In this article we want to introduce you the new functions from the MBS FileMaker Plugin in version 15.3.
First of all, I would like to introduce you to the new features for SQL. A very interesting function is the SQL.InternalSQLiteLibrary.Dump function. This function convert an SQLite database into UTF-8 text SQL statements that will exactly recreate that original database.
We also have new functions that allow you to activate extensions within SQLite. With SQL.InternalSQLiteLibrary.SetBase64ExtensionEnabled you can enable the base64 extensions to convert (binary) blobs and base64 text into each other. You can also use SQL.InternalSQLiteLibrary.SetCSVExtensionEnabled to activate the CSV extensions and thus have an implementation of an SQLite virtual table for reading CSV files. You also have the function SQL.InternalSQLiteLibrary.SetUUIDExtensionEnabled which activates a uuid extension. This SQLite extension implements functions that handling RFC-4122 UUIDs.
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Did you notice that stepping in the debugger in FileMaker scrolls to show the current line?
We think it would be better to show you the next few lines, so with MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 we adjust the scrolling and reveal a few more lines:
This feature automatically kicks in on macOS if you install the new plugin. We scroll about 3 rows up or down.
If you don't like it, you can turn it off with the SyntaxColoring.DebuggerScrolling.SetEnabled function.
Recently we had an user asking how much disk I/O certain script steps cause and whether we can see how much FileMaker writes or reads from disk.
In MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 we added a new SystemInfo.AppResourceUsageStatistics function for macOS to query various statistics and return them as JSON.
You can query:
We can take a direct look on the statistics before doing an action and after the action. We see directly the CPU time spend for how many instructions, the memory allocated and whatever disk reads or writes happen.
(more)This may change how you write scripts. Your longer scripts may now have an index on top with goto: URLs jumping to specific lines. The goto:start and goto:end links may help to jump to start or end of the script. And script: links may jump to a different script. And a search: link may do a search in the script and jump to a different line like a section of the script.
Let's start with script links. You put in the script name after the script: prefix. The plugin will read the name, decode percent escaped sequences and looks for a script in same file with the given name to show it. If you have special characters in the script name, please use GetAsURLEncoded() function in FileMaker to get the URL encoded properly, e.g. with %20 for spaces. This may look like this in the script:
# We open the database connection in the Connect to database script
# See also script:Close%20database ➜🌍
#
Perform Script [ Specified: From list ; “Connect to database” ; Parameter: ]
#
Set Variable [ $result; Value: Get(ScriptResult) ]
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Did you know, that FileMaker allows you to move lines up and down in ScriptWorkspace with cursor keys while control key is pressed?
Pick a line and press down the control key and simultaneously press up or down cursor key. This moves the selected lines in Script Workspace up or down by one line.
For MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3, we add the same feature for the calculation editor on macOS. Just hold down the control key and press cursor up/down to move the current selected rows by one row up and down.
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In MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 we have a Format button on macOS for the data viewer's detail view. If the data is XML or JSON, we can use the format and colorize functions: JSON.Format & JSON.Colorize, XML.Format & XML.Colorize.
Let's say you have some variables in the data viewer with XML or JSON content.
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Nickenich, Germany - (July 15th, 2025) -- Monkeybread Software today is pleased to announce MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 for Claris FileMaker for macOS, iOS, Linux and Windows, the latest update to their product that is easily the most powerful plugin currently available for Claris FileMaker produce line. As the leading database management solution for Windows, macOS, iOS and the web, the Claris FileMaker Pro Integrated Development Environment supports a plugin architecture that can easily extend the feature set of the application. MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 has been updated and now includes over 7700 different functions, and the versatile plugin has gained more new functions:
Use Plugin.RegisterFunction to register custom functions on the fly and they show up in the calculation dialogs. You can store the custom functions in a database and register them centrally on the startup of the solution. Then use these functions in multiple files. You can register custom script steps using the Plugin.RegisterScriptStep function.
We updated Saxon library to version 12.8. You can pass JSON as well as XML to Saxon.XPathQuery, Saxon.XQuery and Saxon.XSLT functions. The JSON is internally parsed into the same data structures, that XML as well as query results get stored in.
For SQLite we got extensions to enable: Base64, CSV and uuid functions. For SQLite we added a dump function to output the whole database as SQL statements.
The enhancements for developers continue with control-up and control-down shortcuts in the calculation editor to move lines up or down. We improved scrolling in the debugger to scroll a few more lines for you when stepping. The comment links can perform a search to jump within a script.
For Java we have functions to query the list of loaded classes. You can inspect the available methods and fields to dynamically call them.
We upgraded Matrix functions, so you can append matrices, insert rows and columns. Enjoy bitwise math and rotate bits or set/clear individual bits. Use SystemInfo.AppResourceUsageStatistics function to query memory statistics on macOS.
You can set the background color for a ScriptWorkspace and format JSON or XML shown in a data viewer with our format button. When you run ScriptWorkspace.StyledScriptText function, you can pick end of line and only get selected text. We improved link detection in comments and tuned auto complete.
We implemented ListDialog functions for iOS, added a search function for our documentation website, provide coordinates with Vision.DetectBarcode function and add round corners for card windows. Use bzip2 and zstd as filter for zip archives, pick the active signing field and use Files.PrintFile to print a file with an application.
Finally we updated the CURL library to version 8.14.1, DynaPDF to 4.0.102.292, LibArchive to 3.8.1, mongo-c-driver to 1.30.5, Saxon to 12.8, SQLAPI to 5.3.7 and SQLite to version 3.50.2.
See release notes for a complete list of changes.
15. Juli 2025 - Monkeybread Software veröffentlicht heute das MBS FileMaker Plugin für Claris FileMaker in Version 15.3, mit inzwischen über 7700 Funktionen eines der größten FileMaker Plugins überhaupt. Hier einige der Neuerungen:
Verwenden Sie Plugin.RegisterFunction, um benutzerdefinierte Funktionen im laufenden Betrieb zu registrieren, die dann in den Berechnungsdialogen angezeigt werden. Sie können die benutzerdefinierten Funktionen in einer Datenbank speichern und sie beim Starten der Lösung zentral registrieren. Dann können Sie die Funktionen in mehreren Dateien verwenden. Sie können benutzerdefinierte Scriptschritte mit der Funktion Plugin.RegisterScriptStep registrieren.
Wir haben die Saxon-Bibliothek auf Version 12.8 aktualisiert. Sie können sowohl JSON als auch XML an die Funktionen Saxon.XPathQuery, Saxon.XQuery und Saxon.XSLT übergeben. Das JSON wird intern in die gleichen Datenstrukturen geparst, in denen auch XML und Abfrageergebnisse gespeichert werden.
Für SQLite gibt es Erweiterungen, die wir aktivieren können: Base64, CSV und uuid Funktionen. Für SQLite haben wir eine Dump-Funktion hinzugefügt, um die gesamte Datenbank als SQL-Anweisungen auszugeben.
Die Verbesserungen für Entwickler werden fortgesetzt mit den Tastenkombinationen „Control-nach-oben“ und „Control-nach-unten“ im Berechnungseditor, um Zeilen nach oben oder unten zu verschieben. Wir haben das Scrollen im Debugger verbessert, so dass Sie beim Step ein paar Zeilen mehr scrollen können. Die Kommentar-Links können eine Suche durchführen, um innerhalb eines Skripts zu springen.
Für Java gibt es Funktionen zur Abfrage der Liste der geladenen Klassen. Sie können die verfügbaren Methoden und Felder untersuchen, um sie dynamisch aufzurufen.
Wir haben die Matrixfunktionen verbessert, so dass Sie Matrizen anhängen, Zeilen und Spalten einfügen können. Genießen Sie bitweises Rechnen und drehen Sie Bits oder setzen/löschen Sie einzelne Bits. Verwenden Sie die Funktion SystemInfo.AppResourceUsageStatistics, um Speicherstatistiken unter macOS abzufragen.
Sie können die Hintergrundfarbe für einen ScriptWorkspace festlegen und JSON oder XML, die im Data Viewer angezeigt werden, mit unserer Formatierungsschaltfläche formatieren. Wenn Sie die Funktion ScriptWorkspace.StyledScriptText ausführen, können Sie das Zeilenende auswählen und nur den ausgewählten Text erhalten. Wir haben die Link-Erkennung in Kommentaren verbessert und das Auto Complete verbessert.
Wir haben ListDialog-Funktionen für iOS implementiert, eine Suchfunktion für unsere Dokumentations-Website hinzugefügt, Koordinaten mit der Funktion Vision.DetectBarcode bereitgestellt und runde Ecken für Kartenfenster hinzugefügt. Wir verwenden bzip2 und zstd als Filter für Zip-Archive, wählen das aktive Signierfeld und verwenden Files.PrintFile, um eine Datei mit einer Anwendung zu drucken.
Schließlich haben wir die CURL-Bibliothek auf Version 8.14.1, DynaPDF auf 4.0.102.292, LibArchive auf 3.8.1, mongo-c-driver auf 1.30.5, Saxon auf 12.8, SQLAPI auf 5.3.7 und SQLite auf Version 3.50.2 aktualisiert.
Alle Änderungen in den Release Notes.
The live recording of the MBS FileMaker Plugin Presentation at the EngageU conference in Malmö, Sweden in November 2024. Christian summarizes what is new in the plugin for 2024.
Watch on YouTube. Let us know if you have questions.
Please join the 2025 conference: engageu.eu
Noch zwei Monate: Vom 14. bis 17. September 2025 findet die nächste deutschsprachige FileMaker Konferenz in Hamburg, Deutschland statt. Das JUFA Hotel Hamburg HafenCity liegt direkt neben dem Ausgang der U-Bahn Station HafenCity Universität, nur drei Stationen vom Hauptbahnhof via U4, so dass sich die Anreise per Bahn empfiehlt. FileMaker Anwender und Entwickler können ihre Teilnahme buchen.
Wir sind mit drei Vorträgen dabei:
Weitere Vorträge im Konferenzplan.
Die Veranstalter vom Verein FM Konferenz erwarten auch 2025 rund 120 Entwickler, Anwender, IT-Fachleute und Entscheidungsträger aus Wirtschaft, Bildung und Verwaltung. Rund um 24 Fachvorträge und Workshops wird es viel Zeit zum Vernetzen in den gemeinsamen Pausen und beim Abendprogramm geben.
Weitere Konferenzen hier.
Just four months until the EngageU conference. ClickWorks and Square Moon continue to organize a pan-european conference for Claris FileMaker developers from all over the world.
EngageU - FileMaker Conference 9th - 11th of November 2025, Antwerp, Belgium
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You can check the system requirements for FileMaker Pro and Server on the Claris website.
In general there are two sides: First you install FileMaker software on a supported OS to receive support in case something doesn't work. On the other side, you may still use an older computer with an older operation system. Eventually you may need to upgrade the computers and OS as you want to get security fixes and not loose your valuable data to some malware attack.
(more)New in this prerelease of version 15.3 of the MBS FileMaker Plugin:
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
Since FileMaker 2025, you have a quick and easy function to extract text from PDF files in containers:
GetTextFromPDF ( container )
You can call it and quick and easy get some text. Great, but what runs under the hood?
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FileMaker 2025 (v22.0) comes with improved tools. When you install FileMaker Server, you find these tools in the /FileMaker Server/Database Server/bin folder.
Claris released today FileMaker 2025 in version 22.0.1. Works fine with MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.2.
You get a few cool new things. Let me point to a few highlights:
Artificial Intelligence
The new version embraces AI with providing a model server within FileMaker Server. You can install various models using the Miniforge project. Then you can have the server use embeddings to perform semantic search in server scripts.
Linux support
FileMaker Server supports Ubuntu 24 for Linux in addition to version 22. Please consider moving your FileMaker Server to Linux, if you haven't yet.
Upgraded SQL engine
The SQL engine got upgraded with new commands like the INTERVAL function for date and timestamp calculations. The ALTER TABLE command can rename tables and fields (columns). Query the FileMaker_ValueLists table to learn about value lists and query their values.
Plugins in tools
You can use plugins in the command line tools and they are installed in the bin folder with the server. Use the -plugin_folder parameter to point to the folder with the plugin files. You can use MBS Plugin 15.3 or later there.
This allows you to use the plugin functions in various calculations like auto-enter. see also Use MBS Plugin in FileMaker Upgrade Tool
Faster JSON
All scripts using JSON functions get faster automatically due to caching of JSON data structures in variables (and per thread). To you can use JSONParse to explicitly request parsing to happen in a certain script step. e.g.
Set Variable [ $json; Value: JSONParse($json) ]
New in this prerelease of version 15.3 of the MBS FileMaker Plugin:
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
The MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.3 has a new feature for macOS to auto scroll the debugger in FileMaker:
(more)New in this prerelease of version 15.3 of the MBS FileMaker Plugin:
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.