Dataverse Data Magic: Actions vs Web API Demystified

Actions and Web API are two different concepts within Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CRM) that serve distinct purposes but can sometimes be confused due to their similar usage in customization and automation. Let's demystify these two concepts:



### Actions:

1. Purpose:  

   - Actions allow developers to define custom operations or business logic that can be executed by users or workflows.

   - They encapsulate a set of operations and can accept parameters and return values.

   - Actions are often used to perform complex operations that involve multiple entities or require custom processing.


2. Usage:  

   - Actions are typically invoked programmatically through code or by triggering them from workflows or plugins.

   - They can be used to automate specific business processes or integrate with external systems.

   - Actions can be called from client-side scripts, plugins, custom workflow activities, or other actions.


3. Implementation:  

   - Actions are defined in the customization area of Dynamics 365 and are created using the built-in customization tools.

   - Developers define the input and output parameters, specify the steps to be executed, and set the appropriate security roles.



### Web API:


1. Purpose:  

   - The Web API provides a programming interface that allows external applications to interact with Dynamics 365 data and metadata.

   - It enables developers to perform CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) on entities, execute queries, and perform other actions remotely.


2. Usage:  

   - The Web API is accessed using HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supports standard OData query syntax for filtering, sorting, and pagination.

   - It can be used to integrate Dynamics 365 with external systems, build custom portals, or develop mobile applications that interact with CRM data.


3. Implementation:  

   - Developers can make HTTP requests to the Web API endpoint provided by Dynamics 365, passing appropriate headers, parameters, and payloads.

   - Authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as OAuth 2.0, are used to secure access to the Web API endpoints.


### Key Differences:


- Purpose:   Actions are primarily used to encapsulate custom business logic, while the Web API is used for data access and integration.

- Invocation:   Actions are invoked explicitly, while the Web API is accessed through HTTP requests.

- Complexity:   Actions can involve complex business logic and parameter passing, while the Web API provides a more straightforward interface for CRUD operations.


In summary, while both Actions and the Web API provide mechanisms for customization and automation in Dynamics 365 CRM, they serve different purposes and are used in distinct scenarios based on the requirements of the application or integration project. Understanding the differences between them is essential for effectively designing and implementing Dynamics 365 solutions.


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