virtual lists at once.
• 
  Episode 24: API Integrations: The Good, the Buggy, and the Workarounds 14.07.2025 36min

  Join our development team as we share real-world insights from recent API integration projects—including SharePoint, Shopify, QuickBooks, and Claris Connect. From handling authentication quirks to leveraging tools like Postman and n8n, this DevCast dives into the decisions, roadblocks, and solutions behind the systems we build. Whether you're navigating OAuth, working with REST vs. GraphQL, or exploring Claris Connect and workflow automation, there’s something here for every FileMaker pro and API tinkerer.
• 
  Episode 23: Smarter Automation with n8n and FileMaker 13.05.2025 48min

  In this episode of FileMaker DevCast, we dive into n8n—a flexible, low-code workflow automation platform that gives you total control over how your systems talk to each other.We explore how n8n stacks up against tools like Zapier and Claris Connect, and walk through live examples of connecting Google Forms, FileMaker, email services, and even local AI agents. Learn how to build scalable, resilient automations—hosted on your own infrastructure or in the cloud—that will save you time.You’ll hear about:Real-world n8n workflows with Google Sheets and FileMakerThe power of "nodes" vs "zaps" and "connectors"Triggering flows with webhooks, timers, or file changesUsing n8n with LLMs and vector stores for RAG-based AIThe pros and trade-offs of local vs SaaS hostingWhether you're automating internal tools or building next-gen AI workflows, this episode will show you new ways to think about integration.
• 
  Episode 22: Our Takeaways from Claris Engage 2025 28.03.2025 48min

  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.#Claris #FileMaker #DevCast #PortageBay #podcast #devs
• 
  Episode 21: Ready? Engage. It's Prep Time for the 26th Claris FileMaker Conference 08.01.2025 43min

  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. Keynote location large enough to fit all attendees (gone is the overflow room!) Full floor expo hall, for plentiful space and visibility. Plentiful networking time has been built into the schedule, to allow for important connections and collaboration. A training day follows the main conference, so you can put your learning into action. The Claris Museum! Curated by Clay Maeckel and featuring artifacts from 40 years of Claris history. The return of Tech Support Central, offering on-site technical assistance. A Visionary Bar where you can consult with Claris design experts. The return of DevCon To Go, from Claus at DataManix. Rebranded as Engage To Go (Maps, scheduling, and note-taking!) A quiet room for mindfulness and relaxation. Get your merch! Choose from a selection of Claris and Engage branded items.
• 
  Episode 20: How FM BetterForms Can Modernize FileMaker-Powered Web Apps 23.12.2024 43min

  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 #hoisin
• 
  Episode 19: Claris FileMaker 21.1 with Guest Lucy Chen, VP of FileMaker Engineering 14.11.2024 52min

  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.https://www.portagebay.com/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
• 
  Episode 18: JSON: With Guest Matt Navarre of Navarre Training 05.10.2024 59min

  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."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.⁠https://www.navarre.training/⁠ https://www.json.org/json-en.html⁠ #json⁠ #claris⁠ ⁠#filemaker ⁠#filemakertraining⁠ ⁠#devcast⁠ ⁠#developer⁠ ⁠#devtools⁠ ⁠#devs⁠ ⁠#portagebay⁠
• 
  Episode 17: We Welcome Mike Ross to the Portage Bay Team 27.08.2024 48min

  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.
• 
  Episode 16: Claris Connect: Talking automation & integration with Beth Murillo of The Scarpetta Group 02.07.2024 50min

  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.
• 
  Episode 15: Catching Errors: Effective Error Logging in FileMaker Development 18.06.2024 46min

  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!
• 
  Episode 14: Beyond the Code: Integrating ChatGPT with FileMaker for Next-Level Development 18.06.2024 42min

  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.