Life without code......

Do you need code to use configure Dynamics in the best possible way?

Depending on how you have started 'developing' dynamics your opinion on this will probably differ. I come from a training background and have been 'using' dynamic since version 3 and 'developing' since version 4. I use the term 'developing' in quotes as I would never describe myself as a developer as I don't code, I would always use say I was a configurer (if that actually exists as a term). I could design a system and use OOB functionality to 'get results', however in the last few years I have been called a 'developer' by clients as to them I developed a solution for them did what they needed. They didn't care if I used code or OOB functionality the design met their needs.

So am I saying you don't need code? Well no, there will always be a place for code, sometimes it is the only way to get the results you need, other times it is just the more time efficient to code something rather than use workflows to get the same results. However, over the last few years there have been so many new features and enhancements to the OOB dynamics I am finding items that I had used code for in the past I can now do OOB.

I think it was a V4 build that I wanted a 'auto score' category based on the value in a cell. Either my inexperience or the fact there was no OOB method I had to go to code to do it. Today with 365 I have options, not only can I do this without code I have a choice on a method I use;

• Business Rule
• Calculated Cell
• Workflow

This has opened so many doors not only for myself but also for 'end users'. We / I can now build a solution and if a small item needs changing a technical 'end user' would / could be able to update / change it themselves without having to rely on an external coder to implement the change for them.

The blogs I intend to post will be along this line of thought. There will be some 'how do I do that' and also some 'can you do that without code'. I get excited when I mange to think a little outside the box and get something done with out code so it's always nice to share ideas and possibly get a few enhancements to them from other peoples perspective.

So, if you are a full on developer maybe I can show you a few different ways to do things if you live a "life without code"