If you’ve ever tried learning X++, Microsoft’s not-so-modern language used in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, chances are you’ve felt the same frustration I did:
- Endless dry documentation
- Overly complex GitHub codebases with no comments
- Tutorials that assume you already work at Microsoft
You don’t need more theory. You need real-life, beginner-friendly X++ examples — stuff that mimics actual business use cases.
Why Are Practical X++ Examples So Hard to Find?
Three reasons:
- X++ is niche — it’s mainly used in enterprise ERP systems, not the open dev world.
- Many devs never share their code — they work in private Dynamics projects.
- Microsoft’s docs are great for APIs but bad for real-world learning.
So to learn it, you’ll need to dig into corners most people overlook.
1. GitHub Repos with Actual X++ Customizations
Try these search terms on GitHub:
- Dynamics 365 FO X++
- AX2012 customization
- D365FO extension examples
- SysOperation X++ example
Look for repos with:
- A src folder containing classes, tables, and forms
- Clear naming like SalesOrderEventHandler or CustomFormButtonLogic
- Projects with .xpp or .xml files from Visual Studio
Don’t just copy-paste. Read the comments (if any), follow the naming, and try to recreate it from scratch in your dev box.
2. Microsoft’s Official Learning Paths
Most Microsoft Learn content is dry — but a few modules include copy-pasteable, working code.
Start with:
- “Develop with X++” on Microsoft Learn
- → learn.microsoft.com
Look for exercises with:
- Runnable class creation
- Form customizations
- Table methods like initValue() or validateWrite()
Skip the reading-heavy pages. Go straight to the “Try it yourself” sections and start typing.
3. Build These 3 Simple Projects
Sometimes, the best way to learn is to build something slightly dumb but functional. Here are 3 that helped me “get” X++:
Project 1: Custom Job That Logs Overdue Invoices
Learn:
- Loops
- Select statements
- Info() messages
Project 2: New Field on Sales Order Form with Validation
Learn:
- Form extensions
- Event handlers
- UI-to-backend mapping
Project 3: Simple Batch Job That Runs Every Hour
Learn:
- SysOperation framework
- Service and Controller classes
- Scheduling via batch jobs
These aren’t just exercises — they’re interview-proof knowledge. Build them once, and explain them forever.
4. Reddit and LinkedIn Dev Communities
You’d be surprised how many junior and senior X++ devs hang out on:
- r/Dynamics365 on Reddit
- LinkedIn Dynamics dev groups
- Private Slack/Discord channels (ask to join — people are usually welcoming)
Ask things like: “Does anyone have a basic class that shows how to update a table using a form input?”
You’ll often get actual code snippets, not just links to docs.
5. YouTube Channels That Show, Not Just Tell
Most corporate training videos? But a few YouTube creators explain X++ with real demos. Try searching:
- X++ beginner examples
- Dynamics 365 development walkthrough
- D365 FO batch job tutorial
Look for creators who:
- Walk through Visual Studio in real-time.
- Explain each line as they go.
- Build something that runs, not just compiles.
Pause the video often. Type everything yourself. Modify and break it. That’s how the real learning happens.
You Learn X++ by Breaking Things
Stop waiting for a perfect tutorial. X++ is weird, messy, and tightly coupled to a platform built for enterprise accountants. You’ll be able to build features that move actual millions through real businesses. The secret is simple: copy less, build more. Find examples, yes — but don’t just read them. Rebuild them. Break them. Make them yours.
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