Track: Technical
Shaking the Dependency Tree - part 1 of 2
Presented By:
Darren Terry
Darren Terry
Pacific Data Management,Inc.
San Jose, CA
Have you ever found yourself wondering why FileMaker failed to make a calculation result update itself? If so, you're not alone. The calculation engine is exposed to us in many ways (not just calculation fields in Manage Database), and the rules for when FileMaker updates calculation results are called the calculation dependency tree.

This session will explain why some calcs refresh automatically and others don't. This session contains essential knowledge for anyone building complex, performant FileMaker solutions. It's a must-know for building fast, reliable FileMaker apps.

Topics to be discussed in Part I:

• Calculations in Field Definitions - stored
• Calculations in Field Definitions - unstored
• Calculations in Field Definitions - auto-enter calculations
• Merge Variables on Layouts

Because defining calculation fields is the "primary" way people tend to interact with the calculation engine, we'll spend the bulk of session 1 focused on how calculation fields (and auto-enter calculations) behave with relation to the dependency tree. By the end of this session, you should have a firmer grasp on exactly what will cause FileMaker to update a calculation field, regardless of the circumstances (stored vs. unstored, related vs. local, global, etc.)

When I presented this session before (at DevCons, user group meetings and PauseOnError), half of the session was taken up with calculation fields, so I want to devote the whole first session to this topic.

This will be an interactive session. I fully expect questions and diversions as we go along.

The Full Access 2026 Premium Experience

Price: + $600

  • Seamless Arrival: Custom pickup from SFO or the JRC upon your arrival.

  • 🍽️ Exclusive Luncheon: An invitation to join the production team for a pre-setup luncheon at a popular Los Altos restaurant at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 5.

  • 🎥 Behind the Scenes: Exclusive opportunity to hang out with the production team the night before the event (and even lend a hand if you want to see how the magic happens!).

  • 🏨 Extended Stay: One extra night at the JRC (August 5, 2026), including dinner that evening and breakfast the next morning.

  • 🍫 Special Delivery: A curated treat waiting for you in your sleeping room.

  • ✈️ Stress-Free Departure: Custom delivery back to SFO or the JRC when you’re ready to head home.

Enter the coupon code below to ugrade your Single Registration.

PREMIUM