Script Search in MBS Plugin: Finally, a Search That Works the Way You Think

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If you've ever tried to find something inside a large FileMaker solution, you already know the pain: too many scripts, inconsistent naming, and not enough context in search results.

The MBS Plugin Script Search feature is designed to fix exactly that. It gives you a fast, full-text, cross-script search with a modern UI—and it integrates directly into Script Workspace.

Turn It On

You can enable or disable the search button at any time:

MBS( "SyntaxColoring.ScriptSearchButton.SetEnabled"; Value )

Or simply toggle it in the plugin preferences.

Once enabled, a search button appears directly inside Script Workspace:

  • macOS: A magnifying glass icon in the title bar

  • Windows: A standard button inside the window

No extra tools. No context switching. Just click and search.

What Happens When You Click It

When you press the search button, the plugin captures a snapshot of all scripts currently available in Script Workspace.

  • Scripts are exported as XML

  • The data is prepared for fast searching

  • A dedicated search window opens

For large files, this may take a few seconds—but only once. After that, everything runs locally and instantly.

On Windows, the XML may be written to a temporary file while the search window is open.

Search Everything, Not Just Names

This is where things get powerful.

You’re not limited to script names—you can search across:

  • Script names

  • Script IDs

  • Folder/group paths

  • Script steps

  • Step parameters and contents

Results include previews, so you immediately see the context of each match instead of guessing.

Keep Searching Without Reloading

The search window stays open, allowing you to:

  • Run multiple searches instantly

  • Refine queries without reloading data

  • Explore scripts interactively

When you're done, just close the window. It will also close automatically if you close Script Workspace.

Jump Straight to the Script (macOS)

On macOS, results are clickable:

  • Click a result → jump directly to the script

  • The plugin locates scripts by name

Tip: Avoid duplicate script names across folders. Navigation relies on unique names.

Customize the Entire Search Experience

The search UI is not a black box—it’s fully customizable.

The interface is powered by a search.html file:

  • Located inside the plugin bundle (macOS)

  • Can be copied into the Extensions folder

  • If present, your version is used automatically

This means you can:

  • Redesign the UI

  • Add features

  • Integrate with your own workflows

Integrate with Your Workflow

Your custom search interface can do more than just display results:

  • Jump to scripts using plugin URLs

  • Trigger FileMaker scripts via fmp:// links

  • Connect search results to automation flows

This turns the search window into a lightweight control center for your solution.

Fast by Design

Everything runs locally:

  • No server calls

  • No repeated parsing

  • No delays after initial load

The combination of XML snapshot + client-side indexing means even large solutions remain responsive.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about searching—it’s about understanding your solution faster.

  • Debug issues quicker

  • Find logic across scripts instantly

  • Explore unfamiliar projects with confidence

Instead of digging manually, you ask—and the answer is right there.

Conclusion

The MBS Script Search feature brings modern search capabilities into FileMaker development:

  • Deep, multi-layer search

  • Instant results after loading

  • Clickable navigation (macOS)

  • Fully customizable UI

  • Seamless workflow integration

If you work with complex solutions, this is one of those tools that quickly becomes essential.

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Nice work!

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