YOUSEFUL / FILEMAKER

Frequently asked questions

Which platforms do these downloads support?

The current binaries are Windows x64 .fmx64 plug-ins. These tutorials target FileMaker Pro on Windows. They do not establish macOS, FileMaker Go, WebDirect or FileMaker Server support. Desktop dialogs, input and printer examples require an interactive Windows session.

Do I need the entire suite?

No. Install the plug-in used by the guide. A tutorial names any extra dependency; for example, writing a barcode to a container uses Barcode alone, while saving that container with a File function also needs File.

Why do I see Ysfl instead of the full company name?

Youseful Software is the brand. Ysfl is the short prefix in plug-in files and function names. Each product has its own suffix, such as YsflFi_ for File and YsflQr_ for Query. See the product list and upgrade notes.

Where are the functions in FileMaker?

After enabling the plug-in, open a calculation dialog and group functions by type. Functions appear under the plug-in name. The Youseful APIs documented here are calculation functions, used from steps such as Set Variable and Set Field. See Claris installing plug-ins.

Why does a function appear to be missing?

Check the product's Version function, the Enabled Plug-Ins list and the installed file name. Restart after replacing a binary. Use the current function prefix. Do not keep an earlier build of the same product loaded alongside its replacement; the products retain their internal identity across the rebrand.

Can I paste a whole tutorial into FileMaker?

Paste individual calculations into calculation dialogs. Recreate script steps in the Script Workspace. The Markdown scripts are readable instructions, not importable FileMaker databases or clipboard snippets.

Does 0 mean failure?

It depends on the function. Many commands return 0 for success; match and existence checks return 0 for false; a dialog can return 0 for cancellation. File's Write returns the number of bytes written. Barcode's Validate returns empty text on success. Check the documented return value before branching.

How do I diagnose an error?

Save the function result, then its product's LastError and LastErrorText before calling another operation. Most failures return ? message. Query reports errors in its result and does not provide those two getters. File's original functions can return negative numeric codes or ?. Do not assume Get ( LastError ) contains the detailed plug-in error.

Why is LastError now 0?

Most functions clear the previous error at entry. An unrelated call, a status getter or another evaluation may have run since the failure. Capture the two error getters immediately after the call that you are checking.

Why does a network call return a body for a 404 or 500?

HTTP/Curl transport success is separate from HTTP success. Save LastError first, then Status and the body. Your application decides which status codes it accepts. An empty body may be a valid 204 or HEAD response.

Are the example web addresses live services?

No. example.com and its subdomains are placeholders in these guides. Supply your own test URL, server and credentials where requested. The Mail tutorial instead parses a local sample message and sends nothing.

Do I need Node.js, Python or PHP?

JavaScript's default embedded mode needs no external runtime. Its worker and process modes need Node.js. Python needs a suitable Windows CPython installation; PHP needs php.exe. Each runtime guide explains configuration and state lifetime.

Can jobs and runtime variables survive a restart?

Scheduler jobs, runtime globals and open FTP sessions are in memory. Recreate them when needed after FileMaker restarts. Files and credentials explicitly saved to storage have separate lifetimes.

What information helps troubleshoot an example?

Record the plug-in Version result, the formula or script step, input values, the returned result, and any captured error/status. Include the runtime Mode result for language plug-ins. Remove passwords, tokens and sensitive message content before sharing a reproduction.

For product-specific questions, open a plug-in guide.