Apple’s gleaming new campus in Austin, Texas, set the stage for the 25th FileMaker developer conference, hosting the first in-person gathering since the pandemic’s onset. Amidst the electric atmosphere, attendees relished the opportunity to reconnect with the Claris community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
During the conference, Cristos Lianides-Chin, representing Codence, delivered an enlightening session titled “Bearskin Hats: Using Guard Clauses for More Robust Scripts and Calcs.” Attendees gleaned valuable insights into bolstering the resilience of scripts and calculations within FileMaker solutions, underscoring the practical knowledge shared at Engage 2024.
Moreover, the event provided a chance to reconnect with two past Codence apprentices. This highlighted the profound impact of Codence’s apprenticeship program, fostering not only professional growth but also enduring connections within the industry. For those interested in delving deeper into Codence’s apprenticeship initiative and its contributions to the future of FileMaker development, further information is available on our resources page.
Primary Focus
Central to the conference was Claris’s renewed focus on developers as their primary audience. This clarity in direction resonated strongly, encompassing developers of all stripes – from consulting firms like Codence to individual practitioners and large development teams. With an emphasis on transparency, Claris unveiled its detailed product roadmap, allowing developers to anticipate future enhancements and actively contribute to shaping the platform’s evolution.
The Claris Community has unveiled a new backlog page, providing Claris Partners and developers with transparency regarding upcoming enhancements in Claris technology. Users are urged to bookmark the page to stay updated on future product features and platform developments. Moreover, the establishment of the Claris Marketing Design Group aims to encourage open discussions and transparency surrounding the team’s marketing efforts. Plans are underway to introduce a visible marketing backlog, fostering active engagement and collaboration within the community.
AI Insights and Innovations
Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at Engage 2024, with discussions ranging from current capabilities to future possibilities. Presenters explored AI’s potential to streamline development processes and unlock deeper insights from data. Of particular interest was the integration of AI within the FileMaker platform, promising accelerated development timelines and enhanced data analytics for clients.
Claris Tools
Addressing developer concerns, Claris clarified the roles of its three core products – FileMaker, Connect, and Studio – emphasizing their complementary nature. While Studio’s initial feature set may have left some underwhelmed, its future prospects look promising, particularly in terms of enhanced connectivity and interoperability across the platform. Developers can anticipate seamless integration between these tools, empowering them to build robust solutions efficiently.
For those closely following developments in Claris FileMaker Server, Engage 2024 offered insights into the platform’s evolution. Notably, Claris signaled Linux as the primary OS for future FileMaker Server features, showcasing advancements such as load-balancing and containerization. While support for Windows and macOS will continue, developers seeking cutting-edge capabilities are advised to embrace the Linux environment.
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Looking Ahead
As Engage 2024 drew to a close, the overarching message was one of collaboration and collective growth. Claris reiterated its commitment to supporting developers in solving real-world challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of community feedback in shaping the platform’s trajectory. Together, partners, Claris, and end-users form a symbiotic ecosystem, where success is measured by the collective advancement of all involved.
Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into Claris’s product direction, the growing role of AI, and the importance of community feedback and engagement in shaping the platform’s future.
Claris Engage 2024 served as a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of the FileMaker community. As developers continue to innovate and collaborate, the future of the platform shines ever brighter, offering endless possibilities for those willing to explore its potential.
Dive into the official Claris Engage 2024 Highlights and product updates here.
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