Mastering Field Manipulation in Microsoft Dynamics 365 with JavaScript

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution that empowers organizations to manage customer interactions effectively. While Dynamics 365 provides extensive functionalities out of the box, sometimes, customizations are necessary to align the CRM system with specific business needs. In this guide, we will explore how to use JavaScript to get and set values for different types of fields in Dynamics 365.

Why Use JavaScript for Field Manipulation?

JavaScript is a versatile scripting language that allows you to customize the Dynamics 365 user interface, automate tasks, and enhance user experience. By leveraging JavaScript, you can dynamically interact with CRM fields, retrieve data, and update records without requiring server-side code.

Getting Started

Before diving into field manipulation, ensure you have access to the Dynamics 365 customization area, where you can add your JavaScript code to forms. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Access the Customization Area:

   • Log in to your Dynamics 365 instance.
   • Navigate to the entity form where you want to apply JavaScript.
   • Click "Customize" to enter the customization area.

2. Add JavaScript Web Resources:

   • In the customization area, navigate to "Web Resources."
   • Create or upload your JavaScript files.
   • Publish your changes to apply JavaScript to your CRM forms.

Getting and Setting Field Values

Let's explore how to get and set values for different field types using JavaScript:

1. Single Line of Text

Getting Value:

javascript
var singleLineValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue("New Value");

2. Multiple Lines of Text

Getting Value:

javascript
var multilineValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue("New Value");

3. Whole Number

Getting Value:

javascript
var wholeNumberValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(42);

4. Decimal Number

Getting Value:

javascript
var decimalValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(3.14);

5. Currency

Getting Value:

javascript
var currencyValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(100.00);

6. Date and Time

Getting Value:

javascript
var dateValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(new Date());

7. Option Set (Picklist)

Getting Value:

javascript
var optionSetValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(2); // Set to the second option

8. Two Options (Boolean)

Getting Value:

javascript
var booleanValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(true); // Set to true

9. Lookup

Getting Value:

javascript
var lookupValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
var entityReference = [{ id: "GUID", entityType: "entityLogicalName" }];
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(entityReference);

10. Customer (Contact, Account)

Getting Value:

javascript
var customerValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
var entityReference = [{ id: "GUID", entityType: "entityLogicalName" }];
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(entityReference);

11. Owner

Getting Value:

javascript
var ownerValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
var entityReference = [{ id: "GUID", entityType: "systemuser" }];
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue(entityReference);

12. URL (Hyperlink)

Getting Value:

javascript
var urlValue = Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").getValue();

Setting Value:

javascript
Xrm.Page.getAttribute("fieldname").setValue("https://www.example.com");

13. Image

Note: Images cannot be directly set or retrieved via JavaScript.

14. Auto-Number

Note: Auto-Number fields cannot be set via JavaScript as they are generated automatically by the system.

15. Calculated

Note: Calculated fields are read-only and cannot be set via JavaScript.

Conclusion

JavaScript is a powerful tool for customizing and extending Microsoft Dynamics 365. By understanding how to get and set values for different field types, you can create dynamic and responsive CRM forms that meet your organization's unique needs. Whether you're automating processes, enhancing user experience, or integrating with external systems, JavaScript field manipulation in Dynamics 365 opens a world of possibilities for CRM customization.