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Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 Programming Cookbook

Chapter 2. General Development

In this chapter, we will learn the following:

Displaying the progress bar and data in process
Repeating code using a loop
Checking for conditions using an IF statement
Using the CASE statement to test multiple conditions
Rounding decimal values
Creating functions
Passing parameters by reference
Referencing dynamic tables and fields
Using recursion

Displaying the progress bar and data in process

During the execution of a big batch job or reports, if the system is not displaying any progress information it can be frustrating and confusing. To avoid this for our customers, we should always display the progress bar and/or data in progress.

How to do it...

Let's get started by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add the following global variables:

Name

Type

ProgressBar

Dialog

AmountProcessed

Integer

AmountToProcess

Integer

PercentCompleted

Integer

Now let's add the following code to the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:

AmountToProcess := 500000;
ProgressBar.OPEN('@1@@@@@@@@@@@\#2############');
REPEAT
  AmountProcessed += 1;
  PercentComplete := ROUND(AmountProcessed / AmountToProcess *10000, 1);
  ProgressBar.UPDATE(1, PercentComplete);
  ProgressBar.UPDATE(2, PercentComplete);

UNTIL AmountProcessed = AmountToProcess;

Save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the...

Repeating code using a loop

Looping is an essential part of any data manipulation. Same as the other programming languages, C/AL offers a variety of looping methods. The following recipe will help you understand how to use the FOR loop in C/AL code.

How to do it...

Let's start by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Then add the following global variables:

Name

Type

n

Integer

i

Integer

Factorial

Integer

Now write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:

Factorial := 1;
n := 4;
FOR i := 1 TO n DO BEGIN
  Factorial := Factorial * i;
  MESSAGE('Factorial of %1 = %2', n, Factorial);
END;

To complete the task, save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the following screenshot:

How it works...

A FOR loop has four parts: a counter, a starting value, the step to be taken, and an ending value. In this code, our counter variable is i. The starting value is 1 and the ending value is n, which in this case has been assigned...

Checking for conditions using an IF statement

Sometimes, we want to execute a section of code on a specific condition; this recipe will help to explain the syntax for the same.

How to do it...

Let's create a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add the following global variables:

Name

Type

SubType

SalesHeader

Record

Sales header

RecordsProcessed

Integer

Now write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:

IF SalesHeader.FINDSET THEN BEGIN
  REPEAT
    RecordsProcessed += 1;
  UNTIL SalesHeader.NEXT = 0;
  MESSAGE('Processed %1 records.', RecordsProcessed);
END ELSE
  MESSAGE('No records to process.');

Save and close the codeunit to complete the task.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the following screenshot:

How it works...

In order to execute the code that processes the records, there must be records in the table. That's exactly what the first line of the previous code does. It tells the code that if you find some records, then it should do...

Using the CASE statement to test multiple conditions

When we have more than two conditions to test, it will be beneficial to use a CASE statement for better code readability.

How to do it...

Create a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Let's add the following global variables:

Name

Type

i

Integer

Now write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:

i := 2;
CASE i OF
  1:
    MESSAGE('Your number is %1.', i);
  2:
    MESSAGE('Your number is %1.', i);
  ELSE
    MESSAGE('Your number is not 1 or 2.');
END;

It's time to save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the following screenshot:

How it works...

A CASE statement compares the value given, in this case i, to various conditions contained within that statement. Each condition other than the default ELSE condition is followed by a colon. The same logic can be written using the IF statement:

IF i = 1 THEN
  MESSAGE('Your number is %1.', i)
ELSE IF i = 2 THEN
  MESSAGE('Your number...

Rounding decimal values

As Navision is a financial system, it's obvious that most of the time we need to handle decimal values, and rounding decimals is a very important part of it. When we are converting high-value currency to low-value currency, a small decimal can make a big difference.

How to do it...

Let's get started by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add the following global variables:

Name

Type

AmountToRound

Decimal

RoundToNearest

Decimal

RoundToUp

Decimal

RoundToDown

Decimal

Now write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:

AmountToRound:=345.8689999999;
RoundToNearest:=ROUND(AmountToRound,0.01,'=');
RoundToUp:=ROUND(AmountToRound,0.01,'>');
RoundToDown:=ROUND(AmountToRound,0.01,'<');

MESSAGE('Amount Before Rounding = %1 \\Rounded to nearest value =      %2'+'\Rounded to upper value = %3\Rounded to lower value = %4',AmountToRound,RoundToNearest,RoundToUp,RoundToDown);

It's time to save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the...

Creating functions

Most programs will need to execute code from different NAV objects. This code is contained in functions. This recipe will show you how to create a function and explain in more detail what functions are.

How to do it...

To start, let's create a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add a function called CountToN that takes an integer parameter n.
Now add the following global variables:

Name

Type

i

Integer
Write the following code in the function:
```
FOR i := 1 TO n DO
  MESSAGE('%1', i);
```
Write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:
```
CountToN(3);
```
It's time to save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the following screenshot:

How it works...

By creating a function, we can reference multiple lines of code using one easy-to-understand name. Our function is called CountToN, and it takes an integer n as a parameter. This function will display a message box for every number ranging between one and the number that is passed...

Passing parameters by reference

Sometimes, we may want our function to modify multiple values. As we can't return more than one value from a function (unless we use an array), it can be beneficial to pass our parameters by reference to the function.

How to do it...

Let's get started by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add the following global variables:

Name

Type

SubType

Length

CustomerRec

Record

Customer

OldName

Text

50

NewName

Text

50
Then add a function called ChangeCustomerName.
The function should take the following parameter:

Name

Type

SubType

Customer

Rec

Customer
Let's write the following code in the ChangeCustomerName function:
```
Customer.Name := 'Changed Name'; 
```
Add another function called ChangeCustomerNameRef.
The function should take the following parameter:

Name

Type

SubType

Customer

Rec

Customer
Place a check mark in the Var column for the parameter.
Write the following code in the ChangeCustomerNameRef function:
```
Customer.Name := 'Changed...
```

Referencing dynamic tables and fields

On occasions, we may need to retrieve data from the system, but not know in advance where that data should come from. NAV accommodates this by allowing you to reference tables and fields dynamically.

How to do it...

Let's start by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Add a global function, GetFirstRecord:
The function should take the following parameter:

Name

Type

TableNo

Integer
Now add the following local variables:

Name

Type

RecRef

RecordRef

FieldRef

FieldRef
With the cursor on the FieldRef variable, navigate to View | Properties or press Shift + F4.
Let's set the following property:

Property

Value

Dimensions

2

Write the following code in the GetFirstRecord function:

RecRef.OPEN(TableNo);
IF RecRef.FINDFIRST THEN BEGIN
  IF RecRef.FIELDEXIST(1) THEN
    FieldRef[1] := RecRef.FIELDINDEX(1);
  
  IF RecRef.FIELDEXIST(2) THEN
    FieldRef[2] := RecRef.FIELDINDEX(2);
  
  IF FieldRef[1].ACTIVE AND FieldRef[2].ACTIVE THEN
 ...

Using recursion

Recursion is not used often in NAV, but the option is available, and can shorten your code. Recursion is the process by which a function calls itself.

How to do it...

Let's create a new codeunit from Object Designer.
Then add a global function called Fibonacci that returns an integer with no name.
Provide the following parameters for the function:

Name

Type

i

Integer

Now write the following code to the Fibonacci function:

IF (i <= 2) THEN
  EXIT(1);

EXIT ( Fibonacci(i-1) + Fibonacci(i-2) );

Write the following code in the OnRun trigger of the codeunit:
```
MESSAGE('Fibonacci(%1) = %2', 4, Fibonacci(4));
```
It's time to save and close the codeunit.
On execution of the codeunit, you should see a window similar to the following screenshot:

How it works...

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers, where the value in a certain position is the sum of the number in the previous two positions, that is, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on.

A recursive function has two parts. The...

Key benefits

Integrate NAV with external applications, using the C/AL or SQL server

Develop .NET code to extend NAV programming possibilities

Administer the Microsoft NAV 7 server and database

Description

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 is a business management solution that helps simplify and streamline highly specialized business processes. Learning NAV programing in NAV 7 gives you the full inside view of an ERP system. Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 Programming Cookbook covers topics that span a wide range of areas such as integrating the NAV system with other software applications including Microsoft Office, and creating reports to present information from multiple areas of the system,. We will not only learn the essentials of NAV programming, you will also be exposed to the technologies that surround NAV including.NET programming, SQL Server and NAV system administration. Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 Programming Cookbook is written in a direct, to-the-point style to help you get what you need and continue working in NAV. The first half of the cookbook will help programmers using NAV for the first time, by walking them through the building blocks of writing code and creating objects such as tables, pages, and reports. The second half focuses on using the technologies surrounding NAV to build better solutions. You will learn how to write .NET code that works with the NAV system and how to integrate the system with other software applications such as Microsoft Office or even custom programs. You will learn everything you need to know for developing all types of NAV CSIDE objects, as well as how to integrate and maintain a NAV system.

Who is this book for?

If you are a junior / entry-level NAV developer then the first half of the book is designed primarily for you. You may or may not have any experience programming. It focuses on the basics of NAV programming. If you are a mid-level NAV developer, you will find these chapters explain how to think outside of the NAV box when building solutions. There are also recipes that senior developers will find useful.

What you will learn

Build tables and perform complex actions on their data

Design different types of pages to display and interact with business data

Create reports to present information from multiple areas of the system

Build solutions that work with the entire Microsoft Office suite of products

Learn to work with SQL Server and execute basic queries against the NAV database

Diagnose and resolve code problems

What do you get with eBook?

Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase

Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats

Access this title in our online reader with advanced features

DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want

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Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 Programming Cookbook

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Amazon verified reviews

James Liang Nov 13, 2013

This book very useful for a new programer that they want to use C/AL to create/Modify Navision.Author use "How to do it" example then use "How It works" to explain how to use this functionand "There's more.." to show more example in Navision.

Amazon Verified review

Matthias Günther Feb 14, 2024

GUT

Jón Heiðar Pálsson Jan 02, 2014

Great book - easy to use and good examples.This book has helped programmers in Dynamics NAV. Keep on the good work.Jón Heiðar

Baragiola Diego Oct 30, 2013

I have been working with NAV during the last 10 years and I thought to know everything about NAV development, but I was wrong. I find this guide suitable for beginners as well as old consultants like me. The paths explained are very clear, with useful "How to do it..." sections. A must, to keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Georgios T. Nov 05, 2013

This is a great Book, helpful not only to programmers but also to any functional Consultant. It is analytical and very clear.

Name	Type
`ProgressBar`	Dialog
`AmountProcessed`	Integer
`AmountToProcess`	Integer
`PercentCompleted`	Integer

Name	Type
`n`	Integer
`i`	Integer
`Factorial`	Integer

Name	Type	SubType
`SalesHeader`	Record	Sales header
`RecordsProcessed`	Integer

Name	Type
`AmountToRound`	Decimal
`RoundToNearest`	Decimal
`RoundToUp`	Decimal
`RoundToDown`	Decimal

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7 Programming Cookbook: Learn to customize, integrate and administer NAV 7 using practical, hands-on recipes , Second Edition

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