Configuring the Mongoose Development Environment
Install the Mongoose SDK from the Infor Download Center matching your SyteLine version. The SDK includes the Form Designer, IDO Designer, Script Editor, and deployment tools. Configure the development environment by pointing to your SyteLine Application Server instance in the SDK connection settings.
config file stores server URLs, authentication settings, and project workspace paths. Create a new Mongoose project workspace to organize your custom forms, IDOs, and scripts separately from the base SyteLine application for clean upgrade paths.
- Install Mongoose SDK version matching your SyteLine release (e.g., SDK 10.11 for CSI 10.11) from Infor Download Center
- Configure Mongoose.config with ApplicationServerURL pointing to https://[server]/IDORequestService/RequestService.svc
- Create a dedicated customization project namespace (e.g., CUSTOM_) to isolate modifications from base SyteLine objects
- Set up source control integration with Git or SVN for version tracking of form XML, IDO definitions, and script files
Developing Custom Forms and IDO Extensions
Launch the Mongoose Form Designer to create or modify SyteLine forms. Forms are defined in XML markup with data bindings to IDO properties. Use the Visual Designer for drag-and-drop layout or the XML Editor for precise control.
Extend existing IDOs by adding custom properties, methods, and event handlers through the IDO Designer. Custom IDO methods can call stored procedures, execute SQL queries, or invoke external web services. The SLIDOs, SLIDOProperties, and SLIDOMethods tables store all IDO metadata for runtime resolution.
- Design forms using GridLayout, StackPanel, and TabControl containers with data-bound controls like EditField and ComboBox
- Add custom IDO properties mapped to database columns or calculated expressions using the IDO Property Editor
- Create IDO methods with C# or VB.NET script handlers for complex business logic that exceeds form-level scripting
- Implement IDO event handlers (SetPropertyValue, LoadCollection, InsertItem) for validation and automation triggers
Deploying and Managing Mongoose Customizations
Deploy customizations to the SyteLine server using the Mongoose Deployment Utility. Package forms, IDOs, and scripts into deployment bundles that can be applied to development, test, and production environments. The deployment process updates the SLForms, SLIDOs, and SLScripts tables with new or modified definitions.
Use the SyteLine Application Configuration form to manage form visibility, menu placement, and user role access for deployed custom forms. Always deploy to a test environment first and validate before promoting to production.
- Create deployment packages in Mongoose SDK containing all dependent forms, IDOs, scripts, and configuration changes
- Use the SyteLine Deploy Tool to push packages to target environments with rollback capability for failed deployments
- Register custom forms in the SyteLine Menu Maintenance form under appropriate module menus for user discovery
- Configure form-level security in Security > Form Permissions to restrict access based on SyteLine user groups and roles
Try it here, free
SyteLine Customization Technical Debt Scorer
Measure how much upgrade drag, risk, and maintenance cost your SyteLine customizations have accumulated, and learn where to pay it down first.
Frequently asked questions
What programming languages does Mongoose support for SyteLine scripting?
Mongoose supports C# and VB.NET for server-side IDO method scripting and event handlers. Form-level scripting uses the Mongoose Script Engine with a simplified syntax based on C#. Client-side scripts run in the Mongoose framework runtime while server-side scripts execute on the Application Server. Most new development uses C# which provides access to the full .NET framework with approximately 200 base IDO classes available for extension.
Can Mongoose customizations survive SyteLine version upgrades?
Yes, if properly namespaced. Custom objects using a dedicated prefix (e.g., CUSTOM_ or CST_) are preserved during upgrades because the upgrade process only replaces base SyteLine objects. However, customizations that modify base forms or IDOs directly may be overwritten. Best practice is to use overlay forms and IDO extensions rather than direct modifications, reducing upgrade conflicts by approximately 90% compared to direct edits.
Is Mongoose required for all SyteLine customizations?
Mongoose is required for form customizations, IDO extensions, and server-side scripting in SyteLine 10.x and CloudSuite Industrial. Simple configuration changes like adding user-defined fields, modifying workflows, or creating report parameters can be done through SyteLine's built-in administration forms without Mongoose SDK. Approximately 60-70% of typical customization requests can be addressed through configuration rather than development.
Looking for experienced Mongoose developers for your SyteLine customization project? Netray provides skilled CloudSuite Industrial development resources.