Macros in X++

Macros in X++ are precompiler directives that let you define reusable symbols, conditions, or blocks of code. These are processed before the X++ compiler sees the code. Although macros are still supported, their use is discouraged and retained mainly for backward compatibility.

⚠️ Recommended Alternatives:

  • Use constants, SysDa for queries, and standard X++ constructs instead of macros.

Common Directives

  • #define – Defines a macro, optionally with a value.

  • #if – Checks if a macro is defined or equals a value.

  • #undef – Removes a macro defined earlier.

  • #localmacro / #macro – Defines multi-line macros, terminated with #endmacro.

  • #globaldefine / #globalmacro – Global versions, but not recommended due to conflict risk.

  • #macrolib – Imports macro libraries from the AOT.

  • #linenumber – Shows the line number in code during debugging.

Macro Values & Parameters

  • Macro values are just character sequences, not typed variables.

  • Use parentheses to assign values:
    #define.MyMacro(100)

  • Use %1, %2, etc., for macro parameters:

				
					#define.PrintInfo("Name: %1, Age: %2")
info(#PrintInfo("Alice", "30"));

				
			

Special Use Directives

  • #defInc and #defDec increase/decrease numeric macro values.

  • Only works with simple integer values (not strings or hex).


Scope and Inheritance

  • Macros follow class inheritance: parent macros are available to child classes.

  • The precompiler processes all class-level macros first, then method-level.


Best Practices

  • Prefer #define and #localmacro over global variants.

  • Always assign values to macros for clarity.

  • Avoid mixing macro value modes (with/without values).

  • Don’t use macros for logic where native X++ constructs are more readable and safe.

Example
				
					#define.CompanyName("Contoso")

static void Job1(Args _args)
{
    info("Company: " + #CompanyName);
}

				
			

Macros can be useful, but modern X++ development should rely on cleaner and more structured approaches wherever possible.

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