Version Control for SyteLine Artifacts
SyteLine customizations exist in multiple formats: SQL stored procedures, IDO extension DLLs, form XML definitions, and application event scripts. Each artifact type requires a specific version control strategy. Git repositories with branching strategies adapted for ERP release cycles provide the foundation for traceable, reversible changes.
- Git repository structure: separate folders for IDO extensions, stored procedures, forms, and event handlers
- Branching strategy: main (production), release (staging), develop (active work), feature branches per change request
- SyteLine form XML exports stored in version control with diff-friendly formatting
- IDO extension C# projects with .csproj files tracked alongside SyteLine-specific build configurations
- Database migration scripts using sequential numbering for SyteLine schema and data changes
Automated Build and Test Pipelines
Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions pipelines can compile IDO extensions, validate SQL syntax, and run automated tests against a SyteLine test environment. The build pipeline catches compilation errors and breaking changes before they reach QA. Integration tests verify that customized IDOs return expected results.
- Azure DevOps build pipeline compiling IDO extension assemblies against SyteLine SDK references
- SQL syntax validation and static analysis for stored procedure changes using tools like SQLFluff
- Automated IDO integration tests calling custom LoadCollection and UpdateCollection methods
- NUnit or xUnit test projects validating SyteLine business logic in IDO extension classes
- Build artifact packaging: IDO DLLs, SQL scripts, form XMLs, and deployment manifest in a single release bundle
Deployment Automation and Environment Management
Deploying SyteLine customizations involves copying DLLs to IDO extension directories, executing SQL scripts against the SyteLine database, importing form definitions, and recycling IIS application pools. Automated deployment scripts eliminate the manual checklist and ensure consistency across environments.
- PowerShell deployment scripts: stop IIS, deploy IDO extensions, execute SQL migrations, import forms, restart IIS
- Environment-specific configuration transforms for SyteLine connection strings and parameter settings
- Rollback procedures with pre-deployment snapshots of IDO extension folders and database state
- Release gates requiring QA sign-off before production deployment pipeline execution
- Post-deployment smoke tests verifying SyteLine form loads, IDO connectivity, and critical business processes
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SyteLine Change Request Form Template
A change control form for SyteLine configuration, customization, patch and integration changes with impact analysis and rollback plan.
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