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Customer experience | Sales, Customer Insights,...
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Help Understanding Customization in Dynamics 365 Sales vs Business Central (as a Developer)

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Hi

I come from a Business Central background where I’ve worked on customizations using both AL (in Visual Studio Code) and previously with C/AL in NAV. In BC, I’m used to writing code to create custom pages, add buttons with logic, define new tables and fields, and use codeunits with exposed methods for integration. All of which requires writing proper AL code.

Now I’m starting to explore Dynamics 365 Sales (Sales Hub), which I understand is a model-driven app that runs on the Power Platform and uses Dataverse to store the (shared) data. It seems like you can do a lot from the browser UI of power apps. For example, creating tables, forms, and even adding buttons to the ribbon all without writing code.

I’m curious to understand:

  1. What kind of customizations can be done directly in the browser with no code (like drag-and-drop)?
  2. What kind of things require low-code scripting, and what scripting language is used? Like adding some logic behind a button.
  3. In which cases would I need a developer/programmer? For example, are things like data validation, integration, or automation possible without a developer?
  4. Can I write custom methods that perform complex logic (like reading/writing from multiple tables, deleting records, applying business rules, etc.) and then expose them as a simple HTTP API to be called from outside or as a button on a page? Or is this something that needs to be done differently in the Dataverse/Power Platform world?

Would really appreciate if someone could help clarify this or point me to some resources specifically meant for developers and customizations. I'm trying to wrap my head around the different terminology and construct a learning path (so please mention whatever you think I should know). Googling has brought up things like XrmToolBox, Plugins, JavaScript, and Power Automate, but I’m not sure when each of these is used, and whether they are still relevant or commonly used today.

Thanks!

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  • CU24061739-0 Profile Picture
    6 on at
    Help Understanding Customization in Dynamics 365 Sales vs Business Central (as a Developer)
  • Verified answer
    Gerardo Rentería García Profile Picture
    20,177 Most Valuable Professional on at
    Help Understanding Customization in Dynamics 365 Sales vs Business Central (as a Developer)

    Hi, good day
    I hope this can help you, and give you some hints.

    Developer Guide | Microsoft Learn

    Best Regards
    Gerardo

  • Suggested answer
    Muhammad Shahzad Shafique Profile Picture
    542 Most Valuable Professional on at
    Help Understanding Customization in Dynamics 365 Sales vs Business Central (as a Developer)
    1. No-Code Customizations
    • Create/modify Tables (entities), Fields, Forms, Views, Dashboards
    • Add Business Rules (for basic logic/validation)
    • Customize the Command Bar (Ribbon) using Power Fx and Command Designer
    • Configure Model-Driven Apps (like Sales Hub)
    • Set up Security Roles, Business Units, Teams
    • Build simple Power Automate flows
    2. Low-Code Customizations
    • JavaScript (Client-side logic): e.g., on form load/change/save to validate fields, show/hide sections
    • Power Automate: For process automation, integrations (HTTP, approvals, emails, data sync)
    • Power Fx: Used in Canvas apps and newer command bar buttons
    • Calculated & Rollup Fields: No-code but formula-based logic
    3. Developer/Pro-Code Scenarios
    • Plugins (C#): Server-side logic (e.g., pre/post operation validation, cascade updates)
    • Custom APIs/Code Activities: Complex business logic exposed via HTTP or used in Power Automate
    • Custom Connectors: For external API integration
    • PCF Controls: Custom visual UI components
    • Web Resources: HTML, JS, CSS files for custom interfaces
    • Azure Functions or Logic Apps: Heavy integrations or background processing

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