The NetSuite SuiteCloud Development Framework (SDF) can be easily used in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with the help of NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Extension. This provides a user-friendly and structured way to create, manage, and deploy customizations in NetSuite without relying heavily on command-line tools. Below is a step-by-step guide to using SDF in VS Code.
1. Install the SuiteCloud Extension for VS Code
To get started, install the SuiteCloud Extension for VS Code from the Visual Studio Code marketplace. This extension provides an integrated environment to work with SDF projects and NetSuite accounts.
2. Connect to a NetSuite Account
Once the extension is installed, open VS Code and set up a connection to your NetSuite account:
- Go to the SuiteCloud Extension menu in VS Code.
- Click on Manage Accounts and provide your account details, such as the account ID and authentication token. This connects VS Code to your NetSuite environment.
3. Create a New SDF Project
- Open the SuiteCloud Extension in VS Code.
- Select Create Project and choose the type of project you want (e.g., SuiteApp or account customization).
- Provide a name for your project and specify the folder where it will be saved.
This creates a standard project structure, including folders for scripts, configurations, and other NetSuite assets.
4. Develop Your Customizations
Now you can begin working on your customizations:
- Use the File Explorer in VS Code to navigate through the project files.
- Write or edit scripts, workflows, and configurations directly in the editor.
- Use the syntax highlighting and code suggestions provided by the SuiteCloud Extension to make coding easier and reduce errors.
5. Validate Your Work
Before deploying your customizations, you can validate them:
- Right-click on your project folder in the SuiteCloud Explorer and select Validate Project.
- This checks for any errors or issues with your customizations and ensures they comply with NetSuite’s standards.
6. Deploy Your Customizations
Once everything is ready, deploy your project to NetSuite:
- Right-click on the project folder and choose Deploy Project.
- Select the environment (e.g., sandbox or production) where you want to deploy.
- Review the changes and confirm the deployment.
7. Manage Updates and Deployments
As you update your customizations over time, you can use VS Code to easily manage and redeploy them. The SuiteCloud Extension allows you to synchronize changes, validate updates, and deploy new versions without leaving the VS Code environment.
Conclusion
Using NetSuite SDF with VS Code provides a standard, efficient way to build and manage customizations. The SuiteCloud Extension simplifies the development process, making it easy for developers to create, test, and deploy NetSuite features. This approach is ideal for teams looking for a seamless and organized development workflow.