Introducing the beforeUndeploy Hook: Streamlining SuiteApp Uninstallation

Overview of the beforeUndeploy Hook

Starting with NetSuite version 2026.1, developers have access to a new installation hook known as beforeUndeploy. This powerful feature allows you to execute custom logic right before a SuiteApp is removed from a NetSuite account. With this enhancement, you can ensure that your application's uninstallation process is smooth, preventing orphaned records and unnecessary clutter in the system.

Purpose and Utility

The beforeUndeploy hook enables you to take care of essential housekeeping tasks just prior to the removal of your SuiteApp. Here are some typical operations you might want to perform:

• Deleting custom records that were created by the SuiteApp.
• Removing associated files and folders to free up storage space.
• Cleaning up dependent objects or configurations related to the SuiteApp.

In essence, this feature gives you greater control over the deployment lifecycle of your SuiteApp, enhancing the overall user experience.

Implementation Steps

To utilize the beforeUndeploy hook, you will need to specify it in a new configuration file called application.xml, which should be placed in the root directory of your SuiteApp project, alongside other key files like manifest.xml and deploy.xml. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Create the application.xml File

If you haven’t done so already, create an application.xml file in the root of your SuiteApp project.

Step 2: Define the Hook

In your application.xml, you will define a new section under the <hooks> element as follows:

<hooks>
    <beforeUndeploy>
        <script>yourScriptName.js</script>
    </beforeUndeploy>
</hooks>

In the example above, replace yourScriptName.js with the actual name of your SDF installation script that contains the logic to execute during the uninstallation process.

Step 3: Write Your Logic

You will need to ensure that the installation script defined in the beforeUndeploy section contains all the necessary logic you want to run. This can include calls to SuiteScript APIs to delete records, or any other pertinent cleanup tasks.

Step 4: Testing

Before deploying your SuiteApp, make sure to thoroughly test the beforeUndeploy logic in a sandbox environment. This is crucial as improper handling during uninstallation might lead to data loss or integrity issues within the account.

Considerations and Best Practices

When dealing with the beforeUndeploy hook, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Backup: Always perform data backups before testing uninstall processes.
• Error Handling: Implement robust error handling within your scripts to manage exceptions gracefully during the uninstallation process.
• Documentation: Clearly document the actions performed by the beforeUndeploy logic, so future developers understand its impact.

Key Takeaways

• The beforeUndeploy hook in NetSuite 2026.1 allows for custom logic to run before a SuiteApp is uninstalled.
• Define this hook in an application.xml file within your SuiteApp project structure.
• Implement thorough testing to avoid any potential issues during SuiteApp removal.
• Follow best practices like error handling and documentation for a smooth development workflow.