JSON: Beyond the Basics

Slide 1JSON: Beyond the Basics Fresh Takes, Dashboards JSON-LD, AI Integration

• Matt Navarre / Mateo Navarre
• Navarre Training

Slide 2Who am I?

• Passionate trainer, Expert developer
• Certified in FM versions 7-current
• Founded 3 companies
• FBA Awards, conferences, podcasts, meetups, blog, YouTube
• Moved to Greece in 2022

Slide 3Classes and More

• FileMaker Champion Series Class
• 1. Foundations / Best Practices
• 2. Intermediate / Developer
• 3. Expert / AI
• Claris Talk AI Podcast with Cris Ippolite
• Free classes in partnership with Claris
• More info at www.navarre.training

Slide 4Agenda

• Slides ~ 15 minutes
• Live demos ~ 25 minutes
• Q&A ~ 15 minutes
• How do YOU use JSON?

Slide 5JSON

Slide 9Douglas Crockford

Codified & Popularized JSON

Slide 10What is JSON?

• JavaScript Object Notation
• Structured text formatting
• “Light weight data interchange format”
• Human Readable
• Like XML, but it doesn’t suck™

Slide 11What is JSON?

• Hierarchical (nested structure)
• VERY FLEXIBLE
• FileMaker-y
• Since Version 16
• May 9th, 2017
• 2.902 days ago

Slide 12Why use JSON?

• Simpler
• Once you are comfortable using it
• Just like Case ( )
• And Let ( )
• Better
• Flexible
• Bulletproof

Slide 13It Matters

“Reusability, clarity, portability, and modern FM features are all tied to structured data”

Slide 14Where to use JSON?

• Scripts
• Passing params in, processing params, sending JSON out
• ButtonBars & Layout Calculations
• Calculated Fields
• Nearly everywhere you use the Calc dialog

Slide 15When to use JSON?

• Here
• Today
• Now
• Always

Slide 16The basics… …a very quick review

Slide 17Punctuation

• FileMaker ( ) [ ] ;
• JSON { } , :

Slide 18Functions

• JSONGetElement ( )
• Two arguments: Name and Value
• JSONSetElement ( )
• Four arguments – existing json, name, value, data type
• Ability to add or modify existing data

Slide 19Functions

• JSONFormatElements ( )
• Makes it easier to read, but adds characters
• Rarely, it will break valid JSON (can’t reproduce this today though)
• JSONDelete Elements ( )
• Cleans existing JSON, including dot notation

Slide 20Functions

• JSONListKeys ( )
• Returns the names (keys) of name/value pair
• JSONListValues ( )
• Returns the values of a name/value pair
• JSONMakeArray ()
• Newest function. Converts a List into an Array.

Slide 21String, Number, Boolean

Slide 22To start: Passing Parameters

• I always use it - even for a single param
• Because some day, there will likely be a 2nd param

Slide 23If Data Viewer is your friend…

Slide 24… Then ChatGPT is your secret lover

Slide 25Four Use Cases

Let’s slow down…

Slide 26A JSON Field in ~Every Table Preferences & Session Data Dashboard Data JSON-LD & AI

Slide 271. A JSON Field in Most Tables

Slide 28JSON Field (stored text field)

• Main Benefits
• Write any data needed without having to change schema
• Including calculations
• Replace multiple unstirred calc fields
• Display any data
• Use a layout calculation or Button Bar
• Get any element
• Doesn’t need to be indexed (no direct searches)

Slide 29JSON Field – Uses

• Store metadata about the record
• Record creation details beyond date & user
• Container data, resolution, image size
• Log data
• A local list of record edits
• Record access, data quality warnings, etc.

Slide 30JSON Field – Uses

• Temporary fields
• Example: A special event where you need 5 fields for a month
• No need to pollute the schema
• On Creation
• Track Lots of extra data
• Lower field count

Slide 31JSON Field – Uses

• Temporary fields
• Example: A special event where you need 5 fields for a month
• No need to pollute the schema
• Delete unused fields – with no risk
• Append data in JSON field with JSONSetElement ( )
• Delete offending fields
• Celebrate

Slide 32JSON Field – Notes

• Enter {} in the field upon record creation
• To avoid ? Error when reading
• Only use in tables where there is a high chance of use
• Or just create the field when it’s needed
• Not directly searchable
• Should have values set only by script

Slide 33Meta- data (On Create)

Slide 35Temp Data / Delete Fields

Slide 37JSON Field Demo

Slide 382. Preferences (global) Session Data

Slide 39Preferences & Session Data

• Main Benefits
• A single global text field in Dashboard or Globals table
• Extremely easy to access the JSON
• Replaces numerous $$variables
• Replaces numerous Global Fields in Prefs or Dashboard table
• Holds structured values, like IDs and field data for a record
• JSONDeleteElement ( ) useful to clean up a branch

Slide 403. Dashboard Data

Slide 41Dashboard Data

• Main Benefits
• Uses same Single JSON Field (as defined above)
• Write values with a script to control when data loads
• Which is much faster
• Holds structured values
• invoice.rec_count ; invoice.sold ; invoice.due
• Holds list of values in JSON Array

Slide 42Dashboard Data Demo

Slide 434. JSON-LD For Semantic Search And Generative AI

Slide 44JSON-LD & AI

• Main Benefits
• Structured data using schema.org
• Greatly improves results for both semantic and generative AI
• Enforces good readability and clear JSON

Slide 45Sample

{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Matt Navarre",
"job_title": "Trainer",
"company_name":"Navarre Training" }
}

Slide 46JSON-LD Demo

Slide 47Thank You!

• Contact information:
• www.navarre.training
• matt@navarre.training
• Claris Talk AI on YouTube and podcast platforms