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Be Prepared to Ace Your Next Job Interview with These Insider Tips
Hello and welcome, fellow .NET developers! We know that job interviews can be daunting, especially when it comes to technical questions. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you prepare for a MS Dynamics CRM interview. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and knowledge, and increase your chances of landing that dream job in no time.
Introduction: What is MS Dynamics CRM?
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a customer relationship management software that’s used by businesses to manage customer interactions, sales, marketing, and customer service. It’s a powerful tool that helps companies streamline their workflows, and make data-driven decisions to improve their operations.
If you’re a .NET developer, chances are you’ve encountered MS Dynamics CRM in one form or another. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting out, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the platform and its capabilities. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you master the most common MS Dynamics CRM interview questions and answers.
1. What is a solution in MS Dynamics CRM?
A solution is a way of packaging and distributing customizations in MS Dynamics CRM. It includes components such as entities, fields, views, forms, workflows, and plugins. Solutions can be created and exported from one environment, and then imported into another environment, such as a production or testing environment. This helps developers and administrators manage and deploy customizations more efficiently.
2. How do you create a new entity in MS Dynamics CRM?
To create a new entity in MS Dynamics CRM, you can use the entity customization tool in the platform’s web interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to MS Dynamics CRM and navigate to the Settings area. |
| 2 | Select “Customizations,” then “Customize the System.” |
| 3 | Click on “Entities,” then “New.” |
| 4 | Fill out the required fields for the new entity, such as “Display Name,” “Plural Name,” and “Primary Field.” |
| 5 | Click “Save” to create the new entity. |
3. What is a plugin in MS Dynamics CRM, and how do you create one?
A plugin is a custom component that’s used to extend the functionality of MS Dynamics CRM. It can be used to execute custom code when specific actions occur, such as creating or updating a record, or retrieving data from the platform. Plugins can be created using the MS Dynamics CRM SDK, which is a set of tools and libraries that allows developers to build custom solutions for the platform.
Here’s a high-level overview of how to create a plugin:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download and install the MS Dynamics CRM SDK. |
| 2 | Open Visual Studio and create a new project. |
| 3 | Add the necessary references to the project, such as the Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.dll and Microsoft.Crm.Sdk.Proxy.dll. |
| 4 | Implement the plugin code using the SDK. |
| 5 | Build the plugin and deploy it to the MS Dynamics CRM environment. |
4. What is a workflow in MS Dynamics CRM?
A workflow is a set of instructions that automate a specific business process in MS Dynamics CRM. Workflows can be used to automate tasks such as sending emails, creating records, or updating fields based on predefined conditions. They can be triggered by various events, such as the creation or update of a record, or the occurrence of a specific date or time.
5. How do you debug a plugin in MS Dynamics CRM?
Debugging a plugin in MS Dynamics CRM can be a bit tricky, but there are a few steps you can follow to make the process smoother. Here’s an overview:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enable tracing on the MS Dynamics CRM server. |
| 2 | Attach Visual Studio to the CRM server process. |
| 3 | Set breakpoints in the plugin code. |
| 4 | Trigger the plugin and wait for the breakpoint to be hit. |
| 5 | Step through the code using the Visual Studio debugger. |
6. What is the difference between a synchronous and asynchronous plugin?
A synchronous plugin executes immediately after a specific action occurs in MS Dynamics CRM, such as creating or updating a record. It runs in the same process as the CRM server, and its execution can impact the performance of the system. An asynchronous plugin, on the other hand, runs outside of the main CRM process, which means it doesn’t affect the performance of the system. It’s usually used for non-critical operations, such as sending emails or updating related records.
7. How do you create a custom workflow activity in MS Dynamics CRM?
A custom workflow activity is a reusable component that can be used in workflows to perform specific actions. Here’s a quick guide on how to create one:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Visual Studio and create a new class library project. |
| 2 | Add the necessary references to the project, such as the Microsoft.Xrm.Sdk.dll and Microsoft.Crm.Sdk.Proxy.dll. |
| 3 | Implement the custom workflow code using the SDK. |
| 4 | Build the project and deploy it to the MS Dynamics CRM environment. |
| 5 | Register the custom workflow activity with MS Dynamics CRM using the platform’s web interface. |
8. How do you use web resources in MS Dynamics CRM?
Web resources are files that can be used in MS Dynamics CRM to provide additional functionality, such as Javascript files, CSS files, or images. Here’s a brief guide on how to use web resources:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to MS Dynamics CRM and navigate to the Settings area. |
| 2 | Select “Customizations,” then “Customize the System.” |
| 3 | Click on “Web Resources,” then “New.” |
| 4 | Choose the type of web resource you want to create, such as a Javascript file or CSS file. |
| 5 | Enter the necessary details, such as the name, description, and content of the web resource. |
| 6 | Save the web resource, and then reference it in your customizations using its unique name. |
9. What is the difference between a view and a form in MS Dynamics CRM?
A view is a way of displaying a list of records in MS Dynamics CRM, based on specific criteria. It can be customized to show different columns, filters, and sorting options. A form, on the other hand, is a way of displaying and editing a single record in MS Dynamics CRM. It can also be customized to show different fields, tabs, and sections. Views and forms are both essential components of the platform, and understanding their differences is key to building effective customizations.
10. What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged solution in MS Dynamics CRM?
A managed solution is a packaged solution that’s designed to be deployed to a production environment. It can’t be modified directly, and its components can’t be edited or removed. An unmanaged solution, on the other hand, is a solution that can be modified directly, and its components can be edited or removed. Unmanaged solutions are usually used in development or testing environments, while managed solutions are used in production environments to ensure consistency and stability.
11. How do you use plugins to intercept data changes in MS Dynamics CRM?
Plugins can be used to intercept data changes in MS Dynamics CRM, such as when a record is created or updated. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a plugin that’s triggered by the “Pre-Operation” event of the desired entity. |
| 2 | Implement the plugin code to retrieve the current state of the record, and the proposed changes. |
| 3 | Compare the current state and the proposed changes to determine if any data has been modified. |
| 4 | If data has been modified, implement the necessary logic to handle the changes. |
12. How do you use business rules in MS Dynamics CRM?
Business rules are a way of defining and enforcing business logic in MS Dynamics CRM, without the need for custom code. They can be used to enforce data validation rules, implement calculated fields, or show or hide fields based on specific conditions. Here’s a brief guide on how to use business rules:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to MS Dynamics CRM and navigate to the entity you want to create the business rule for. |
| 2 | Click on “Business Rules,” then “New.” |
| 3 | Enter the necessary details for the business rule, such as the name and description. |
| 4 | Add the necessary components to the business rule, such as conditions, actions, and recommendations. |
| 5 | Save and publish the business rule. |
13. How do you use connections in MS Dynamics CRM?
Connections are a way of linking records in MS Dynamics CRM, such as accounts, contacts, or opportunities. They can be used to show relationships between records, such as who referred a lead or who is working on a contract. Here’s a quick guide on how to use connections:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to MS Dynamics CRM and navigate to the record you want to create a connection for. |
| 2 | Click on “Connections,” then “New Connection.” |
| 3 | Choose the type of connection you want to create, such as a “Referral” or “Working On” connection. |
| 4 | Select the record you want to connect to, and enter any additional details, such as the reason for the connection. |
| 5 | Save the connection. |
Conclusion: Go Forth and Conquer Your Next MS Dynamics CRM Interview
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of our guide! We hope that you’ve found these MS Dynamics CRM interview questions and answers helpful, and that you feel more confident and prepared for your next interview. Remember, the key to success is practice, so make sure to review these concepts and try them out on your own. Good luck, and happy interviewing!
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified expert before making any decisions related to your career or business.
