Dynamics 365 CRM: Metadata & Entity Browser | XrmToolBox

by HubSite 365 about Priyesh Wagh (D365 Demystified) [MVP]

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Explore Dynamics 365 CRM metadata with the Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser - essential tools for new developers!

Understanding Metadata and Entity Metadata Browsers in Dynamics CRM

Getting more in-depth knowledge about Dynamics CRM is crucial for new developers. Two valuable tools are the Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser. Utilized for evaluating metadata about entities and intra-entity environment, these two tools offer important insights.

Microsoft offers an official Metadata Browser through its Learn document. Once accessed, several options will be presented; even for developers using the latest version of Dynamics, the highlighted option below will be functional at the time of this post. Once the Metadata Browser is installed, it surfaces in your Solutions.

For installation, System Administrators or System Customizers with rights to importing Solutions are allowed to import this downloaded Managed Solution into their environment. After selecting the Solution file, developers can finalize the import. Since it’s a Managed Solution, it's unnecessary (and impossible) to hit Publish.

Usage of Metadata Browser

After importing the Metadata Browser and activating it, two options become visible: Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser. The Metadata Browser provides information on an Entity level such as a list of all Entities and their metadata. The Entity Metadata Browser, in contrast, conveys details inside each Entity, like Attributes, Keys, Relationships etc.

You can also move to Entity Metadata Browsing from the Metadata Browser Page by clicking on the button labeled "View Entity Details". For more information on Dynamics CRM, click here.

XrmToolBox

Another route is via XrmToolBox's Metadata Browser. However, as it’s not officially supported by Microsoft, usage is at your own risk. After logging into XrmToolBox and installing the Metadata Browser plugin, you can start browsing the metadata. It's a useful tool to view the metadata of your CRM organization.

Power Automate Tips

The blog post also covers a series of tips related to Power Automate. For instance, you can learn how to select an item based on a key value using the Filter Array in Power Automate. It covers details about Power Automate Flow, blocking attachment extensions in CRM, and upgrading Dataverse for Teams Environment to Dataverse Environment.

The author describes the process of showing Sandbox or Non-Production Apps in Power App mobile apps, and the creation of a Power Apps Per User Plan Trial for a Dataverse environment. Tips on installing On-Premise Gateway from Power Automate or Power Apps and Co-presence in Power Automate are detailed as well.

Final Thoughts

These insights are beneficial for developers working with Dynamics CRM. By understanding and utilizing the Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser, developers will be able to navigate through this CRM product more efficiently. The Power Automate tips shared are equally helpful, simplifying processes and increasing productivity.

For more information on Dynamics CRM, including metadata browsers, follow upcoming posts and developments from credible sources like Priyesh Wagh (D365 Demystified) [MVP].

Read the full article Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser in Dynamics 365 CRM | Managed Solution & XrmToolBox

Dynamics CRM - Dynamics 365 CRM: Metadata & Entity Browser | XrmToolBox

Learn about Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser in Dynamics 365 CRM | Managed Solution & XrmToolBox

Microsoft Managed Solution and XrmToolBox offer essential tools for developers, particularly those venturing into the Dynamics 365 CRM metadata. The Metadata Browser and Entity Metadata Browser provide a comprehensive look into entities in the environment.

In order to grasp the intricacies of metadata apart from the customization solutions, Microsoft provides an official Metadata Browser. The browser can be accessed from the Microsoft Learn document through the provided link. It is essential to note that only System Administrators or System Customizers with access to importing Solutions can use this tool in their environment.

Upon successful use of the provided link, you will find several options, and the applicable one is usually highlighted. The latest version, Dynamics 365 CRM v9.2, should function well as per this writing. Once the Managed Solution is imported to the environment, you should see the Metadata Browser listed in your Solutions.

The Metadata Browser tool reveals entity-level metadata, listing all entities and their corresponding metadata. In contrast, the Entity Metadata Browser allows for detailed inside look of each entity. It unveils features like Attributes, Keys, and Relationships among other aspects. It is possible to access Entity Metadata Browsing for a particular Entity directly from the Metadata Browser page.

An alternative to using official tools is XrmToolBox's Metadata Browser. However, this is not officially recognized by Microsoft, and thus, its application is not guaranteed, and no support is provided. To use this, login to XrmToolBox and install the Metadata Browser plugin if not already installed. You will then be able to browse the metadata from XrmToolBox.

Additionally, you can learn to obtain the Instance Web API of your organization through quick tips. Other topics of interest include Power Automate posts, selecting item based on a key value in Power Automate, blocking Attachment Extensions in Dynamics 365 CRM, upgrading Dataverse for Teams Environment to Dataverse Environment, and showing Sandbox or Non Production Apps in Power App mobile app among others.

Other related topics that you may find valuable include creating a Power Apps Per User Plan Trial, installing On-Premise Gateway from Power Automate or Power Apps, co-presence in Power Automate, Search Rows (preview) Action in Dataverse connector in a Power Automate Flow, parsing Outputs of a List Rows action using Parse JSON in a Power Automate Flow, etc.

Lastly, always remember to provide a JSON Schema for HTTP Request trigger in a Power Automate Flow, send Response and also understand how to convert JSON to XML and vice versa in a Power Automate Flow. Following the guidelines and instructions from this blog, you should find it easier to navigate on how to use Dynamics 365 CRM.

Keywords

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