What is SuiteScript?

SuiteScript is NetSuite's JavaScript-based API that enables developers to extend and customize the platform beyond its native capabilities. It provides programmatic access to NetSuite data, business logic, and user interface components.

When to Use SuiteScript

Before writing code, evaluate whether your requirement can be met through configuration. SuiteScript should be used when native features are insufficient.

Script Types Overview

Governance Model

NetSuite uses a governance system to ensure fair resource allocation. Each script execution is allocated governance units, and API calls consume these units.

Common API Governance Costs

Operation                               Units
--------------------------------------------------
record.load()                           10
record.save()                           20
record.delete()                         20
search.create().run()                   10
search.lookupFields()                   1
email.send()                            20
http.request()                          10
file.load()                             10

Script Deployment

Every script requires two components: the Script record and the Script Deployment record.

What Are User Event Scripts?

User Event scripts run on the server whenever a record is loaded, created, edited, or deleted. They execute automatically with record operations—no user action required.

Entry Point Details

beforeLoad

Executes before the record form is displayed. Use for UI modifications.

beforeSubmit

Executes before the record is written to the database. Perfect for validation and data transformation.

afterSubmit

Executes after the record is saved. Use for operations that require the saved record ID.

Client Script Overview

Client Scripts execute in the user's browser when interacting with NetSuite forms. They provide immediate feedback, enforce business rules before submission, and create dynamic user experiences.

Client Script Entry Points

Scheduled Script Overview

Scheduled Scripts run on a defined schedule (daily, hourly, or specific times) to perform background processing without user interaction. They're ideal for batch operations, data cleanup, and scheduled integrations.

Common Use Cases

Map/Reduce Overview

Map/Reduce scripts process large data sets by breaking work into parallel stages. They automatically manage governance, handle failures, and scale across NetSuite's infrastructure.

The Four Stages

Suitelet Overview

Suitelets are server-side scripts that generate custom UI pages. They can display forms, process user input, and perform any NetSuite operation.

Common Suitelet Use Cases

• Custom data entry wizards
• Bulk update tools
• Reporting dashboards
• Integration configuration pages
• Customer portals (with "Available Without Login")

Restlet Overview

Restlets provide RESTful API endpoints for external integrations. They handle HTTP GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests.

Restlet Authentication

Workflow Fundamentals

SuiteFlow is NetSuite's visual workflow builder that automates business processes without coding. Workflows consist of states, transitions, and actions that execute based on triggers and conditions.

Workflows vs SuiteScript

Workflow Components

Trigger Types

Approval Workflow Pattern

Approvals are the most common workflow use case. The standard pattern includes states for Draft, Pending Approval, Manager Review, Approved, and Rejected.

Multi-Level Approval Configuration

Workflow Actions

Field Actions

• Set Field Value: Update any field on the record
• Set Field Display Type: Make field hidden, disabled, or normal
• Set Field Mandatory: Make field required or optional

Communication Actions

• Send Email: Send email notifications with templates
• Add Note: Create note on record

Record Actions

• Create Record: Create new related record (task, event, custom)
• Transform Record: Convert to another record type
• Lock Record: Prevent editing of approved records

Advanced Actions

• Custom Action: Execute SuiteScript for complex logic
• Initiate Workflow: Trigger another workflow
• Return User Error: Show error message for validation

Formula Overview

Formulas provide a code-free way to create calculated values in NetSuite. They use SQL-like syntax and can be used in saved searches, workflow conditions, and custom fields.

Formula Locations

Common Formula Functions

Text Functions

• CONCAT(field1, ' ', field2) — Combine text values
• SUBSTR(field, start, length) — Extract substring
• UPPER(field) / LOWER(field) — Change case
• NVL(field, 'default') — Handle null values

Numeric Functions

• ROUND(value, decimals) — Round to decimal places
• ABS(value) — Absolute value
• NVL(field, 0) — Replace null with zero

Date Functions

• SYSDATE — Current date
• ADD_MONTHS(date, n) — Add months to date
• TRUNC(date) — Remove time portion
• date2 - date1 — Days between dates

Conditional Logic

• CASE WHEN condition THEN value1 ELSE value2 END
• DECODE(field, match1, result1, match2, result2, default)
• NVL2(field, if_not_null, if_null)