book

Inside Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2009, Second Edition

Name: Inside Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2009, Second Edition
ISBN: 9780735626454

by Lars Dragheim Olsen, Michael Fruergaard Pontoppidan, Hans Jorgen Skovgaard, Tomasz Kaminski, Deepak Kumar, Satish Thomas

June 2009

Intermediate to advanced

720 pages

18h 49m

English

Microsoft Press

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Inside Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2009
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Who Is This Book For?The History of Microsoft Dynamics AXOrganization of This BookReading GuideDifferences from Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0Product DocumentationProduct Web SiteNamingCodeGlossarySpecial LegendSystem RequirementsRelease SoftwareTechnology UpdatesCode SamplesBonus ContentFind Additional Content OnlineSupport for This BookQuestions and Comments
I. A Tour of the Development Environment
1. Architectural Overview
IntroductionDesign Philosophy and BenefitsApplication Development and Runtime ConfigurationsRich Client ApplicationWeb Client ApplicationIntegration Client ApplicationArchitecture of Dynamics AXDevelopment EnvironmentsApplication ModelingLogic Elements and Data ElementsApplication FrameworksRuntime EnvironmentsCommunicationsModel LayeringLicensing, Configuration, and SecurityDatabase LayerApplication Model Layering SystemWorking with the LayersModel Element IDsApplication FrameworksRunBase FrameworkBatch FrameworkDialog FrameworkOperation Progress FrameworkNumber Sequence FrameworkSysLastValue FrameworkApplication Integration FrameworkWizard FrameworkInfolog FrameworkEnterprise Portal and Web PartsReporting FrameworkOperations Environment
2. The MorphX Development Environment
IntroductionDeveloping with MorphXPlanning PhaseDesign PhaseImplementation PhaseStabilization PhaseRelease PhaseApplication Model ElementsOperational and Programming Model ElementsOperational Model ElementsProgramming Model ElementsValue Type, Database, and Data Association Model ElementsValue Type Model ElementsDatabase Model ElementsData Association Model ElementsClass Model ElementsPresentation Model ElementsRich Client Model ElementsWeb Client Model Elements
3. The MorphX Tools
IntroductionApplication Object TreeNavigating the AOTCreating New Elements in the AOTModifying Elements in the AOTRefreshing Elements in the AOTElement Actions in the AOTElement Layers in the AOTProject DesignerCreating a New ProjectAutomatically Generated ProjectsGroup MasksFiltersDevelopment ToolsLayer ComparisonUpgrade ProjectsProject TypesProperty SheetX++ Code EditorShortcut KeysEditor ScriptsLabel EditorCreating a New LabelReferencing Labels from X++Visual Form Designer and Visual Report DesignerVisual Form DesignerVisual Report DesignerCode CompilerDynamics AX SDKBest Practices ToolUnderstanding RulesSuppressing Errors and WarningsAdding Custom RulesDebuggerUsing the DebuggerDebugger InterfaceMain WindowVariables WindowCall Stack WindowWatch WindowBreakpoints WindowOutput WindowStatus BarDebugger Shortcut KeysVisio Reverse Engineering ToolUML Data ModelUML Object ModelEntity Relationship Data ModelTable Browser ToolFind ToolCompare ToolStarting the Compare ToolUsing the Compare ToolCompare APIsCross-Reference ToolVersion ControlElement Life CycleCheck-OutUndo Check-OutCheck-InQuality ChecksUpdating Source Code CasingCreating New ElementsRenaming ElementsDeleting ElementsLabelsGet LatestSynchronizationSynchronization LogShow HistoryRevision ComparisonPending ElementsBuildIntegration with Other Version Control SystemsUnit Test ToolTest CasesTest SuitesTest ProjectsThe Test ToolbarCode CoverageTest ListenersObject Model
4. The X++ Programming Language
IntroductionJobsThe Type SystemValue TypesReference TypesType HierarchiesThe anytype TypeThe common TypeThe object TypeExtended Data TypesSyntaxVariable DeclarationsExpressionsStatementsData-Aware StatementsException HandlingInteroperabilityCLR InteroperabilityCOM InteroperabilityMacrosCommentsXML DocumentationClasses and InterfacesFieldsMethodsCode Access SecurityDesign and Implementation PatternsClass-Level PatternsParameter MethodsConstructor EncapsulationSerialization with the pack and unpack MethodsObservers and ListenersTable-Level PatternsFind and Exists MethodsPolymorphic AssociationsGeneric Record Reference
II. Core Development Concepts

5. Customizing Dynamics AX
IntroductionTable and Class CustomizationCreating New Dimension TypesAdding New Dimensions to a TableEnabling New Dimensions in FormsCustomizing Other TablesAdding Dimensions to QueriesAdding Lookup, Validation, and Defaulting X++ CodeForm CustomizationLearning Form FundamentalsCustomizing with MetadataMetadata associationsMetadata inheritanceMenu definitionsImportant metadata propertiesImage metadataCustomizing with CodeDisplaying an ImageDisplaying an Image on a FormDisplaying an Image by Using Joined Data SourcesDisplaying an Image When Activating the Image TabReport CustomizationCreating Promotional MaterialsAdding Promotional Materials to an Invoice ReportImplementing Promotional MethodsBinding Display Methods to Report ControlsPreventing Printing of an Empty Body SectionNumber Sequence Customization
6. Extending Dynamics AX
IntroductionWizard Framework ExtensionCreating a New WizardCreating LabelsAdding Content to the WizardAdding the Wizard to the Navigation Pane and the Area PageCreating a Default Data WizardRunBase Framework ExtensionInheritance in the RunBase FrameworkProperty Method PatternPack-Unpack Patternpack and unpack MethodsBike-Tuning Service Offers ExampleCreating the LabelsCreating the TableCreating the ClassImplementing the Class DescriptionImplementing ConstructorsImplementing a User Dialog BoxImplementing the run MethodImplementing the pack and unpack MethodsCreating a Menu ItemAdding Property MethodsAdding ConstructorsAdding a QueryClient/Server Considerations
7. Enterprise Portal
IntroductionInside Enterprise PortalPage ProcessingNew Features in Dynamics AX 2009 Enterprise PortalEnterprise Portal Development ToolsMorphXVisual StudioWindows SharePoint ServicesDeveloping Data SetsDeveloping Web User Interface ComponentsAxDataSourceAxGridViewContextMenuAxFilterControlAxFormAxMultiSectionAxSectionAxGroupAxLookupAxToolbarAxPopupBoundField ControlsWeb PartsProgramming Enterprise Portal ControlsAJAXSessionContextDataMetadataLabelsFormattingError HandlingViewStatePage Life CycleProxy ClassesSecuring Web ElementsDeveloping the NavigationWeb FilesImport and Deploy Page/List ToolsRecord Context and EncryptionSecurity
8. Role Centers
IntroductionInside Role CentersArchitectureDeveloping Role CentersCustomizing an Out-of-the-Box Role CenterCreating a New Role CenterRole Center Web PartsCuesQuick LinksAdding Quick LinksMaintaining Quick LinksBusiness OverviewWorking with MeasuresWorking with Time PeriodsBusiness Overview AuthenticationUnified WorklistReportsRole Centers in MOSSKPI ListsFilter Web PartsUser ProfilesAssociating Users with User ProfilesKerberos AuthenticationSecurity
9. Workflow in Dynamics AX
IntroductionDynamics AX 2009 Workflow InfrastructureWindows Workflow FoundationAutomating Business ProcessesWorkflow from a Developer’s PerspectiveKey Workflow ConceptsWorkflow Document and Workflow Document ClassWorkflow CategoriesWorkflow TemplatesEvent HandlersMenu ItemsWorkflow ElementsProvidersWorkflow ConfigurationsWorkflow InstancesWork ItemsWorkflow ArchitectureAOS and IIS Workflow RuntimesWorkflow Runtime InteractionLogical Approval and Task WorkflowsWorkflow Life CycleDesigning WorkflowsState ModelCreating a Workflow CategoryCreating the Workflow Document ClassAdding a Workflow Display Menu ItemActivating the Workflow
10. .NET Business Connector
IntroductionIntegration TechnologiesInside .NET Business ConnectorLogical Component StackManaged ClassesTransition LayerInterpreterRun TimeWeb InteroperabilitySecurityAuthenticationAuthorizationCode Access SecurityUsage Scenarios for .NET Business ConnectorClientBusiness Data Lookup Snap for Microsoft OfficePDA Synchronization ExampleWebServerWorking with .NET Business ConnectorData Types and MappingsManaged ClassesProcessing Requests and ResponsesRequest ProcessingResponse ProcessingException HandlingHelloWorld ExampleAccessing DataQuerying Data Across CompaniesMethod 1: Using ExecuteStmtMethod 2: Using the Query ObjectInvoking Business LogicEnhanced CLR Interoperability with the Dynamics AX Interpreter and X++Passing Managed Objects to Dynamics AXRegistering Managed CallbacksMigrating Applications
11. Reporting in Dynamics AX 2009
IntroductionReporting OverviewWhat Is a Report?Reporting and UsersProviding Reports in Dynamics AX 2009Report CategoriesKinds of Reports in Dynamics AX 2009Reporting Platforms in Dynamics AX 2009Report Entry PointsInside the Dynamics AX 2009 Reporting FrameworkData Flow OverviewReporting Services Production Reporting Technical ScenarioReporting Services Ad Hoc Reporting Technical ScenarioBuilding Dynamics AX Reporting Services Reports Using Visual StudioDynamics AX Reporting Development ToolsIntegration with Dynamics AXReport Development Life CycleReporting Tools Model ElementsReportsReport DesignsAuto design layoutPrecision design layoutStructure of a Dynamics AX Reporting ProjectReport Data SourcesData MethodsAd Hoc ReportingDeployment: Perspectives and SMDL ModelsPerformance and Platform ConsiderationsSecurityCreating Ad Hoc ReportsTroubleshootingUnable to Validate the Report ServerUnable to Generate a ReportSMDL Model Is Not Seen on the Report Server After Successful Model GenerationUnable to Generate an SMDL Model Because One or More Languages Are Missing Some Information
12. Performance
IntroductionClient/Server PerformanceReducing Round-Trips Between the Client and the ServerCacheAddMethodRunBase TechniqueCaching and IndexingWriting Tier-Aware CodeWorking with Temp TablesRemoving Client CallbacksChunking CallsTransaction PerformanceSet-Based Data Manipulation OperatorsThe insert_recordset OperatorThe update_recordset OperatorThe delete_from OperatorThe RecordInsertList and RecordSortedList ClassesRestartable Jobs and Optimistic ConcurrencyCachingRecord CachesThe EntireTable CacheThe RecordViewCache ClassLimiting Field ListsField JustificationOther Performance ConsiderationsDynamics AX Monitoring ToolsDynamics AX Trace ParserSetting Tracing OptionsSetting Tracing Options on the AOSSetting Tracing Options on the ClientTracing Options and Other Tracing ActivitiesTroubleshooting TracingImporting TracesAnalyzing TracesMonitoring Client/Server CallsMonitoring Database ActivityCode Profiler Tool
13. Configuration and Security
IntroductionIntelliMorphBest PracticesPrinciples for FormsPrinciples for ReportsWorking with IntelliMorphLicensing and ConfigurationConfiguration HierarchyConfiguration KeysUsing Configuration KeysSecurity FrameworkOrganizing SecurityApplying SecurityDomainsUser Group PermissionsRecord Level SecuritySecurity CodingTable PermissionsCode Access SecurityBatch JobsBest Practice Rules
III. Under the Hood
14. The Database Layer
IntroductionTransaction SemanticsTransaction StatementsIsolation LevelsAutocommitTransaction IDsAOS Process PoolConcurrency ModelsConcurrent ScenariosDisconnected Updates of the Same RecordUsing Relative Updates to Prevent Update ConflictsChoosing a Concurrency Model During DevelopmentSetting a Concurrency Model GloballyOptimistic Concurrency and Exception HandlingConcurrency Models in FormsRepeatable ReadRecord IdentifiersAllocationProgramming ModelAdministrationUpgradeCompany AccountsIdentificationChanging the Company AccountExternal AccessibilityUnicode SupportDatabasesApplication RuntimeMorphX Development EnvironmentFilesDLLs and COM ComponentsDatabase AccessDatabase SynchronizationTable, Column, and Index NamingLeft and Right JustificationPlaceholders and LiteralsDynamics AX Type System vs. Database Type SystemDatabase Log and AlertsDatabase-Triggering Methodsinsert, update, and delete MethodsSelecting RowsValidating RowsChanging the Default BehaviorSelectForUpdateconcurrencyModelselectWithRepeatableReadreadPastskipTTSCheckselectLockedSet-Based DML StatementsTemporary TablesUsing Temporary TablesDesign-Time SettingConfiguration-Time SettingApplication Runtime SettingComposite QueriesPaging Framework for QueriesPosition-Based PagingValue-Based PagingQuery Framework EnhancementComplex QueriesUnion QueriesUnionBranchID Fieldforupdate FlagQuery as a Central Data Modeling ToolSpecifying Query Ranges Using the SysQueryRangeUtil Class
15. Reflection
IntroductionReflection System FunctionsIntrinsic FunctionsTypeOf System FunctionClassIdGet System FunctionReflection APIsTable Data APIDictionary APITreenodes API
16. The Batch Framework
IntroductionBatch Processing in Dynamics AXDynamics AX Batch ConceptsBatch Framework CapabilitiesPerformanceCommon Uses of Batch ProcessingBatch-Enabling a ClassCreating a Batch JobFrom the Dialog Box of a ClassFrom the Batch Job FormCreate a Batch JobAdd a Task to a Batch JobClass parametersDefine dependencies between tasksUsing the Batch APICreate a Batch JobAdd a Task to the Batch JobDefine Dependencies Between TasksSave a Batch JobExample of a Batch JobManaging the Batch Server Execution ProcessSet Up Server ConfigurationCreate a Batch GroupManage Batch JobsBatch Job StatusControl Maximum RetriesCancel a Batch JobReview the Batch Job HistoryDebug a Batch TaskConfigure the AOS for Batch DebuggingConfigure the Client for Batch DebuggingRun AxDebug.exe on the Client Computer
17. The Application Integration Framework
IntroductionOverview of the Application Integration FrameworkOverview ScenariosOverview of Dynamics AX ServicesComponents of Dynamics AX ServicesOverview of Document ServicesDocument Services ArtifactsAxd<Document> ClassesAx<Table> ClassesDocument Services Use CasesDocument Service Development ToolsOverview of Custom ServicesCustom Service Use CasesCustom Services DevelopmentWorking with Custom ServicesCreating a Service Implementation ClassCreating a Service ContractImplementing Data ObjectsDiscovering Custom ServicesWorking with Document ServicesCreating Dynamics AX QueriesGenerating Document ServicesCustomizing Document ServicesCustomizing TablesAdding Custom Service OperationsCustomizing Validation LogicCustomizing Defaulting LogicCustomizing Axd<Document> QueriesCustomizing SecurityPublishing Dynamics AX ServicesConfiguring Dynamics AX ServicesConfiguring WCF ParametersConfiguring AIF ParametersConfiguring Access to ServicesTroubleshooting Tips for ServicesConsuming Dynamics AX ServicesSample WCF Client for Dynamics AX ServicesUpdating Business DocumentsFull updatesPartial updatesDocument hashesOverriding Default Values in SOAP HeadersMessage identifierDestination endpoint (target company)Source endpoint and source endpoint userSample SOAP messageSending One-Way Requests from Dynamics AXImplementing a Trigger for TransmissionAIF Send APIAxdSend APIConfiguring Transmission MechanismsConsuming Web Services from Dynamics AXDynamics AX Service ReferencesConsuming an External Web ServiceGetting the WSDL and Creating a Service ReferenceWriting Integration CodeConfiguring Service ReferencesGuidelines for Consuming External Web ServicesIntegration GuidelinesSecurity GuidelinesPrivacyAuthenticationAuthorizationCustom SOAP HeadersPerformance Considerations
18. Code Upgrade
IntroductionTerminologyWhy Code Upgrade Is NecessaryRole of CustomizationRole of LayersOverlayering and ConflictsStarting a Code UpgradeConflict TypesConflict Detection ToolConflict Detection AlgorithmUpgrade ProjectsConflicts in Layered Upgrade ProjectsContents ConflictsProperty conflictsResolution TipCode conflictResolution TipOrdering conflictOverlayering ConflictsResolution TipDelete ConflictsResolution TipConflicts in Framework Conflict ProjectsTrustworthy Computing ConflictsRecord level securityResolution TipParameter validationResolution TipUse of dangerous APIResolution TipReference to unsigned .NET assemblyResolution TipValidation of display or edit valuesResolution TipRecord ID and Table ID Reference ConflictsRecId relation missingResolution TipTableId relation missingResolution TipField uses RecIdResolution TipField uses TableIdResolution TipType extends RecIdResolution TipType extends TableIdResolution TipUpgrade Project ToolsVisual IndicatorsMark As Resolved, UnresolvedRemove Resolved ElementsRerun Conflict DetectionCode Upgrade ToolsElement Usage Log ReportUpgrade Estimate ReportCompare ToolProperty SheetX++ Code EditorFinishing a Code UpgradeSmart CustomizationsUsing IntelliMorph TechnologyCreating New Elements or Using Class SubstitutionModifying Stable Application Elements
IV. Appendices
A. Application Files
Application File Extensions
B. SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and Oracle Database 10g Comparison
C. Source Code Changes Required for Upgrade
Code ChangesMetadata ChangesTable ModificationsMultiple Time ZonesLanguage EnhancementsAPI EnhancementsMetadata EnhancementsSystem Field ChangesUpgraded System FieldsDateTime Control and Form Changes
D. Glossary
E. About the Authors
Principal AuthorsContributing Authors
Index
About the Authors
Copyright

Overview

Dig into the architecture and internals of Microsoft Dynamics AX with firsthand insights from the team who designed and developed it. Deepen your knowledge of the underlying frameworks, components, and tools and get best-practice guidance to customize and extend your own high-performance solutions. Discover how to: Work with MorphX application-modeling tools and X++ code Exploit built-in workflow infrastructure to simplify process automation Use Enterprise Portal and ASP.NET to build rich, role-based Web portals See how reporting components work together for better business intelligence Execute complex batch jobs with greater control and reliability Learn how the runtime implements configuration and security Walk through integration scenarios and technologies Create and expose services to external applications Optimize application performance and extensibility.

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