Learn how to centralize environment-related variables in NetSuite SuiteScript using a shared module, with examples, benefits, and implementation steps.
Introduction
Managing environment-specific variables (such as script IDs, deployment IDs, and folder IDs) is a common challenge in NetSuite SuiteScript development. Hardcoding these values in multiple scripts can lead to maintenance headaches and errors, especially when moving between sandbox, production, or other environments.
A best practice is to centralize these variables in a shared library module. This article explains the benefits, shows how to implement a shared environment variable library, and demonstrates how to use it in your SuiteScript projects.
Why Centralize Environment Variables?
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Maintainability: Update environment-specific values in one place, not scattered across scripts.
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Consistency: Prevent mismatches and typos by referencing a single source of truth.
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Environment Awareness: Easily support multiple environments (sandbox, production, etc.) with clear separation.
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Reusability: Share the same configuration across Client Scripts, User Event Scripts, Suitelets, and more.
Solution Overview
The approach is to create a SuiteScript module (library) that exports a function to retrieve environment variables based on the current NetSuite environment. Other scripts can then define this module as a dependency and use its getter function.
Example: Shared Environment Variable Library
1. Environment Variable Library Script
/** * @NApiVersion 2.1 *///can reference env type with https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/section_4296647065.html//use the possible values: SANDBOX, PRODUCTION, BETA, INTERNAL as keys for environment variablesdefine(['N/runtime'], (runtime) => { const ENV_VAR = { "SANDBOX": { COMPANY_ID: 'YOUR_SANDBOX_COMPANY_ID', SAVE_FILE_SCRIPT_ID: 'YOUR_SANDBOX_SCRIPT_ID', SAVE_FILE_FOLDER_ID: 'YOUR_SANDBOX_FOLDER_ID', // ...other variables... }, "PRODUCTION": { COMPANY_ID: 'YOUR_PRODUCTION_COMPANY_ID', SAVE_FILE_SCRIPT_ID: 'YOUR_PRODUCTION_SCRIPT_ID', SAVE_FILE_FOLDER_ID: 'YOUR_PRODUCTION_FOLDER_ID', // ...other variables... } // Add other environments as needed }; function get(key) { const environment = runtime.envType; return ENV_VAR[environment] && ENV_VAR[environment][key]; } return { get };});
Key Points: - Uses the N/runtime module to detect the current environment. - Stores variables in a structured object by environment. - Exposes a get(key) function for easy access.
2. Using the Shared Library in SuiteScript
You can use this shared library in any SuiteScript file by adding it as a dependency in the define array.
Example: Adding a Button with Environment Variables
/**
* @NApiVersion 2.1
* @NScriptType UserEventScript
*/
define(['N/url', './Env_Var_Library'], (url, envVar) => {
const beforeLoad = (scriptContext) => {
if (scriptContext.type === scriptContext.UserEventType.VIEW) {
let suiteletURL = url.resolveScript({
scriptId: envVar.get('SAVE_FILE_SCRIPT_ID'),
deploymentId: envVar.get('SAVE_FILE_DEPLOYMENT_ID'),
returnExternalUrl: false,
params: { recordId: scriptContext.newRecord.id }
});
scriptContext.form.addButton({
id: 'custpage_save_file_button',
label: 'Save File',
functionName: `function
saveFile(){window.open('${suiteletURL}', '_blank');} saveFile`
});
}
};
return { beforeLoad };
});
Benefits: - No hardcoded script or deployment IDs. - Seamless switching between environments.
How to Implement
- Create the Shared Library:
Place your environment variable library in a central location (e.g., /SuiteScripts/Shared/Env_Var_Library.js). - Reference in Scripts:
Add the library as a dependency in your SuiteScript files using the define - Access Variables:
Use get('VARIABLE_NAME') to retrieve values. - Update as Needed:
When environment values change, update only the shared library.
Summary
Centralizing environment variables in a shared SuiteScript library improves maintainability, consistency, and scalability of your NetSuite customizations. By referencing a single source for environment-specific values, you reduce errors and simplify deployments across sandbox, production, and other environments.
Adopt this pattern to streamline your SuiteScript projects and make your codebase easier to manage.
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