For this year's Thanksgiving in America, we offer again discounted licenses for our MBS Plugins for FileMaker and Xojo.
Please use coupon code
BlackFriday for our web shop to order new licenses with a 20% discount. This includes DynaPDF and LibXL.
Order MBS FileMaker Plugin Order MBS Xojo Plugins Order LibXL
If you have special needs, you can email us to get an invoice or Paypal payment link directly. We know some people need to wait till next week to order, so the offer is valid till Tuesday.
Second if you have purchased previously an individual MBS Xojo Plugin part from the Complete Set within the last two years, but not the whole set, we offer you an upgrade to the Complete set for the update price. Please consider to get the whole collection of 40 plugins instead of just one plugin.
See
2022 Black Friday / Cyber Weekend Dealsin the Xojo forum for a collection of offers for Xojo developers.
For years we had the XOAuth2Bearer option in our CURL functions for our plugins. Any customer asking for how to use oAuth with Microsoft or Gmail got pointed to this property. Register an application with Microsoft or Google to get your client ID & secret. Then show a login screen in a browser for the user to login and grab the token. There are plenty of frameworks available and implementations in various programming languages. Once you got the access token, you can pass it to the CURL XOAuth2Bearer option. Since this is some work, we today like to show you sample scripts in FileMaker to do this:
App Setup
For the Office 365 access, please go the portal.azure.com website and login. Then go to Azure Active Directory (currently a blue pyramid icon). When you come there, you can copy your Tenant ID (an UUID) for later.
Click on the left bar on the App Registrations section and then click there to add a new registration. Pick a name for your application and pick which account types you like to use. We picked the third one for multiple organizations and personal accounts. For the redirect URI, we pick web and then put in the "http://localhost:9999/". This is what we use with the WebHook functions later to catch the answer from the authentication. The port number can be chosen freely from 1025 to 65535 and 9999 is easy to remember for our example.
After you created the application, please copy the application ID. That is the client ID (an UUID) in the scripts. For the secrets, pick second tab for client secrets and add a new client secret. Pick a nice name and a long expiration date, e.g. 24 months. Now copy the client secret, a string with random characters.
Microsoft has an article to explain registration here. Since the exact steps may vary, please be prepared to look for the buttons on a new place, if you read this in a few months.
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In this article we want to introduce you the new functions from the MBS FileMaker Plugin in version 12.5.
One Plugin for FileMaker AND Claris
Recently, the first version of the Claris product line has been released.
We are proud to announce that our plugin will also work on the new platform and you can use it there as usual.
The best thing is that you can use the same plugin file for FileMaker and the new Claris.
This is the first and currently the only plugin worldwide that works on both platforms equally.
MongoDB
Since version 12.3 there is the possibility to connect your FileMaker solution directly to a MongoDB and work with the data on both sides. Normally,
each change in the database is immediately committed as soon as it has been made. But this is not always desirable,
e.g. when it comes to security relevant things where multiple records have to be changed.
If in the meantime the connection breaks we don't know in which state our database is,
which records have been changed, which not.
For this we have the so called transactions, with which we can command the database to make all changes at the same time.
We have now implemented this transaction for you in context with MongoDB. With the function
MongoDB.StartTransaction we start a transaction,
then we can use the rest of the functions to make changes to the database.
At the end we decide if we want to commit these changes to the database with the function MongoDB.CommitTransaction or if we want to abort the transaction.
For this we use the MongoDB.AbortTransaction function. If a transaction is currently running in the database we can check with MongoDB.InTransaction.
The current status of a transaction can be checked with the MongoDB.TransactionState function which distinguishes between None, Starting, InProgress, Committed or Aborted.
We are happy to report that some developers did speed testing and our plugin is certainly faster performing than using a web service to talk to MongoDB since we can cache some things locally and keep a connection for multiple requests. And in contrast to some other mongo DB connectors, we can write records.
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If you downloaded the plugins in version 12.5 for FileMaker or 22.5 for Xojo in the last days, we may ask you to download them again.
The build from Friday, 10th November 2022 has the fixes for the JSON parsing functions.
This affects in Xojo the JSONMBS class, the FMAPI classes and the WebView2 control. For FileMaker it affects JSON functions, LDAP functions taking JSON and WebView functions for Windows.
The good thing with thousands of functions is, that the majority of plugin users may not be affected. But since this can be a surprise and people may want to enjoy our November release, we quickly uploaded a fixed plugin.
We are sorry about the problem introduced in pr4. In order to fix a problem with JSON parsing for a client, I accidentally changed code and that causes a NULL pointer in case of an error. Not always, but with one code path. As long as you pass valid JSON, it will work.
Everyone using 12.5/22.5 from build 4 to 8 is asked to move to build 9 from today.
Next to your container fields in iOS, you can show a button to insert a picture from the photo libraries. If you'd do this with our older ImagePicker functions, you may get a dialog about permissions to access the photos library.
The new PhotoPicker functions allow you to access a dialog to pick photos from your app without such a dialog. The dialog runs as part of a background app included with iOS, which has all the permissions needed. It can show the whole photo library without your application having access to it. The user can select one or more pictures and have those being available to your applications. The images are then downloaded in the background if needed and you can check progress in a script.
Here is a sample script:
If [ MBS( "PhotoPicker.Available") ]
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "PhotoPicker.Clear") ]
# set trigger
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "PhotoPicker.SetScript"; Get(FileName); "GotImage") ]
# you can define a limit, 0 = no limit
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "PhotoPicker.SetSelectionLimit"; 10) ]
# show the picker!
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "PhotoPicker.Present") ]
End If
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Nickenich, Germany - (November 8th, 2022) -- MonkeyBread Software today is pleased to announce MBS FileMaker Plugin 12.5 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 12.5 has been updated and now includes over 6800 different functions, and the versatile plugin has gained more new functions:
We are proud to have the first plugin version available for use with Claris Pro and Claris Server. While both product lines have their little differences, we managed to have a single plugin for both. You can use MBS FileMaker Plugin in Claris Pro locally on macOS or Windows as well as the Linux version of Claris Server.
Since transactions are quite useful in databases, we added those for our MongoDB functions. You can start a transaction, do a couple of changes and later decide whether you commit or revert changes. When you are not in a transaction, all changes are automatically committed.
For iOS we added new PhotoPicker functions to access the Photos database on the device. Without annoying permission dialogs, the user can select the photos to import and pass them into your FileMaker application.
Developers using Windows with FileMaker will be enlightened to find a little search box in the database design dialog when looking on the relationship graph. Please try it and let us know how it goes, so we may enhance it in the future.
The matrix functions got a few new tricks. First you can set column and row names with a list. The Matrix.ConvertDataType function can change the data type of values in the matrix, so they can be used better in SQL inserts later.
Developers on macOS will enjoy the new keyboard shortcuts command-[ and command-] in text views, so you can indent text of formulas. The code folding collapses in If blocks to the next else. And the URLs in comments can start with fmp://$/? to use current file name.
You can set which keys are binary data for LDAP with LDAP.SetBinaryKeys function. The CNContact.Show function works on macOS with a popover. The TOTP.Calculate function can use more algorithms for hashing, the BinaryFile.WriteInt function can specify the endian state, you can make a file on Windows read only with Files.SetReadOnly function and App.GetFocussedWindowTitle can give you the title of the front window.
Finally we updated the CURL library to version 7.86.0, DynaPDF to 4.0.70.200, LCMS to 2.14, openssl to 1.1.1s, SQLAPI to 5.2.2, SQLite to 3.39.4 and Xcode to 14.0.1.
See release notes for a complete list of changes.
8. November 2022 - Monkeybread Software veröffentlicht heute das MBS FileMaker Plugin für Claris FileMaker in Version 12.5, mit inzwischen über 6800 Funktionen eines der größten FileMaker Plugins überhaupt. Hier einige der Neuerungen:
Wir sind stolz darauf, die erste Plugin-Version für Claris Pro und Claris Server zur Verfügung zu stellen. Obwohl beide Produktlinien ihre kleinen Unterschiede haben, ist es uns gelungen, ein gemeinsames Plugin für beide Seiten zu haben. Sie können das MBS FileMaker Plugin sowohl in Claris Pro lokal auf macOS oder Windows als auch in der Linux-Version von Claris Server verwenden.
Da Transaktionen in Datenbanken sehr nützlich sind, haben wir diese für unsere MongoDB-Funktionen hinzugefügt. Sie können eine Transaktion starten, ein paar Änderungen vornehmen und später entscheiden, ob Sie die Änderungen committen oder rückgängig machen möchten. Wenn Sie sich nicht in einer Transaktion befinden, werden alle Änderungen automatisch übertragen.
Für iOS haben wir neue PhotoPicker-Funktionen für den Zugriff auf die Photos-Datenbank auf dem iOS Gerät hinzugefügt. Ohne lästige Berechtigungsdialoge kann der Anwender die zu importierenden Fotos auswählen und an Ihre FileMaker-Anwendung übergeben.
Entwickler, die Windows mit FileMaker verwenden, werden erfreut sein, ein kleines Suchfeld im Datenbankdesign-Dialog zu finden, wenn sie das Beziehungsdiagramm betrachten. Bitte probieren Sie es aus und lassen Sie uns wissen wie gut es funktioniert, damit wir es in Zukunft verbessern können.
Die Matrix Funktionen haben ein paar neue Tricks bekommen: Zunächst können Sie Spalten- und Zeilennamen mit einer Liste festlegen. Die Funktion Matrix.ConvertDataType kann den Datentyp von Werten in der Matrix ändern, so dass sie später besser in SQL-Inserts verwendet werden können.
Entwickler unter macOS werden sich über die neuen Tastenkombinationen command-[ und command-] in Textansichten freuen, mit denen Sie den Text von Formeln einrücken können. Das Code-Folding kollabiert in If-Blöcken bis zum nächsten Sonst. Und die URLs in Kommentaren können jetzt mit fmp://$/? beginnen, um den aktuellen Dateinamen zu verwenden.
Mit der Funktion LDAP.SetBinaryKeys können Sie festlegen, welche Schlüssel für LDAP binäre Daten sind. Die Funktion CNContact.Show funktioniert jetzt unter macOS mit einem Popover. Die Funktion TOTP.Calculate kann mehr Algorithmen für das Hashing verwenden, die Funktion BinaryFile.WriteInt kann den Endian-Status angeben, mit der Funktion Files.SetReadOnly können Sie eine Datei unter Windows schreibgeschützt machen und App.GetFocussedWindowTitle kann Ihnen den Titel des vorderen Fensters anzeigen.
Schließlich haben wir die CURL-Bibliothek auf Version 7.86.0, DynaPDF auf 4.0.70.200, LCMS auf 2.14, openssl auf 1.1.1s, SQLAPI auf 5.2.2, SQLite auf 3.39.4 und Xcode auf 14.0.1 aktualisiert.
Alle Änderungen in den Release Notes.
New in this prerelease of version 12.5 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/, in
DropBox folder or ask for being added to the DropBox shared folder.
For years we have
nice goodies for FileMaker developers on macOS and now we got one for Windows: You can search within a relationship with a search field:
I tried for years to do something there. But when the plugin asks Windows about what is on the window, the OS would say: zero controls. Yes, the normal Windows API doesn't see the controls since they are all done in C++ classes drawing directly into the window. Without a handle to work on, we gave up several attempts to do something.
But a few days ago I looked again on various windows and I noticed that the third tab actually uses a real Win32 control to show the graph for relationships. Probably because this part is older from FileMaker 7 times and didn't get updated with all the controls around. When you click on the relationships tab, FileMaker shows a control there, that the plugin can see.
Now when we have a target to send the search string, we need a field. But we can't see the other controls, so we just place a search field right of the tabs with enough space for all languages. Since we have to watch the current window in FileMaker regularly, it shows up a bit delayed and we remove it when you click to other windows. Please try it in 12.5 pre-release plugin (and update to final one next week).
For the 12.5 release next week, we try to fix all bugs. But for the future we have a few ideas to enhance this. e.g. we may do a popup like on macOS, try to define a shortcut to continue search or try to get it working with asian characters. If you find an issue, please let us know.
Known problems: Seems like you cannot use underscore or point in the search text.
New in this prerelease of version 12.5 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
- Added App.GetFocussedWindowTitle function.
- Improved EventMonitor functions for Windows to recognize better 3rd, 4th or 5th mouse button.
- Added a search field for relationship graph on Windows for European languages.
- Updated LCMS library to version 2.14.
- Updated openssl to version 1.1.1s.
- Improved memory management for ProgressDialog functions on iOS.
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/, in
DropBox folder or ask for being added to the DropBox shared folder.
Only two weeks until the English speaking
EngageU conference. Already over 90 attendees signed up including Monkeybread Software, so we look forward to meet you all there. Recently Claris decided to join with their staff and feature a keynote presentation with Brad Freitag and Robert Holsey. Let's see what they have to say about FileMaker and Claris product lines.
EngageU - FileMaker Conference in Malmö
13th - 15th of November 2022, Malmö, Sweden
A new FileMaker conference for Europe will be held in Malmö at the end of the year. The English-language conference is organized by SquareMoon and ClickWorx, with support from Claris.
The conference will be held in Malmö, Sweden, November 13-15, 2022. The conference language is English. The target audience is FileMaker developers from across Europe and beyond. More information can be found on the
website.
Please join the conference to make it the biggest one ever in Europe!
And it's great reason for people from all around the world to do a business trip to see Sweden (and nearby Denmark). If you plan your trip, the international airport to use is Copenhagen in Denmark and from there a 20 minute train to Malmö central station.
You like to have a FileMaker Server on the go with your Macbook (Pro) M1 or M2?
Install Parallels and let it install Windows 11. Within the ARM version of Windows 11, you can install FileMaker Pro 19.5 and it seems to work fine. Since there is no native version for ARM64, the application runs in emulation within Windows.
You can also install FileMaker Server. Running a FMS on Windows 11 and not Windows Server 2016 or 2019 is not really supported, but can work. The installer will complain about missing Internet Information Services and Application Request Routing. But you can go on one of the Microsoft websites and download the Application Request Routing installer and install it manually. I used the "Install this extension" button on
iis.net/downloads/microsoft/application-request-routing website.
Once this is installed, the FileMaker Server installer runs through without complains. After a restart, we can open the console and see the server running:
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New in this prerelease of version 12.5 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/, in
DropBox folder or ask for being added to the DropBox shared folder.
A few customers updated to macOS Ventura and reported crashes with saving contacts to the contacts database in macOS. This happens with both Xojo and FileMaker plugins using the AddContact functions. This may not crash on every request and may depend on configuration, e.g. whether you use iCloud.
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We got trial keys about 5 years ago added to our
FileMaker and
Xojo plugins.
A trial key is only valid for a limit time and allows to test all features without demo limitations. Due to the time limitation of the key, you can use it for a few weeks. The key later expires and you are back to demo mode or you order a license to get a permanent license.
We setup a form to request a license key:
Request Trial License Key
We may limit who can get a trial and filter out the requests looking like spam. But so far we issued over 1000 trial keys to various people.
Please understand that trial keys are not intended for deployment of solutions as keys expire. Our regular keys don't expire and can be used forever with the plugin versions released before a given date.
You can also explicit register for
newsletter, so you know about new releases and events.
New in this prerelease of version 12.5 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/, in
DropBox folder or ask for being added to the DropBox shared folder.
We resolved the problems we had with Claris Server and now our plugin works there. If you have a Claris Pro or Server, feel free to later try the 12.5pr4 version of MBS Plugin.
On the licensing we got asked if we sell Claris Pro/Server plugin separately. What a terrific business idea! But no, we don't ask for extra money to move from FileMaker to Claris. Just make sure you have a recent license, which includes 12.5 (or later), so you can use our current plugin versions. And eventually most of our customers may move in a few years, when the Claris product line has a more attractive offering compared to the FileMaker line.
We'll update documentation over the time to add Claris instructions, but so far just the folder names changed. If you install by script, the correct path is used automatically. And if you manually install, you probably have no problem finding the Extensions folder.
Let us know if you have questions or trouble.
Sometimes FileMaker developers miss a script trigger to run when you switch between windows. We usually recommend people check if Window.Current function returns a new number. And you may do that with Schedule functions.
Here is a script to start a schedule to check the window regularly:
# current window
Set Variable [ $currentWindow ; Value: MBS("Window.Current") ]
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "FM.VariableSet"; "WindowActivateTriggerCurrentWindow"; $currentWindow ) ]
# Schedule a calculation to check window every second
Set Variable [ $schedule ; Value: MBS( "Schedule.EvaluateAfterDelay"; 1; "Let([
lastWindow = MBS( \"FM.VariableGet\"; \"WindowActivateTriggerCurrentWindow\" );
e1 = MBS(\"IsError\");
currentWindow = MBS( \"Window.Current\" );
e2 = MBS(\"IsError\");
r = If(e1 = 0 AND e2 = 0 AND lastWindow ≠ currentWindow; Let([
w = MBS( \"FM.VariableSet\"; \"WindowActivateTriggerCurrentWindow\"; currentWindow );
e = MBS( \"FM.RunScript\"; \"" & Get(FileName) & "\"; \"Window Activated Trigger\")
]; 0); 0)
];1)"; ""; ""; 1 ) ]
Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS( "FM.VariableSet"; "WindowActivateTrigger"; $schedule ) ]
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Do you already know the Speech
component from the MBS FileMaker Plugin?
With it you can easily make your application speaking.
The functions I will show you in this article, can be used on Mac and Windows under FileMaker Desktop and
the iOS SDK.
Reading text out loud is especially useful if you are writing a solution for people who cannot read or
have a visual restriction.
You can use the Speech.Speak function to output text.
Besides the text you can also specify the speaker you want to use.
You can find a list of speakers that are available for your system with the
function Speech.AvailableVoices.
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Do you know the additional functions for containers that the MBS FileMaker Plugin offers? In this blog article I would like to introduce you to a few of them.
Let's start with the loading of a file into the container field.
For this we use the function Container.ReadFile.
With it we read files via a native file path. This path can be defined by a text field or by the FileDialog functions with the help of a dialog. This function can be used not only in FileMaker Pro, but also on the server.
We must pay attention that the server is authorized to access the files,
otherwise it does not work.
Beside the file path also a mode can be specified.
If no mode is specified, then the plugin itself tries to determine the file type and imports the file appropriately.
If we specify the keyword container, the result is returned as a container with a FILE stream inside. If we specify compressed then we get a compressed container value returned.
Finally, we can also specify the filename that the file should have.
Set Variable [ $image ; Value:MBS( "Container.ReadFile"; "/Users/cs/Pictures/test.jpg"; "auto")]
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For this year's Thanksgiving in America, we offer again discounted licenses for our MBS Plugins for FileMaker and Xojo.
