Developing for Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7"

This topic lists new and enhanced features in the Community Technical Preview (CTP1) release for developing for and administering Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7".

Developing for Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7"

The following sections describe the new features that you can use to develop Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" applications.

Debugging

Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" provides a new debugger that you access from the RoleTailored client. The debugger UI runs on the RoleTailored client. The debugger services run on the computer running Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server.

Developing Reports

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7", you can create either client report definition (RDLC) reports or Classic reports. To create an RDLC report, you design the data model with the new Report Designer, and then you design the layout with Visual Studio. To create a Classic report, you use the Classic Report Designer.

Developing Queries

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7", you can create a Query object to specify a dataset. You can use the Query dataset to get data from the Microsoft Dynamics NAV database. For example, you can create a Query that you use as the basis for a chart or KPI in the RoleTailored client.

Using Microsoft Dynamics NAV Portal Framework for Microsoft SharePoint 2010

Microsoft Dynamics NAV Portal Framework for Microsoft SharePoint 2010 provides a way to access and display data from Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" in Microsoft SharePoint 2010 applications.

Arranging Page Fields in a Grid

With the new GridLayout page control, you can lay out fields in rows and columns. You can also use the GridLayout control to span rows or columns and show or hide field labels.

Previewing Pages in Page Designer

You can preview a page in Page Designer as you work without having to run the page in the RoleTailored client.

Using the Standard Dialog Page Type

The Standard Dialog page type creates a simple page for entering data. The Standard Dialog page does not include an Action Pane, and there is no customization available in the RoleTailored client.

Using New Features in Page Designer

Page Designer includes the following improvements:

·         Page wizard.

Using the page wizard, you can add FactBoxes that contain page, system, and chart parts. For more information, Action and Activity button icon selection.

When selecting an icon for an action or activity button, you can select from a list instead of manually entering the icon’s name. For more information.

·         Default control names and captions.

The name and caption on a field control use the source field’s name in the database by default.

Interoperating with the Microsoft .NET Framework

You can extend your Microsoft Dynamics NAV solution using .NET Framework assemblies. With .NET Framework interoperability, you reference assemblies and call types directly from C/AL code of Microsoft Dynamics NAV objects, such as pages and codeunits.

Using Enhancements in RoleTailored Client Control Add-ins

Control add-ins have been enhanced with the following features:

·         Additional data types are supported with database binding.

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 SP1, you could only bind a control add-in with the Microsoft Dynamics NAV database for String and Object data types. Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" supports other data types, such as DateTime, Boolean, and more. For more information

·         Exposing methods and properties to C/AL code.

To extend user interface controls on a page, you can expose methods and properties in a control add-in assembly so that they can be called by C/AL code on page triggers. For more information,

·         Sizing control add-ins.

You can specify an area of a page that a control add-in occupies. You can specify a specific width and height or set the control add-in to resize as the page window resizes in the RoleTailored client. For more information.

Understanding Chart and KPI Enhancements

Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" includes the following enhancements for displaying data in charts:

·         New chart types.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV "7" supports several new chart types from the Microsoft chart library, including doughnut charts and bubble charts.

·         Analysis Display in the RoleTailored client

You can display data as charts from list places on the Analysis Display. To open the Analysis Display, click the Actions menu on a list place. The Analysis Display can contain multiple charts in FactBoxes for viewing data from different perspectives.

·         Adding FactBoxes that contain charts.

On a page in the RoleTailored client, you can add FactBoxes that display charts.

·         Customizing charts in the RoleTailored client.

From a menu on a chart, you can choose to change the chart definition, the chart type, show the chart in three dimensions, flip the x-axis and y-axis, and more.

Installing Microsoft Dynamics NAV

The Microsoft Dynamics NAV Setup program has been redesigned. There are now four setup options instead of six. Classic Database Server is no longer available. For more information, see the instructions in the Deployment section as you set up Microsoft Dynamics NAV. In CTP1, the Help for Setup is only partially updated.