FileMaker DevCast: Everything Claris FileMaker

DevCast Ep 27: Meet HAM - Another Option for FileMaker Permissions (with Charles Delfs)

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.

DevCast Ep 26: Click, Build, Deploy: FM BetterForms Updates Unwrapped

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.

DevCast, Episode 25: Reports, Pickers, and JSON: The Value of Virtual Lists

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. 

FileMaker Devcast, Ep 24: API Integrations: The Good, the Buggy, and the Workarounds

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.

EP 23: Smarter Automation with n8n and FileMaker

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 FileMaker
The power of "nodes" vs "zaps" and "connectors"
Triggering flows with webhooks, timers, or file changes
Using n8n with LLMs and vector stores for RAG-based AI
The pros and trade-offs of local vs SaaS hosting
Whether you're automating internal tools or building next-gen AI workflows, this episode will show you new ways to think about integration.

Ep22: Our Takeaways from Claris Engage 2025

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.

Ep21: Ready? Engage. It's Prep Time for the 26th Claris FileMaker Conference

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.

Ep20: How FM BetterForms Can Modernize FileMaker-Powered Web Apps

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

Ep19: Claris FileMaker 21.1 with Guest Lucy Chen, VP of FileMaker Engineering

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

Ep18: JSON: With Guest Matt Navarre of Navarre Training

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.