How to Write the find Method on a Table in D365F&O Using X++

 

Introduction

In Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365F&O) development, the find method is a standard, static method used to retrieve a single record from a table using the primary key. This method streamlines querying logic and enforces consistency across your codebase.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a find method using X++ on a custom table, following best practices in terms of syntax, optional parameters, and concurrency handling.

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Purpose of the find Method

• Retrieves a single record from a table using the primary key.

• Helps avoid writing repeated select statements.

• Improves performance by using firstOnly.

• Supports optimistic concurrency control via optional parameters.

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Sample Use Case

Let’s assume we have a custom table called ResvHeaderTable, and its primary key is ReservationId. Below is the X++ code to create the find method on this table.

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X++ Code Example – find Method

x++
public static ResvHeaderTable find(ReservationId         _reservationId,
                                   boolean               _lockForUpdate = false,
                                   ConcurrencyModel      _lockMode      = ConcurrencyModel::Auto)
{
    ResvHeaderTable resvHeader;

    // Enable record locking if requested
    resvHeader.selectForUpdate(_lockForUpdate);

    // Apply a specific concurrency model if provided
    if (_lockForUpdate && _lockMode != ConcurrencyModel::Auto)
    {
        resvHeader.concurrencyModel(_lockMode);
    }

    // Fetch the record by primary key
    select firstonly resvHeader
        where resvHeader.ReservationId == _reservationId;

    return resvHeader;
}

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Parameters Explained

Parameter	Description
_reservationId	The primary key value to search for.
_lockForUpdate	Optional flag to lock the record for update (default is false).
_lockMode	Optional concurrency mode (defaults to Auto).

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How to Use the find Method

x++
ResvHeaderTable resvRec;
resvRec = ResvHeaderTable::find("RESV123");

if (resvRec)
{
    info(strFmt("Reservation found for ID: %1", resvRec.ReservationId));
}

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Best Practices for Writing find Methods

• Always return firstOnly to limit results to a single record.

• Use meaningful buffer and parameter names for clarity.

• Include selectForUpdate and concurrencyModel to support safe record updates.

• Place the method in the table node under Methods > Static Methods.

• Add XML documentation for better Intellisense and code documentation.

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Conclusion

By following this structure, you can write an efficient and reusable find method on any table in D365F&O using X++. This is a critical pattern used extensively in enterprise codebases to improve readability, maintainability, and consistency.