Print Statements

Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

X++ provides a print statement that allows you to display text or selected results in a temporary window. The messages are displayed in a Print window that appears when the first print statement is executed.

The print statement can be a convenient alternative to the Global::info method during testing. The info method displays text in the Infolog window. The following table compares the print statement against the Global::info method.

Feature	Print statement	Info method
Ease of invocation	The Print statement automatically converts various data types to strings. It can convert multiple data types in one invocation.	The Info method requires that the input parameter be a string.
Copy to clipboard	The Print window contents cannot be copied to the clipboard. You cannot give the Print window focus.	Infolog contents are easily copied to the clipboard.
Scope of lifetime	The Print window closes when the X++ job ends. Therefore, always write a pause statement at the end of the job, whenever a print statement occurs in the job. Otherwise the Print window contents will display too briefly to be read. The pause statement displays a dialog with buttons labeled Yes and No. Click Yes if the job should continue beyond the pause statement.	The Infolog window persists for the whole client session.
Size and location	The Print window can be a specific size, and in a specific location on the screen. For example, consider the following X++ window at statement: window 55,4 at 22,3; The following list explains the meaning of each numeric parameter: 55 – the maximum character length per line in the Print window. 4 – the number of lines the Print window can fit in its display. The Print window has no scrollbars, and you cannot give the Print window focus. 22 – the location on the horizontal x-axis of the client area for the upper left corner of the Print window. 3 – the location on the vertical y-axis of the client area for the upper left corner of the Print window.	The Infolog window is sized and placed by the system.
Common usage	The Print statement is used for convenience during testing. It can help you debug small problems without needing to run a formal debugger.	The Info method is appropriate for use in production.

X++ Code Example

The following X++ job demonstrates that the print statement automatically converts any data type to a string. To create a job in the AOT, right-click the Jobs node, and then click New Job.

    static void PrintJob2(Args _args)
    {
        str s1 = "Hello";
        int n2 = 42;
        utcDateTime udt3 = DateTimeUtil::utcNow();
        Dialog dlog4 = new Dialog();
    
        window 55,4 at 22,3;
    
        print "The print statement automatically converts data types to strings.";
        print s1, " -- ", n2, " -- ", udt3, " -- ", dlog4;
        
        pause;
        
        Global::info("User clicked 'Yes' to continue to this call to info.");
        info(int2Str(n2)); // int2Str converter is needed.
    }
    
    /***  Output to the Print window:
    The print statement automatically converts data types to strings.
    Hello -- 42 -- 10/3/2011 09:18:10 pm -- 1
    ***/
    
    /***  Output to Infolog window:
    Message (02:18:10 pm)
    User clicked 'Yes' to continue to this call to info.
    ***/

See also

Statements and Loops

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