Error Handling and Debugging for SyteLine IDO Development
Debugging IDO issues in SyteLine can be frustrating without a systematic approach. Errors can originate from the form script layer, the IDO runtime, the extension class, or the database, and the error messages exposed to users rarely pinpoint the actual source. This guide provides a structured debugging methodology and best practices for error handling in IDO development.
IDO Error Categories and Diagnostic Approach
SyteLine IDO errors fall into four distinct categories, each requiring a different diagnostic approach. Authorization errors occur when the user's security group lacks permission for the requested IDO operation. Validation errors are thrown by extension class logic when business rules are violated. Runtime errors indicate configuration issues like missing IDO metadata, unresolvable property mappings, or assembly loading failures. Database errors surface when the generated SQL violates constraints or times out. Identifying which category an error belongs to is the first step in efficient debugging.
- Authorization errors (401/403): check IDO Security form for the user's group permissions on the target IDO
- Validation errors (IDOMethodException): review the extension class code for the specific error code thrown
- Runtime errors: verify IDO metadata registration, property mappings, and extension DLL deployment
- Database errors: capture the generated SQL from SQL Profiler and run it directly to see the full error
- Timeout errors: check SQL Server query execution plans for missing indexes or table scan operations
Implementing Structured Error Handling
Production-quality IDO code requires layered error handling. In extension classes, catch specific exception types at each method boundary and translate technical errors into user-friendly messages. Use error codes consistently so form scripts can take different actions based on the error type. In form scripts, catch the IDO exceptions and display messages using ThisForm.GenerateMessage or the notification framework rather than generic alert dialogs. Log all errors with contextual information including the IDO name, method, parameters, and user identity.
- Define a consistent error code scheme: 1000-1999 for validation, 2000-2999 for business rules, 3000+ for system errors
- In extension classes: throw new IDOMethodException(1001, "Customer credit limit exceeded for order total $" + total)
- In form scripts: catch (ex) { ThisForm.GenerateMessage("Save Failed", ex.Message, MessageBoxButtons.OK) }
- Log contextual data: LogManager.Error($"UpdateCollection failed on {idoName} for user {userId}: {ex.Message}")
- Never swallow exceptions silently; at minimum log them even if the user doesn't see a message
Diagnostic Tools and Techniques
SyteLine provides several built-in diagnostic capabilities. The IDO Runtime diagnostic page shows loaded extension classes, registered IDOs, and current request queue depth. SQL Server Profiler captures the exact SQL statements generated by IDO requests, revealing filter translation, join construction, and parameter binding. The SyteLine Application Event Log records IDO-level errors with timestamps and stack traces. For extension class debugging, attach Visual Studio to the IDO Runtime worker process and set breakpoints in your custom code.
- IDO Diagnostic Page: http://server/IDORequestService/IDODiag.aspx shows runtime health and loaded assemblies
- SQL Profiler: filter on the SyteLine application database login to capture only IDO-generated SQL
- SyteLine Event Log: review SLAppServer.log for timestamps, error codes, and stack traces
- Visual Studio Debugger: attach to w3wp.exe and set breakpoints in extension class methods
- Fiddler/Postman: intercept IDO HTTP requests to examine raw request and response payloads
Stop spending hours debugging IDO errors. Netray AI agents analyze error patterns, suggest fixes, and validate your error handling implementation against SyteLine best practices.
Related Resources
SyteLine IDO Extension Methods Tutorial
Master SyteLine IDO extension methods. Learn to add custom business logic to standard and custom IDOs using C# extension classes in Infor CloudSuite Industrial.
Infor SyteLineSyteLine InvokeIDO Method Scripting Examples
Practical SyteLine InvokeIDO method examples for form scripts and integrations. Call standard and custom IDO methods from scripts with parameter passing and error handling.
Infor SyteLineSyteLine Script Debugging Techniques
Debug SyteLine form scripts and global scripts effectively. Learn tracing, breakpoint strategies, and diagnostic tools for Infor CloudSuite Industrial script development.