Updating Data in X++

In X++, you can update one or more records in a database table using SQL-like statements, either directly in code or through interactive execution.

update Method

The update() method is used to update the current buffer record. It also refreshes relevant system fields automatically. A where clause can optionally be included to limit updates to rows that meet specific criteria.

Example:
The below snippet updates a single row in the CustTable where the AccountNum is '4000', setting CreditMax to 5000.

				
					CustTable custTable;
ttsBegin;
    select forUpdate custTable
        where custTable.AccountNum == '4000';
    custTable.CreditMax = 5000;
    custTable.update();
ttsCommit;
console.log( 'Code is Poetry' );CustTable custTable;
ttsBegin;
    select forUpdate custTable
        where custTable.AccountNum == '4000';
    custTable.CreditMax = 5000;
    custTable.update();
ttsCommit;

Note: Since there's no next or looping statement, only one record will be updated.

doUpdate Method

The doUpdate() method is similar to update(), but it bypasses any custom logic, such as overridden update() methods, event handlers (onUpdating, onUpdated), and Chain-of-Command logic. Use this method cautiously—it’s not recommended for general use as it ignores business rules and database events.

Example:
Updates the CreditMax by adding 1000 for the record where CreditMax == 3000:

				
					CustTable custTable;
ttsBegin;
select forUpdate custTable
    where custTable.CreditMax == 3000;
if (custTable)
{
    custTable.CreditMax += 1000;
    custTable.doUpdate();
}
ttsCommit;

update_recordset Statement

The update_recordset keyword is designed for bulk updates. It modifies multiple records in a single database operation, reducing round-trips and improving performance. It’s similar to SQL’s UPDATE ... SET syntax and works server-side without loading individual records into memory.

Note: If a table's update() method is overridden, the update_recordset logic may default back to a loop that processes records one-by-one.

Examples:Increment CreditMax by 1000 where CreditMax > 0

				
					CustTable custTable;
ttsBegin;
update_recordset custTable
    setting CreditMax = custTable.CreditMax + 1000
    where custTable.CreditMax > 0;
ttsCommit;

Update multiple fields

				
					CustTable custTable;
ttsBegin;
update_recordset custTable
    setting
        CreditMax = custTable.CreditMax + 1000,
        AccountStatement = CustAccountStatement::Always
    where custTable.CreditMax > 0;
ttsCommit;

Use joins to update based on data from related tables

				
					TableEmployee tabEmpl;
TableDepartment tabDept;
TableProject tabProj;

update_recordset tabEmpl
    setting
        currentStatusDescription = tabDept.DeptName + ", " + tabProj.ProjName
join tabDept
    where tabDept.DeptId == tabEmpl.DeptId
join tabProj
    where tabProj.ProjId == tabEmpl.ProjId;

This approach enables efficient and scalable updates in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations using X++.