The New Jersey FileMaker Pro User Group’s November 30, 2011 meeting was held at Essex Computers in Paramus. Debi Rubel, Certified FileMaker Developer for FullCity Consulting, lead a group discussion of custom functions.

Members reviewed some of the advantages of custom functions, such as:

1. DRY (don’t repeat yourself) – the ability to store re-usable code

2. Storing global data outside of fields, away from easy viewing and editing

3. The ability to create recursive calculations

Using the Manage > Custom Functions dialog box, formulas can be created using FileMaker’s “calculation engine,” an interface similar to that used for the program’s field calculations. FileMaker Pro Advanced is required to create custom functions but, once saved, a new function can be used wherever FileMaker’s built-in functions are available: in field definitions, script steps, the data viewer – even other custom functions. An important distinction between custom and standard functions is the use of developer-created parameters, rather than direct access to fields.

FileMaker introduced custom functions with version 7. The current version (11) makes it even easier for developers to incorporate custom functions in their work through new copy/paste and import features.

Several custom functions were reviewed, including those for text, numbers, dates and times. Examples ranged from simple formatting options and mathematical standards such as median and hypotenuse, to more complex concepts involving date offsets that account for weekends and holidays, and recursive functions.

A recursive function is one that calls itself within its formula – much like a loop for scripts. And, as with loops, developers need to remember to provide an exit condition. FileMaker enforces recursion limits for both stack and tail recursion functions.

Variations of a function were shown to demonstrate methods for error-trapping, which can occur within the function and/or the calling calculation. Trapping for empty data and particular data types can be particularly helpful in ensuring correct outputs, and in preventing the dreaded “?” result when recursion limits are hit. Additional discussions revolved around the need to approach any particular problem with the end goal – the client’s needs – in mind.

The New Jersey FileMaker Pro User Group’s October 26, 2011 meeting was held at Essex Computers in Paramus. FileMaker, Inc. presenters included Rick Colcock, Corporate Systems Engineer; Rodney Santwier, Regional Education Manager, K12 East Sales; and Mike Alvarado, Director of Sales.

The meeting topic was “Using FileMaker Go / iPad to Create Data Driven Schools.” Rick reviewed how simple it can be to access FileMaker files from a mobile device: either by opening a remote file directly in Go, or by transferring a database via email, web or iTunes to use locally. He showed sample data on multiple platforms and devices to underscore the consistency of the user’s experience.

FileMaker Server is a great tool for teaching institutions, and is currently being used by many schools and districts to collect, aggregate and disseminate data. It can be managed in-house (as cloud-based student data is a concern for many educational organizations), yet used to share information in real time with multiple populations, including administrators, teachers and other staff, parents and students themselves. FileMaker can also be used as an adjunct to other SIS (Student Information Systems), such as PowerSchool.

Rodney discussed and demonstrated several education-specific applications deployed in iOS. These ran the gamut from classroom observation check lists to student scheduling systems for security, from logging complaints to recording release forms, from examining correlations to drilling students in math. FileMaker functionality in our schools is well-suited for the front office, classroom, and public information services

The New Jersey FileMaker Pro User Group’s September 28, 2011 meeting was held at Essex Computers in Paramus. Ken d’Oronzio of Paradise Partners, Inc., demonstrated their new product, soSIMPLE Calendar.

soSIMPLE Calendar features a drag and drop interface that can be viewed in FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, and web browsers. Calendars are easily customized and support multiple languages and date and time formats. The package includes a “Calendar Builder” UI module that generates a FileMaker web viewer for adding to any existing date-oriented database. The engine and necessary plugins are then stored on FileMaker Server; updates are handled automatically. The solution supports multiple resources and it can subscribe and feed data to Google, Outlook, iCal, etc. Visit the web site for purchasing details and pre-purchase trials.