Collections and Maps -- Beyond FileMaker Arrays and Objects (Nat Robinson)

This is the March 2021 DIGFM Meeting, hosted by Claris. This month is a online/remote meeting only. You can view this meeting remotely, online -- see below for WebEx details.

5:30 PM (PST) for the PRESENTATION - (join the WebEx for open developer chat starting at 5:00pm - See Below)

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MAIN PRESENTATION - "Collections and Maps -- Going Beyond Arrays and Objects in FileMaker", Nat Robinson

As developers, JSON Arrays and Objects have been a tremendous tool in FileMaker development. They allow us to pass complex data between scripts and facilitate many other logical techniques. However, native JSON does have some limitations, requiring mental and scripting overhead when tracking iterations, and potentially hitting significant performance issues with large complex arrays.

This talk will showcase custom function libraries, "Collections" and "Maps", built by Nat and colleagues at Beezwax. These libraries open up a whole new world of complex data storage:

• Iterate through elements without a counter variable.
• Store container files and rich text as elements.
• Allow for special characters in key names.
• Dramatically improve parsing and iterating of large complex JSON.

Best of all, it's all native FileMaker, requiring no plug-ins.

As well, we will take a brief look at the lessons learned when developing these libraries, mapping out a functional framework for developing similar custom function libraries.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Nat Robinson, Beezwax

Nat Robertson has worked with FileMaker for over 10 years. He currently leads project work for Beezwax clients, and develops resource modules to empower his fellow Beez in their work. After developing his chops as in-house dev at a Biotechnology company, Nat spent three years working for a sustainable seafood non-profit organization before joining Beezwax.

A graduate of UC-Santa Cruz in Marine Biology and a native of Cambridge, MA, Nat’s favorite hobbies include softball, hiking, and disc golf. Nat is also an avid member of the Santa Cruz community theater scene, having acted in over 20 productions over the last 10 years.

SEE THIS EVENT ON CLARIS COMMUNITY:
https://community.claris.com/en/s/question/0D53w00005JAuf9CAD/digfm-collections-and-mapsgoing-beyond-arrays-and-objects-3112021

SEE DIGFM ON CLARIS COMMUNITY:
https://community.claris.com/en/s/group/0F90H000000gDZ4SAM/digfm

SCHEDULE
Social time from 5:00pm to 5:30pm PST
Presentation via WebEx from 5:30pm to 7:30pm PST.

ONLINE ATTENDEES (now using WebEx!)
You can join this meeting online, starting after 5:00pm PDT via:
https://appleinc.webex.com/appleinc/j.php?MTID=m4b425e60e0578d4705b8fde08de39d21

Phone dial-in (U.S.): +1-415-655-0003
Access Code: 965 502 625