“In every detail, there is the potential for improvement.” Dynamics 365 empowers developers to fine-tune and control every interaction within the CRM through a robust set of event handlers. From form loads to data changes, understanding when and how to use these events can drastically improve efficiency, data integrity, and user experience. This blog will delve into various Dynamics 365 event handlers, providing real-life scenarios and sample code to illustrate their practical uses and differences.
1. Column Event: OnChange
The OnChange event triggers when the value of a field is changed by the user. It’s essential for scenarios where subsequent fields or data need to be updated based on a field’s new value.
In a sales process, changing the ‘Customer Type’ might necessitate different information requirements. An OnChange event can dynamically alter the form to display relevant fields based on the selected customer type.
Code Example:
function customerTypeChanged(formContext) {
var customerType = formContext.getAttribute("new_customertype").getValue();
formContext.getControl("new_businesssize").setVisible(customerType === "Business");
}
formContext.getAttribute("new_customertype").addOnChange(customerTypeChanged);
2. Control Event: OnOutputChange
OnOutputChange is often associated with controls that handle complex computations or operations like audio, video, or custom components. This event is triggered when the output of such a control changes.
Consider a custom control that calculates risk based on multiple input factors in an insurance application. When the output risk score changes, OnOutputChange can trigger additional checks or notifications.
Code Example:
function riskScoreChanged(executionContext) {
var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
var newRiskScore = executionContext.getEventSource().getOutput();
console.log("New Risk Score: " + newRiskScore);
}
// Assume 'new_riskscore' is a custom control
formContext.getControl("new_riskscore").addOnOutputChange(riskScoreChanged);
3. Form Events: OnLoad, Loaded, OnSave
These events are fundamental to manipulating forms during different stages of their lifecycle.
- OnLoad triggers when the form starts loading data.
- Loaded occurs after the form has finished loading data, including subgrids and related records.
- OnSave is invoked when a save operation is initiated.
OnLoad could be used to set up initial visibility or editability states. Loaded is perfect for scripts that need complete form data to execute correctly, such as final interface adjustments. OnSave might enforce validations or integrations before data is committed.
Code Example:
function setupForm() {
console.log("Form is setting up...");
}
function finalizeForm() {
console.log("Form data fully loaded, finalizing setup...");
}
function validateSave() {
console.log("Validating data before save...");
return true; // or false to stop save
}
formContext.data.entity.addOnLoad(setupForm);
formContext.ui.addLoaded(finalizeForm);
formContext.data.entity.addOnSave(validateSave);
4. Form Data Event: OnLoad
This is similar to the form OnLoad but specifically pertains to data-related initialization tasks.
When a new project record is opened, you might want to preload certain data points or configurations specific to the project type from external sources.
Code Example:
function dataInitialization() {
console.log("Data-specific initializations...");
}
formContext.data.addOnLoad(dataInitialization);
How have you utilized event handlers in your Dynamics 365 implementations? Share your unique uses or questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss how these tools transform user experiences!
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