Understanding new concepts- Part 1 Dynamics 365 (AX 7)

Extension

MS has introduced new feature called extension to avoid the overlaying of standard objects that cost to you for upgrade.

Why do we need to go for extension and what is the benefit of using extension?

There are couple of advantages of using extensions and avoid overlaying

1.   It will keep all customization away from the standard MS object that will ease the process of    future upgrade.
2.    Extensions are easier to maintain.
3.    Extensions let you to extend the metadata. For example, you can add new fields to a table,  add new data source to form, add new fields on form design and many more thing can be done using extension approach.
4.   X++ code can be extended, so that you can add methods and state to artifacts that are defined in other models without recompiling those models.

First let me tell you the AOT objects that can be extend.

1.       Base Enum
2.       Extended data type
3.       Table
4.       View
5.       Query
6.       Data entities
7.       Class
8.       Form
9.       Menu

Now let’s see one by one how to use Extension for

      1.    Base Enum extesnion

Set the base enum property IsExtensible value to True. See the example below

Now Right click and click on create extension

Name the extension as BaseName.AnyName (not necessary to be Extension as in below)

Now new enum value will be avail to use.

But in case of Enum MS has given restriction to extend and most of the Enum has property value set to false, means it can't be extend.

See example below.
  

Topics to be continued..

Please enjoy learning and comment below if you have any query or suggestion.