Top Tips to Fast-Track Learning NetSuite Automation

This is the second part of this article about learning NetSuite automation using SuiteScript. Here's part 1 in case you missed it: "NetSuite Developer Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Path for Aspiring NetSuite Developers"

If you want to learn SuiteScript but only have a few hours, or even minutes, a day to study, what's most efficient way to learn in the least amount of time?

Learn two-things at the same time!

Complementary Skills for Parallel Learning

This approach to parallel learning can help you make more efficient use of your study time and see the connections between different aspects of SuiteScript programming more clearly.

1. JavaScript Fundamentals + NetSuite Platform Basics
2. SuiteScript API + Record Manipulation
3. Script Types + Debugging Techniques
4. Search and Query + SuiteScript Governance
5. NetSuite Workflows + SuiteScript Triggers
6. Integration Methods + Security and Permissions
7. Version Control + Best Practices

JavaScript Fundamentals + NetSuite Platform Basics

• Practice JavaScript syntax while exploring NetSuite's user interface
• Apply JavaScript concepts to simple NetSuite customizations (e.g., custom fields)

SuiteScript API + Record Manipulation

• Learn about the N/record module while practicing loading and manipulating records
• Explore field properties in the API while setting and getting field values

Script Types + Debugging Techniques

• Write simple scripts for each type (e.g., Client, User Event) and debug them
• Practice using console.log() and the script debugger for different script contexts

Search and Query + SuiteScript Governance

• Learn to create optimized searches while studying SuiteScript usage limits
• Practice writing search queries that balance performance and script governance

NetSuite Workflows + SuiteScript Triggers

• Design a workflow while learning how to trigger scripts at different points
• Practice creating scripts that complement and enhance workflow actions

Integration Methods + Security and Permissions

• Learn about RESTlets or Suitelets while studying NetSuite's security model
• Practice creating secure endpoints and managing script permissions

Version Control + Best Practices

• Set up a Git repository for your scripts while learning NetSuite coding standards
• Practice committing changes and writing clear commit messages aligned with best practices

Tips for Effective Parallel Learning

1. Allocate specific time slots for each pair of skills
2. Work on projects that incorporate both skills in each pair
3. Reflect on how the skills in each pair complement each other
4. Don't try to learn too many pairs simultaneously; focus on one or two at a time
5. Use NetSuite's sandbox environment to practice both skills safely

Remember: While learning in parallel can be efficient, it's important not to overwhelm yourself. If you find it challenging, it's okay to focus on one skill at a time.

If you're getting overwhelmed with learning SuiteScript, try focusing on these activities to give you early quick wins!

Quick Wins for SuiteScript Programming

Focusing on quick wins can boost your motivation and provide a solid foundation for further learning. Here are some sub-skills in SuiteScript programming that you can learn relatively quickly to achieve early successes:

Basic record loading and field manipulation

• Learn to: Load an existing record, read field values, and update fields
• Quick win: Create a simple script to update a custom field on a record
• Key API: N/record module

Simple searches

• Learn to: Perform basic searches to retrieve record information
• Quick win: Create a saved search and load results in a script
• Key API: N/search module

Client scripts for field validation

• Learn to: Write a simple client script to validate field input
• Quick win: Create a script that checks if a date field is in the future
• Key concept: Client script type

Scheduled scripts for basic automation

• Learn to: Set up a simple scheduled script
• Quick win: Create a script that sends a daily email summary
• Key concept: Scheduled script type, N/email module

User event scripts for simple automations

• Learn to: Write a basic user event script that triggers on record events
• Quick win: Create a script that sets a default value when a new record is created
• Key concept: User event script type

SuiteScript debugger basics

• Learn to: Use the SuiteScript debugger for simple troubleshooting
• Quick win: Debug a script to find and fix a basic error
• Tool: SuiteScript debugger in NetSuite

Here are some additional thoughts to consider:

1. Practical application is key: Try to create small projects or scripts that incorporate both skills you're learning in parallel. This hands-on approach will reinforce your learning and show you how these skills interact in real-world scenarios.
2. Leverage NetSuite's resources: Use SuiteAnswers, Help Center, and developer resources to find examples and documentation that cover both skills you're learning simultaneously.
3. Balance your learning: While learning in parallel can be efficient, make sure you're not sacrificing depth for breadth. It's okay to slow down and focus more on one skill if needed.
4. Adapt to your learning style: If you find that parallel learning is overwhelming, it's perfectly fine to focus on one skill at a time. Everyone learns differently, so find the approach that works best for you.
5. Review and connect: Regularly take time to review what you've learned and explicitly connect the skills you're learning in parallel. This can help solidify your understanding of how different aspects of SuiteScript programming work together.
6. Seek feedback: If possible, have a more experienced SuiteScript developer review your work. They can provide insights into how well you're integrating the skills you're learning in parallel.

If you like this article or find it helpful, please share it with so we can help support each other's SuiteScript journey.