Tag Archives: Whole Number

Microsoft Dynamics 365: The Complete Guide to Getting and Setting Fields Using a Plugin

When extending the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, there is often a need to retrieve and/or set field values. In this post, we will cover how to get and set values for the Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM platform fields using a plugin, developed using the Microsoft C# programming language. You can also develop plugins and perform the operations demonstrated in this post using other .Net platform-supported programming languages. In Dynamics 365, you can create the following types of fields (or datatypes): Single Line of Text, Option Set, MultiSelect Option Set, Two Options, Image, Whole Number, Floating Point Number, Decimal Number, Currency, Multiple Lines of Text, Date and Time, Lookup and Customer.

Plugin Set Up

Here is a plugin setup you can use to implement the field specific code in this post.

using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk;

namespace ItsFascinating_Plugins_D365
{
    public class PreUpdateAccount : IPlugin
    {
        public void Execute(IServiceProvider serviceProvider)
        {
            string pluginMessageUpdate = "update";
            Entity primaryEntity = new Entity();

            if (serviceProvider == null)
            {
                throw new ArgumentNullException("localContext");
            }                

            #region Plugin Setup Variables
            IPluginExecutionContext context = (IPluginExecutionContext)serviceProvider.GetService(typeof(IPluginExecutionContext));
            IOrganizationServiceFactory serviceFactory = (IOrganizationServiceFactory)serviceProvider.GetService(typeof(IOrganizationServiceFactory));
            IOrganizationService service = serviceFactory.CreateOrganizationService(context.InitiatingUserId);
            ITracingService tracingService = (ITracingService)serviceProvider.GetService(typeof(ITracingService));
            #endregion
            #region Validation Prior Execution
            //Exist if plugin if it's not called at stage 20 of the excution pipeline
            if (context.Stage != 20)
            {
                tracingService.Trace("Invalid Stage: Stage = {0}", context.Stage);
                return;
            }
            //Exist if plugin if it called for any other operation other than Update 
            if (!context.MessageName.ToLower().Equals(pluginMessageUpdate))
            {
                tracingService.Trace("Invalid Message: MessageName = {0}", context.MessageName);
                return;
            }
            #endregion
            #region Plugin Logic
            if (context.InputParameters.Contains("Target") && context.InputParameters["Target"] is Entity)
            {
                try
                {
                    primaryEntity = context.InputParameters["Target"] as Entity;


                    //INSERT THE FIELD SPECIFIC CODE BELOW HERE


                }
                catch(Exception ex)
                {                 
                    throw new InvalidPluginExecutionException(string.Format("Error occured in the PreUpdateAccount plugin: {0}", ex.Message));
                }
                
            }
            #endregion
        }
    }
}               

Field Specific Code

To use the field specific code below, in the plugin above, copy the code below and paste it below the line “//INSERT THE FIELD SPECIFIC CODE BELOW HERE”, in the Plugin Setup Code section.

Single Line of Text

Here is an example of a Single Line of Text field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Single Line of Text

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Single Line of Text field (Display Name: “Account Number” | Database Name: “accountnumber”):

//Get and Set Single Line of Text field value
// Display Name: "Account Number" | Database Name: "accountnumber"
string accountNumberFieldLogicalName = "accountnumber";
Object accountNumberObj;
string accountNumber;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(accountNumberFieldLogicalName, out accountNumberObj))
{
	//Get value of Single Line of Text field
	accountNumber = Convert.ToString(accountNumberObj);

	//Set value of Single Line of Text field
	primaryEntity[accountNumberFieldLogicalName] = "ACC-1000-TV-2019-ON";
}

Multiple Lines of Text

Here is an example of a Multiple Lines of Text field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Multiple Lines of Text

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Multiple Lines of Text field (Display Name: “Description” | Database Name: “description”):

//Get and Set Multiple Lines of Text field value
// Display Name: "Description" | Database Name: "description"
string descriptionFieldLogicalName = "description";
Object descriptionObj;
string description;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(descriptionFieldLogicalName, out descriptionObj))
{
	//Get value of Multiple Lines of Text field
	description = Convert.ToString(descriptionObj);

	//Set value of Multiple Lines of Text field
	primaryEntity[descriptionFieldLogicalName] =
		"To be, or not to be, that is the question: \n" +
		"Whether \'tis nobler in the mind to suffer \n" +
		"The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, \n" +
		"Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, \n" +
		"And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep; \n" +
		"No more; and by a sleep, to say we end \n" +
		"The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks \n" +
		"That Flesh is heir to? \'Tis a consummation \n" +
		"Devoutly to be wished.To die, to sleep, \n" +
		"perchance to Dream; aye, there\'s the rub, \n" +
		"For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, \n" +
		"When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, \n" +
		"Must give us pause.";
}

Whole Number

Here is an example of a Whole Number field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Whole Number field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Whole Number field (Display Name: “Number of Employees” | Database Name: “numberofemployees”):

//Get and Set Whole Number field value
// Display Name: "Number of Employees" | Database Name: "numberofemployees"
string numberOfEmployeesFieldLogicalName = "numberofemployees";
Object numberOfEmployeesObj;
int numberOfEmployees;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(numberOfEmployeesFieldLogicalName, out numberOfEmployeesObj))
{
	//Get value of Whole Number field
	numberOfEmployees = Convert.ToInt32(numberOfEmployeesObj);

	//Set value of Whole Number field
	primaryEntity[numberOfEmployeesFieldLogicalName] = 120000;
}

Decimal Number

Here is an example of a Decimal Number field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Decimal Number field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Decimal Number field (Display Name: “Exchange Rate” | Database Name: “exchangerate”):

//Get and Set Decimal Number field value
// Display Name: "USD/CAD Exchange Rate" | Database Name: "hos_usdcadexchangerate"
string exchangeRateFieldLogicalName = "hos_usdcadexchangerate";
Object exchangeRateObj;
decimal exchangeRate;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(exchangeRateFieldLogicalName, out exchangeRateObj))
{
	//Get value of Decimal Number field
	exchangeRate = Convert.ToDecimal(exchangeRateObj);

	//Set value of Decimal Number field
	primaryEntity[exchangeRateFieldLogicalName] = 1.312775;
}

Floating Point Number

Here are some examples of Floating Number fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Floating Point Number field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Floating Number field (Display Name: “Address 1: Longitude” | Database Name: “address1_longitude”):

//Get and Set Floating Point Number field value
// Display Name: "Address 1: Longitude" | Database Name: "address1_longitude"
string longitudeFieldLogicalName = "address1_longitude";
Object longitudeFieldObj;
float longitudeField;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(longitudeFieldLogicalName, out longitudeFieldObj))
{
	//Get value of Floating Point Number field
	longitudeField = Convert.ToSingle(longitudeFieldObj);

	//Set value of Floating Point Number field
	primaryEntity[longitudeFieldLogicalName] = -79.387054f;
}

Currency

Here is an example of a Currency field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Currency field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Currency field (Display Name: “Annual Revenue” | Database Name: “revenue”):

//Get and Set Currency field value
// Display Name: "Annual Revenue" | Database Name: "revenue"
string revenueFieldLogicalName = "revenue";
Object revenueObj;
decimal revenue;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(revenueFieldLogicalName, out revenueObj))
{
 //Get value of Currency field                                               
 revenue = ((Money)revenueObj).Value;

 //Set value of Currency field
 primaryEntity[revenueFieldLogicalName] = new Money(10200500800.78m);
}

Two Options

Here are some examples of Two Options fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Two Options field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Two Options field (Display Name: “Email” | Database Name: “donotemail”):

//Get and Set Two Options field value
// Display Name: "Email" | Database Name: "donotemail"
string dontAllowEmailsFieldLogicalName = "donotemail";
Object dontAllowEmailsObj;
bool dontAllowEmails;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(dontAllowEmailsFieldLogicalName, out dontAllowEmailsObj))
{
	//Get value of Two Options field                                               
	dontAllowEmails = (bool)dontAllowEmailsObj;

	//Set value of Two Options field
	primaryEntity[dontAllowEmailsFieldLogicalName] = true;
}

Option Set

Here is an example of an Option Set field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Option Set field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of an Option Set field (Display Name: “Contact Method” | Database Name: “preferredcontactmethodcode”):

//Get and Set Option Set field value
// Display Name: "Contact Method" | Database Name: "preferredcontactmethodcode"
string contactMethodLogicalName = "preferredcontactmethodcode";
Object contactMethodObj;
int contactMethod;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(contactMethodLogicalName, out contactMethodObj))
{
	//Get value of Option Set field 
	contactMethod = ((OptionSetValue)contactMethodObj).Value;

	//Set value of Option Set field
	primaryEntity[contactMethodLogicalName] = 3;
}

MultiSelect Option Set

Here is an example of a MultiSelect Option Set field on a Dynamics 365 form:
MultiSelect Option Set field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the values of a MultiSelect Option Set field (Display Name: “Geographical Areas of Operation” | Database Name: “hos_geographicalareasofoperation”) :

//Get and Set MultiSelect Option Set field value
// Display Name: "Geographical Areas of Operation" | Database Name: "hos_geographicalareasofoperation"
string locationFieldLogicalName = "hos_geographicalareasofoperation";
Object locationFieldObj;
OptionSetValueCollection locationField;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(locationFieldLogicalName, out locationFieldObj))
{
	//Get the collection of value(s) for MultiSelect Option Set field
	locationField = (OptionSetValueCollection)locationFieldObj;

	//Set collection of value(s) for MultiSelect Option Set field (version 1 - single line implementation)
	primaryEntity[locationFieldLogicalName] = new OptionSetValueCollection(new List<OptionSetValue>() { new OptionSetValue(183840000), new OptionSetValue(183840001), new OptionSetValue(183840003), new OptionSetValue(183840006), new OptionSetValue(183840010) });

	//Set collection of value(s) for MultiSelect Option Set field (version 2 - multiple lines implementation)
	/*
	OptionSetValueCollection locationMultiOptionSet = new OptionSetValueCollection();
	locationMultiOptionSet.Add(new OptionSetValue(183840000));
	locationMultiOptionSet.Add(new OptionSetValue(183840001));
	locationMultiOptionSet.Add(new OptionSetValue(183840003));
	locationMultiOptionSet.Add(new OptionSetValue(183840006));
	locationMultiOptionSet.Add(new OptionSetValue(183840010));
	primaryEntity[locationFieldLogicalName] = new OptionSetValueCollection(locationMultiOptionSet);
	*/
}

Date and Time

Here are some examples of Date and Time fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Date and Time field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Date and Time field (Display Name: “Follow Up Date” | Database Name: “hos_followupdate”):

//Get and Set Date and Time field value
// Display Name: "Subscription Start" | Database Name: "hos_subscriptionstart"
// Display Name: "Subscription End" | Database Name: "hos_subscriptionend"
string subscriptionStartLogicalName = "hos_subscriptionstart";
string subscriptionEndLogicalName = "hos_subscriptionend";
Object subscriptionStartdObj;
DateTime subscriptionStart = new DateTime();

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(subscriptionStartLogicalName, out subscriptionStartdObj))
{
	if (subscriptionStartdObj != null)
	{
		//Get value of Date and Time field  
		subscriptionStart = Convert.ToDateTime(subscriptionStartdObj);

		//Set value of Date and Time field   
		primaryEntity[subscriptionEndLogicalName] = subscriptionStart.AddYears(1);
	}
	else
	{
		//If the Subscription Start is null, set the Subscription End as well
		primaryEntity[subscriptionEndLogicalName] = null;
	}
}

Lookup

Here is an example of a Lookup field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Lookup field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Lookup field (Display Name: “Account Manager” | Database Name: “hos_accountmanager”) :

//Get and Set Lookup field value
// Display Name: "Account Manager" | Database Name: "hos_accountmanager"
string accountManagerLogicalName = "hos_accountmanager";
Object accountManagerObj;
EntityReference accountManager;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(accountManagerLogicalName, out accountManagerObj))
{
	if (accountManagerObj != null)
	{
		//Get value of a Lookup field and its attributes                                              
		accountManager = (EntityReference)accountManagerObj;
		Guid guid = accountManager.Id;
		string entityName = accountManager.LogicalName;
		string name = accountManager.Name;

		//Set value of a Lookup field and its attributes                        
		primaryEntity[accountManagerLogicalName] = new EntityReference("systemuser", new Guid("A6AF4DAB-10C4-E911-A2E2-005056AE4389"));
	}
}

Customer

Here is an example of a Customer field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Customer field

Here is the C# code for getting and setting the value of a Customer field (Display Name: “Main Customer” | Database Name: “hos_maincustomer”):

//Get and Set Customer field value
// Display Name: "Main Customer" | Database Name: "hos_maincustomer"
string mainCustomerLogicalName = "hos_maincustomer";
Object mainCustomerObj;
EntityReference mainCustomer;

//Check if the specified attribute is contained in the internal dictionary before you you try to Get its value
if (primaryEntity.Attributes.TryGetValue(mainCustomerLogicalName, out mainCustomerObj))
{
	if (mainCustomerObj != null)
	{
		//Get value of Customer field and its attributes                                              
		mainCustomer = (EntityReference)mainCustomerObj;
		Guid guid = mainCustomer.Id;
		string entityName = mainCustomer.LogicalName;
		string name = mainCustomer.Name;

		//Set value of Customer field and its attributes                        
		primaryEntity[mainCustomerLogicalName] = new EntityReference("account", new Guid("2E4D98F9-8EF9-E911-A2E8-005056AE4389"));
	}
}

Extra Details

The plugin demonstrated in this post was developed on Microsoft Dynamics 365 version 9.0.3.7 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 SDK version 9.0.2.12.

Dynamics 365: How To Get and Set Fields on Forms Using JavaScript

In this post, we will cover how to get and set values for fields on Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM forms. Dynamics 365 has the following types of fields (or datatypes): Single Line of Text, Option Set, MultiSelect Option Set, Two Options, Image, Whole Number, Floating Point Number, Floating Point Number, Decimal Number, Currency, Multiple Lines of Text, Date and Time, Lookup and Customer.

At the time of writing, there are two ways of accessing fields on Dynamics 365 forms i.e. using the formContext JavaScript API and Xrm.Page JavaScript API. However, Microsoft has the following JavaScript API recommendations:

  • Before Dynamics 365/CRM version 9.0, use the Xrm.Page API:
    Xrm.Page.getAttribute(fieldName);
  • Version 9.0 of Dynamics 365/CRM and after, use the formContext API:
    executionContext.getFormContext().getAttribute(fieldName);

With the release of version 9.0 of Dynamics CRM/365, Microsoft announced that it would deprecate the Xrm.Page JavaScript API. For details on how you can transition from the Xrm.Page API to the formContext API, see my earlier post: Quick Guide: Transitioning away from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Xrm.Page JavaScript API. From Xrm.Page to formContext, how you get and set values has not fundamentally changed. However, how you access fields and other form properties has changed.

Single Line of Text

Here is an example of a Single Line of Text field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Single Line of Text field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Single Line of Text field (Display Name: “Account Number” | Database Name: “accountnumber”):

//Get and Set a Single Line of Text field value
function SingleLineOfTextFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var accountNumberFieldLogicalName = "accountnumber";
    //Access the field on the form
    var accountNumberField = formContext.getAttribute(accountNumberFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var accountNumberFieldValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (accountNumberField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        accountNumberFieldValue = accountNumberField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field
        accountNumberField.setValue("BYA-2019-AIR-0099");
    }
}

Multiple Lines of Text

Here is an example of a Multiple Lines of Text field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Multiple Lines of Text field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Multiple Lines of Text field (Display Name: “Description” | Database Name: “description”):

//Get and Set Multiple Lines of Text field value
function MultipleLineOfTextFieldValue(executionContext) {
    debugger;
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var descriptionFieldLogicalName = "description";
    // Access the description field on the form
    var descriptionField = formContext.getAttribute(descriptionFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var descriptionFieldValue;
    var exampleText = "\
            To be, or not to be, that is the question:\
            Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer\
            The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,\
            Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,\
            And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep;\
            No more; and by a sleep, to say we end \
            The heart - ache, and the thousand natural shocks \
            That Flesh is heir to ? 'Tis a consummation \
            Devoutly to be wished.To die, to sleep, \
            perchance to Dream; aye, there's the rub, \
            For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, \
            When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,\
            Must give us pause. "  ;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (descriptionField != null) {
        // Get the value of the description field
        descriptionFieldValue = descriptionField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the description field
        descriptionField.setValue(exampleText);
    }
}

Whole Number

Here is an example of a Whole Number field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Whole Number Field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Whole Number field (Display Name: “Number of Employees” | Database Name: “numberofemployees”):

//Get and Set a Whole Number field value
function WholeNumberFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var numberOfEmployeesFieldLogicalName = "numberofemployees";
    // Access the field on the form
    var numberOfEmployeesField = formContext.getAttribute(numberOfEmployeesFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var numberOfEmployeesFieldValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (numberOfEmployeesField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        numberOfEmployeesFieldValue = numberOfEmployeesField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field
        numberOfEmployeesField.setValue(20000);
    }
}

Decimal Number

Here is an example of a Decimal Number field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Decimal Number field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Decimal Number field (Display Name: “Exchange Rate” | Database Name: “exchangerate”):

//Get and Set a Decimal Number field value
function DecimalNumberFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var exchangeRateFieldLogicalName = "exchangerate";
    // Access the field on the form
    var exchangeRateField = formContext.getAttribute(exchangeRateFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var exchangeRateFieldValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (exchangeRateField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        exchangeRateFieldValue = exchangeRateField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field
        exchangeRateField.setValue(1.35551);
    }
}

Floating Point Number

Here are some examples of Floating Number fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Floating Number field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Floating Number field (Display Name: “Address 1: Longitude” | Database Name: “address1_longitude”):

//Get and Set a Floating Point Number field value
function FloatingPointNumberFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var longitudeFieldLogicalName = "address1_longitude";
    // Access the field on the form
    var longitudeField = formContext.getAttribute(longitudeFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var longitudeFieldValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (longitudeField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        longitudeFieldValue = longitudeField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field
        longitudeField.setValue(-79.387054);
    }
}

Currency

Here is an example of a Currency field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Currency field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Currency field (Display Name: “Annual Revenue” | Database Name: “revenue”):

//Get and Set a Currency field value
function CurrencyFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var revenueFieldLogicalName = "revenue";
    // Access the field on the form
    var revenueField = formContext.getAttribute(revenueFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var revenueFieldValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (revenueField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        revenueFieldValue = revenueField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field
        revenueField.setValue(52000000);
    }
}

Two Options

Here are some examples of Two Options fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Two Options field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Two Options field (Display Name: “Email” | Database Name: “donotemail”):

//Get and Set a Two Options field value
function TwoOptionsFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var dontAllowEmailsFieldLogicalName = "donotemail";
    // Access the field on the form
    var dontAllowEmailsField = formContext.getAttribute(dontAllowEmailsFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var dontAllowEmailsValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (dontAllowEmailsField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        dontAllowEmailsValue = dontAllowEmailsField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field to TRUE
        //dontAllowEmailsField.setValue(true);

        // Set the value of the field to FALSE
        dontAllowEmailsField.setValue(false);
    }
}

Option Set

Here is an example of an Option Set field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Option Set field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of an Option Set field (Display Name: “Contact Method” | Database Name: “preferredcontactmethodcode”):

//Get and Set a Option Set field value
function OptionsetFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var contactMethodFieldLogicalName = "preferredcontactmethodcode";
    // Access the field on the form
    var contactMethodField = formContext.getAttribute(contactMethodFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var contactMethodValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (contactMethodField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        contactMethodValue = contactMethodField.getValue();
        
        // Set the value of the field to FALSE
        contactMethodField.setValue(5);   
    }
}

MultiSelect Option Set

Here is an example of a MultiSelect Option Set field on a Dynamics 365 form:
MultiSelect Option Set field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the values of a MultiSelect Option Set field (Display Name: “Geographical Areas of Operation” | Database Name: “hse_geographicalareasofoperation”) :

//Get and Set a MultiSelect Option Set field value
function MultiSelectOptionsetFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var locationFieldLogicalName = "hse_geographicalareasofoperation";
    // Access the field on the form
    var locationField = formContext.getAttribute(locationFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var locationValue;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (locationField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        locationValue = locationField.getValue();

        // Set the value of the field to the desired values
        locationField.setValue([864700000, 864700003, 864700005, 864700007]);
    }
}

Date and Time

Here are some examples of Date and Time fields on a Dynamics 365 form:
Date and Time fields

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Date and Time field (Display Name: “Follow Up Date” | Database Name: “hse_followupdate”):

//Get and Set a Date and Time field value
function DateAndTimeFieldValue(executionContext) { 
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var createdOnFieldLogicalName = "createdon";
    var followUpFieldLogicalName = "hse_followupdate";
    // Access the fields on the form
    var createdOnField = formContext.getAttribute(createdOnFieldLogicalName);
    var followUpField = formContext.getAttribute(followUpFieldLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var createdOnFieldValue;
    var followUpFieldValue = new Date();
    var numberOfDays = 30;
    var daysMillisecondsConverter = 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;

    //Check that fields exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its values
    if (createdOnField != null && followUpField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        createdOnFieldValue = createdOnField.getValue();

        //Before you use the createdOnFieldValue value, verify that it exists
        if (createdOnFieldValue != null) { 
            //Set the follow up date to 30 days after the record was created
            followUpFieldValue.setTime(createdOnFieldValue.getTime() + (numberOfDays * daysMillisecondsConverter));           
            // Set the value of the field
            followUpField.setValue(followUpFieldValue);
        }        
    }
}

Lookup

Here is an example of a Lookup field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Lookup field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Lookup field (Display Name: “Account Manager” | Database Name: “hse_accountmanager”) :

//Get and Set a Lookup field value
function LookupFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var accountmanagerLogicalName = "hse_accountmanager";
    // Access the field on the form
    var accountmanagerField = formContext.getAttribute(accountmanagerLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var accountmanagerFieldValue;
    var guid;
    var name;
    var entityName;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (accountmanagerField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        accountmanagerFieldValue = accountmanagerField.getValue();
        //Check if the field contains a value
        if (accountmanagerFieldValue != null) {
            //To get the attributes of the field
            guid = accountmanagerFieldValue[0].id.slice(1, -1);
            name = accountmanagerFieldValue[0].name;
            entityName = accountmanagerFieldValue[0].entityType;
        }

        // Set the value of the field
        accountmanagerField.setValue([{
            id: "4BDB64C8-AA81-E911-B80C-00155D380105",
            name: "Joshua Sinkamba",
            entityType: "systemuser"
        }]);

        //Alternative Approach: Set the value of the field
        //var lookupValue = new Array();
        //lookupValue[0] = new Object();
        //lookupValue[0].id = "4BDB64C8-AA81-E911-B80C-00155D380105";
        //lookupValue[0].name = "Joshua Sinkamba";
        //lookupValue[0].entityType = "systemuser";
        //accountmanagerField.setValue(lookupValue);
    }
}

Customer

Here is an example of a Customer field on a Dynamics 365 form:
Customer field

Here is the JavaScript for getting and setting the value of a Customer field (Display Name: “Main Customer” | Database Name: “hse_maincustomer”):

//Get and Set a Customer field value
function CustomerFieldValue(executionContext) {
    //Get the context of the form
    var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext();
    //The logical name of the field of interest
    var mainCustomerLogicalName = "hse_maincustomer";
    // Access the field on the form
    var mainCustomerField = formContext.getAttribute(mainCustomerLogicalName);
    //Declare the other variables as needed
    var mainCustomerFieldValue;
    var guid;
    var name;
    var entityName;

    //Check that field exist on the form before you try to Get/Set its value
    if (mainCustomerField != null) {
        // Get the value of the field
        mainCustomerFieldValue = mainCustomerField.getValue();
        //Check if the field contains a value
        if (mainCustomerFieldValue != null) {
            //To get the attributes of the field
            guid = mainCustomerFieldValue[0].id.slice(1, -1);
            name = mainCustomerFieldValue[0].name;
            entityName = mainCustomerFieldValue[0].entityType;
        }

        // Set the value of the field
        mainCustomerField.setValue([{
            id: "EE047399-CDE0-E911-B817-00155D380105",
            name: "Avanade",
            entityType: "account"
        }]);

        //Alternative Approach: Set the value of the field
        //var customerValue = new Array();
        //customerValue[0] = new Object();
        //customerValue[0].id = "EE047399-CDE0-E911-B817-00155D380105";
        //customerValue[0].name = "Avanade";
        //customerValue[0].entityType = "account";
        //mainCustomerField.setValue(customerValue);
    }
}

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Custom Control Framework

In version 9 of Dynamics 365 / CRM, Microsoft introduced the Custom Control Framework, which gives Dynamics 365 customizers and developers more options on how to display fields and data-sets, such as views. The Custom Control Framework offers a wide range of aesthetically appealing displays, enabling you to transform regular fields and data-sets into more appealing visualizations that are likely to increase user engagement and enhance user experience.

Examples

The default display for a numeric input field, i.e. Whole Number, Decimal, Currency, Floating Point Number, is:

Numeric Field - Default Display

Using the Custom Control Framework, you can transform this regular numeric input field into other displays such as Number Input, Arc Knob, Radial Knob, Linear Gauge, Linear Slide, Star Rating, among others.

Numeric Field - Other Display Options

Depending on the type of input field, different Custom Control Framework displays are available. For an Option Set field, the regular display is:

OptionSet - Default Display

Using the Custom Control Framework’s Option Set, it can also be displayed as tiles:

OptionSet - Tiles Display

How to Implement the Custom Control Framework

Step 1: Go to the edit mode of the entity’s form that you wish to apply the Custom Control Framework to. In the example below, I will be editing the Account entity’s Account form.

Account form in edit mode

Step 2: Click on the field you would like to apply the Custom Control Framework to. In the ribbon, click on ‘Change Properties’.

Step 3: In the Field Properties window that pops up, select the ‘Controls’ tab.

Field's Controls tab

Step 4: Click on “Add Control…”. Then select the control you would like to apply (1 – image below). Having selected the control you would like to apply, click ‘Add’ (2 – image below).

Note: In the example below, I am applying the Custom Control Framework to a numeric field.

Add a Custom Control

Step 5: Set the properties of the control. Select the devices you want your control to be displayed on i.e. Web Browser, Phone, Tablet (1 – image below). Enter the control’s properties i.e. Min, Max and Step values (2 – image below). Click ‘OK’ (3 – image below).

Set the control's properties

In (2 – image above), you can bind the Min, Max and Step values to a static value (A – image below) or to another field (B – image below).

Binding min, max and step values to a static value or field.

Step 6: Save and publish the entity’s form. You can now go and view the published version of the form to see your custom control in action.

Depending on the type of input field selected, different Custom Control Framework displays are available in Step 4 above. Also, the properties available in Step 5 are dependent on the type of input field selected . That is, the Custom Control Framework displays available for a numeric field are different from those available for an option set field.

Conclusion

As shown above, the Custom Control Framework offers organizations more options for displaying fields and has a nice aesthetic touch. However, like all tools, Dynamics 365 customizers and developers, have to assess their client’s needs and determine whether to use the default displays or the Custom Control Framework displays.