In this blogpost, we will understand the “Object reference not set to an instance of an object” error in Dynamics 365 CRM/CE and Model-Driven Apps. Before we begin, ensure you subscribe to CRM Crate to remain informed about the latest developments in the Power Platform field.

If you’ve worked with Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CE), Model-Driven Apps, or any .NET-based platform, you’ve likely encountered the infamous error: “Object reference not set to an instance of an object.” While it may seem cryptic to beginners, understanding this error is key to debugging and building robust solutions. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what this error means, why it occurs, and how to troubleshoot and prevent it in the context of Dynamics 365 CRM and Model-Driven Apps.

What Does the Error Mean?

The error “Object reference not set to an instance of an object” is a runtime exception in .NET that occurs when your code attempts to access a property, method, or field on an object that hasn’t been initialized. In simpler terms, you’re trying to use something that is currently null.

For example:

string name = null;
Console.WriteLine(name.Length); // Throws the error

In this example, name is null, and accessing its Length property throws the error.

Why Does This Happen in Dynamics 365 CRM / Power Apps?

In Dynamics 365 CRM and Model-Driven Apps (Power Apps), this error can occur for several reasons, including:

1. Uninitialized Variables or Objects:
   • Attempting to access fields, properties, or entities that haven’t been instantiated.
2. Missing Data in Context:
   • Referencing a field or related entity that doesn’t exist in the current data record.
3. Misconfigured Plugins or Workflows:
   • Plugins or workflows failing because the expected data isn’t passed from the triggering event.
4. Faulty Customizations:
   • JavaScript code, ribbon customizations, or form scripts referencing controls or data that don’t exist on the form.
5. Incorrect API Calls:
   • Web API or SDK calls failing due to invalid parameters or missing entities.

Common Scenarios in Dynamics 365

Here are a few scenarios where you might encounter this error and how to resolve them:

Error in Plugins

Example: A plugin throws an error when trying to retrieve a related entity record that doesn’t exist.

Code Snippet:

EntityReference accountRef = (EntityReference)targetEntity.Attributes["accountid"];
Entity account = service.Retrieve("account", accountRef.Id, new ColumnSet("name"));
string accountName = account["name"].ToString();

Potential Issue: The accountid attribute is missing in targetEntity.

Solution: Add a null check for the attribute as shown below.

if (targetEntity.Attributes.Contains("accountid")) {
    EntityReference accountRef = (EntityReference)targetEntity["accountid"];
    // Proceed with further logic
}

Error in JavaScript

Example: A form script references a field that isn’t present on the form.

Code Snippet:

var value = formContext.getAttribute("customfield").getValue();

Potential Issue: customfield is not added to the form.

Solution: Check if the attribute exists before accessing it as shown below.

if (formContext.getAttribute("customfield")) {
    var value = formContext.getAttribute("customfield").getValue();
}

Preventing the Error

1. Null Checks: Always check for null before accessing objects or their properties.
2. Use Default Values: Assign default values to avoid null references.
3. Design Defensive Code: Assume data might be incomplete or missing, especially in plugins and workflows.
4. Validate Configurations: Ensure that form customizations, workflows, and integrations are correctly configured to provide the expected data.
5. Follow Best Practices: Adhere to Dynamics 365 development best practices and coding standards to minimize errors.
   

The “Object reference not set to an instance of an object” error can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to improve your debugging and coding skills. By understanding the root causes and applying robust coding practices, you can minimize its occurrence in Dynamics 365 CRM/CE and Model-Driven Apps. Remember, defensive programming and thorough testing are your best allies in building reliable solutions.

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Telegram