Master Debugging C# Plug-ins with MB-400 Exam Prep

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Overview of Microsoft Exam MB 400
• Understanding the Developers Exam
• Building Solutions with Dynamics 365
• Extending the Power Platform
• Exploring Plugins
• Debugging Plugins Using the Plugin Registration Tool
• Removing Trace Logging
• Redeploying the Plugin
• Installing the Plugin Profiler
• Configuring the Plugin
• Remote Debugging of Plugins
• Analyzing the Serialized Profile
• Debugging the Plugin using Visual Studio
• Fixing Issues and Testing the Plugin
• Best Practices for Debugging Plugins
• Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to another video in my series on Microsoft Exam MB 400. In this video, we will be focusing on the developers exam for those who are building solutions or extending Dynamics 365 or the Power Platform. I'm Joe the CRM Chap, and today we're going to be finishing off our mini focus series on plugins. We will be taking a look at how we can debug plugins using the plugin registration tool.

Overview of Microsoft Exam MB 400

The Microsoft Exam MB 400 is the developers exam for individuals who are involved in building solutions or extending Dynamics 365 or the Power Platform. This exam is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and skills in developing, customizing, and troubleshooting solutions within the Dynamics 365 platform. By passing this exam, candidates can demonstrate their expertise in using various development tools and techniques to build robust and efficient solutions.

Understanding the Developers Exam

The developers exam, i.e., Microsoft Exam MB 400, is specifically targeted towards individuals who are responsible for developing and extending solutions within the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. This exam assesses the candidate's ability to understand the development process, perform customization tasks, and troubleshoot issues within the platform. It covers various topics such as building solutions, extending the Power Platform, and working with plugins.

Building Solutions with Dynamics 365

Before diving into the details of the developers exam, it is essential to have a clear understanding of building solutions with Dynamics 365. This involves creating custom entities, defining business processes, designing user interfaces, and implementing logic using various development tools. By having a strong foundation in building solutions, candidates will be better equipped to handle the challenges presented in the exam.

Extending the Power Platform

In addition to building solutions within Dynamics 365, the developers exam also focuses on extending the Power Platform. This includes leveraging tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI to Create innovative solutions that go beyond the boundaries of Dynamics 365. Candidates will be tested on their ability to integrate these tools seamlessly and utilize them effectively to solve complex business problems.

Exploring Plugins

Plugins are an integral part of the Dynamics 365 development ecosystem. They allow developers to extend the functionality of the platform by injecting custom code that runs in response to specific events or triggers. In this section, we will explore the concept of plugins, their importance, and how they can be used to enhance the Dynamics 365 experience. We will Delve into the various types of plugins, their lifecycle, and best practices for their implementation.

Debugging Plugins Using the Plugin Registration Tool

Debugging plugins is a crucial skill for developers working with Dynamics 365. It allows them to identify and fix issues in their custom code, ensuring that their solutions function as expected. In this section, we will focus on how to debug plugins using the plugin registration tool. We will walk through the process of setting up the tool, configuring plugins for debugging, and analyzing the output generated during the debugging process.

Removing Trace Logging

Trace logging is a useful feature for debugging plugins, but it can sometimes be limited in terms of the information it provides. In this section, we will discuss the process of removing trace logging and explore alternative methods for debugging plugins that provide more detailed insights into the code execution. By removing trace logging, developers can focus on using more advanced debugging tools to analyze and troubleshoot their plugins effectively.

Redeploying the Plugin

After removing trace logging, the next step is to redeploy the plugin in the Dynamics 365 environment. This ensures that the latest version of the plugin is available for testing and debugging purposes. In this section, we will cover the process of redeploying the plugin using the plugin registration tool. We will walk through the steps involved in selecting the assembly, updating the plugins, and verifying the successful deployment of the latest version.

Installing the Plugin Profiler

To enable remote debugging of plugins, it is necessary to install the Plugin Profiler. This tool is included as part of the plugin registration tool and provides the ability to capture and analyze the plugin's execution flow. In this section, we will guide You through the process of installing the Plugin Profiler, ensuring that all necessary components are properly set up for remote debugging.

Configuring the Plugin

Before remote debugging can be initiated, the plugin needs to be configured to write out the necessary information for analysis. In this section, we will explain how to configure the plugin using the plugin registration tool. We will cover the options available for profiling, including the choice between throwing an exception or storing the profile in an entity. By properly configuring the plugin, developers can ensure that the necessary information is captured for remote debugging.

Remote Debugging of Plugins

Once the plugin is configured, remote debugging can be initiated using the plugin registration tool. In this section, we will walk you through the steps involved in starting the remote debugging process. This includes attaching Visual Studio to the plugin registration tool and setting breakpoints to pause the execution at specific points in the code. By remote debugging, developers can closely analyze the plugin's behavior and identify the root cause of any issues.

Analyzing the Serialized Profile

During the remote debugging session, the plugin generates a serialized profile containing valuable information about its execution. In this section, we will guide you through the process of analyzing the serialized profile. We will demonstrate how to extract the profile from the plugin registration tool, save it in a file, and examine its Contents. By analyzing the serialized profile, developers can gain deeper insights into the plugin's behavior and troubleshoot any issues effectively.

Debugging the Plugin using Visual Studio

Once the serialized profile is obtained, it can be analyzed using Visual Studio. In this section, we will explain how to debug the plugin using Visual Studio's powerful debugging tools. We will guide you through the process of setting breakpoints, inspecting variables, and stepping through the code to understand its execution flow. By leveraging Visual Studio's debugging capabilities, developers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the plugin's behavior and identify any errors or bottlenecks.

Fixing Issues and Testing the Plugin

Based on the analysis conducted during the debugging process, developers can identify and fix any issues encountered in the plugin. In this section, we will discuss common issues that can arise during plugin development and provide strategies for addressing them. We will also cover the importance of thorough testing to ensure that the plugin functions correctly in various scenarios. By identifying and fixing issues and conducting comprehensive testing, developers can deliver high-quality plugins that meet the requirements of their solutions.

Best Practices for Debugging Plugins

In this section, we will share some best practices for debugging plugins in Dynamics 365. These practices will help developers streamline the debugging process, improve productivity, and ensure the effective resolution of issues. We will cover topics such as code organization, error handling, logging, and the use of tools and techniques for efficient debugging. By following these best practices, developers can debug plugins more efficiently and deliver robust solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the developers exam for Microsoft Exam MB 400 covers various aspects of building and extending solutions within Dynamics 365. This includes the use of plugins and the debugging techniques involved in troubleshooting them. By mastering the concepts and skills covered in this exam, developers can gain a solid foundation in Dynamics 365 development and effectively contribute to the success of their projects.