Compare Layers Form
Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012
Use this form to compare any two application object layers, including, for example, the SYS layer and the OLD SYS layer.
This form compares a source layer to a reference layer, and searches the source layer for objects that do not exist in the reference layer, and for objects that exist in the source layer but are different in the two layers.
The result of the comparison is a project that holds objects that:
Do not exist in the reference layer.
Exist in both layers but are different.
Discarding Duplicate Layers
The Compare form can be used to delete the outer layer of an object when it finds the outer layer is a duplicate of the inner layer. This is illustrated by the following steps:
Open the Application Object Tree (AOT).
Expand Data Dictionary, and then expand Tables.
Right-click the Address table node, and then select Properties.
In the Properties window, expand the drop-down list for the AOSAuthorization property. Remember the original value, and then select a different value.
Click the Address table node, and then click the save button on the toolbar.
Change the property back to its original value, and then save the table again. This makes the USR layer have all the same values the SYS layer.
Right-click the Address table node, and then click Compare. The Comparison form is displayed.
On the Name && location tab, set the first drop-down list value to the (usr) layer, and the second drop-down list value to the (sys) layer.
On the Advanced tab, select the Show differences only check box, but clear all others.
Click the Compare button. A new pane is displayed containing the comparison result.
To remove the unnecessary (usr) layer, click the link with the prefix Delete identical copy.
Fields
Field |
Description |
|---|---|
Project name |
Name of the project that is the result of the compare layers process. |
Source layer |
Layer used as a basis for the comparison. The resulting project can never hold objects that are not included in the source layer. |
Reference layer |
Layer that you want to compare to the source layer. Note You can choose OLD <layer> as the reference layer. This is useful in an upgrade situation when you want to see which application objects have changed in the new version. |
Example
The application object layer hierarchy has these layers:
USR - CUS - VAR - BUS - LOS - DIS - SYS
And a corresponding number of service pack layers. For more information about the layer structures, see Layers.
When the reference layer is a lower layer than the source layer, the reference layer automatically includes all lower layers. For example, if the USR layer is the source layer and is compared to the CUS layers as a reference layer, then the reference layer includes CUS and all layers beneath it down to SYS.
If VAR is the source layer that you want to compare to the standard application with service packs installed, choose SYP as the reference layer. The compare layers process then compares the VAR layer with the SYP and SYS layers
Tip
In a compare situation it is useful to see the layer to which each object belongs. Click Tools > Options, and on the Development tab, select Show all layers in the Application object layer list box.