Comparison: Using Workflows vs. JavaScript vs. Plugins in Dynamics CRM?

-

 There are three ways to automate actions in Microsoft Dynamics CRM: workflows, JavaScript, or plugins. In this blog we will discuss the difference between them and how to choose which option is appropriate for your task.

  • Workflows can perform tasks such as updating data or sending email. They are triggered by saving records, creating records, or changing specific fields on a form, and once triggered, they run on their own in the background. As you can see in the example of How to Assign a Territory to a Lead in Dynamics CRM, you can even look up data in another entity.
  • JavaScript runs on the screen while the user is using a form. JavaScript is triggered by events within the page, updating a field or saving, and it is commonly used to hide or show different fields on the forms. You can also, for instance, Populate a CRM 2011 Lookup or PartyList Field Using JavaScript by having a lookup automatically linked to the record based on what is entered in another data field.
  • Plugins are separate .Net programs that respond to saving records or creating records. They can be set to run immediately on the screen or on their own behind the scenes depending on the need. Plugins are often used to do advanced tasks because they can be programmed to do anything within the limits of .Net and the SDK.

  • Here is a table that will help you identified the difference between workflows, JavaScript, and plugins for use within Microsoft CRM.

    WorkflowJavaScriptPlugin
    SynchronousAsynchronousSynchronousEither
    Can Get External DataNoYesYes
    MaintenanceBusiness UsersProgrammersProgrammers
    Can Run AsUserUserCRM System
    On DemandYesNoNo
    Nested Child ProcessYesNoYes
    Executed After SavingAfterBeforeAfter
    TriggersCreate, Field Change, Status Change, Assign to Owner, On DemandField change or Form LoadCreate, Field Change, Status Change, Assign to Owner, Delete

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Attachment PCF

-
Overview The AttachmentControl component is a PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) control designed for handling file uploads. It supports multiple file uploads, drag-and-drop functionality, file previews, and base64 encoding for easy data handling. Features Supports multiple file uploads Drag-and-drop functionality File type and size validation Base64 conversion for uploaded files Preview support for images, PDFs, and text files File removal functionality Code Breakdown Importing Dependencies import { IInputs, IOutputs } from "./generated/ManifestTypes"; The component imports IInputs and IOutputs from the generated manifest file to define the control's input and output types. Component Definition export class AttachmentControl implements ComponentFramework.StandardControl<IInputs, IOutputs> { Defines the AttachmentControl class, implementing the StandardControl interface from PCF. Class Variables private container: HTMLDivElement; private fileInput: HTMLInputEl...
Read more

Contacts View PCF Control

-
  1. Overview The ContactsControl component is a custom PowerApps control that displays a searchable and sortable table of contact records. It provides an interactive UI for filtering and selecting records. 2. Functionalities Search Feature: Allows users to filter records by entering text. Sorting: Clickable column headers enable ascending/descending sorting. Record Selection: Users can select a record to trigger a modal alert. Dynamic Rendering: Updates view dynamically based on search and sort input. Custom Styling: Uses external CSS for styling. 3. Component Structure Main Container ( HTMLDivElement ) : Holds the search bar and table. Search Input ( HTMLInputElement ) : Enables real-time search. Table ( HTMLTableElement ) : Displays the records with sortable headers. Modal Alert ( HTMLDivElement ) : Displays selected record details. 4. Implementation Details 4.1 Initialization ( init Method) Sets up the main container. Loads external styles. Creates...
Read more

Trigger JavaScript on Click of Button PCF Control

-
Image
  Overview The TriggerJavascript control is a custom PCF (PowerApps Component Framework) control that renders a button with customizable label, icon, and on-click script execution. The control allows users to dynamically trigger JavaScript code upon clicking the button. Dependencies IInputs, IOutputs from ./generated/ManifestTypes (Auto-generated types from PowerApps) CSS styling from ./CSS/TriggerJavascript.css Class: TriggerJavascript This class implements ComponentFramework.StandardControl<IInputs, IOutputs> and manages rendering a button inside a container, dynamically executing JavaScript code on button click. Properties Private Properties _container: HTMLDivElement - A reference to the container element where the button will be rendered. Methods constructor() Initializes a new instance of the TriggerJavascript control. init(context: ComponentFramework.Context<IInputs>, notifyOutputChanged: () => void, state: ComponentFramework.Dictionary, container: HTMLD...
Read more