Tag: JSON

Note 1: This conversation primarily focuses on new features and improvements in JQ v2. For a more general introduction to JSONQuery see the “Resources” section at the beginning of part 1.

Note 2: JSONQuery v2 is available here — https://github.com/steve-ssh/FMP_JSONQuery.

Continuation of JQ v2 conversation with Steve Senft-Herrera

Kevin Frank: There are a couple little improvements in v2 we haven’t mentioned yet. Is this a good time?

Steve Senft-Herrera: Sure.

KF: Okay, thanks. One that I really like is that you can now use “=” in place of “EQUALS” — you don’t have to, but you can. In v2 either of these will work…

JSONQuery ( $input ; "region" ; "EQUALS" ; "Asia" ; "" ; "name" )

or

JSONQuery ( $input ; "region" ; "=" ; "Asia" ; "" ; "name" )

KF: …whereas in v1 you had to write out “EQUALS”.

SSH: Yeah, I like that one too.

KF: Another improvement is that when “MATCH_ALL” is your Operator, you can now simply leave that argument blank. As per ex. 197 in the example file, these two statements are equivalent.

and

SSH: It’s a small change, but I like it because there is less to distract the eye from what really matters in the calculation: your input JSON, and the desired key or path to harvest — in this case, “address”.

KF: Completely agree.

The MAP Component

KF: You know there is an absolute favorite item on my list that hasn’t been mentioned yet, and it has to do with the simplification of MAP syntax.

SSH: That is definitely right there at the top of my list of favorite features also. Continue reading “JSONQuery v2 Conversation with Steve Senft-Herrera, part 2” →

Background

JSONQuery 2.0 was released last month with a wealth of new features, along with some improvements to existing features as well. Steve and I spoke about it recently, and we’ll get to that in just a moment. But first, for those who may not be familiar with JQ, here’s a bit of background information.

What is JSONQuery?

JSONQuery is a FileMaker custom function authored by Steve Senft-Herrera that enables you to query JSON (works with FM 18+).

Basic Things JSONQuery Does

1) Query – Allows for finding elements that match a supplied value, with a variety of options for operators.

2) Aggregate – Allows for returning an aggregate, e.g., SUM, AVG, LIST, etc., of values taken from either the matched elements, or all of the input.

3) Transform – Allows for customization of how the results are returned, with the option to pick-and-choose what attributes are included in the output, and how they are named.

Official Site

https://github.com/steve-ssh/FMP_JSONQuery

Other Resources

• Oct 2021 – FileMaker Hacks interview w/ Steve Senft-Herrera, part 1
• Nov 2021 – FileMaker Hacks interview w/ Steve Senft-Herrera, part 2
• Jan 2022 – FMDiSC YouTube presentation (Steve & Kevin)
• Feb 2022 – FMDiSC YouTube presentation (Steve goes under the hood)
• Jul 2024 – DIGFM YouTube presentation (Kevin w/ Steve)
• Sep 2024 – FMDiSC YouTube presentation (Kevin w/ Steve)

Introductory Remarks

Kevin Frank: Welcome back Steve. It’s been 3 years since we had our first JSONQuery conversation, and I’m so excited about JQ v2.

Steve Senft-Herrera: Thank you. I checked out the dates just before we met tonight, and saw that it is about 3 years.

KF: Hard to believe it’s been that long, and I want to congratulate you, because I know that it’s been a formidable effort on your part to get v2 out. And I speak for a lot of FM developers when I say we truly appreciate it.

SSH: Well, thanks. The formidable part, I think, was actually just managing my own life schedule to make time for it, more than the actual work that had to be done. There were long periods of time where the work was mostly finished, but just had to sit there patiently before I could get to it and take it to the next milestone. Now it’s officially out. Continue reading “JSONQuery v2 Conversation with Steve Senft-Herrera, part 1” →