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Marcos Mansilla

SuiteScript 2.1: The Evolution of NetSuite Development and the Importance of Partner-Led Customizations

If you’ve been working with NetSuite for a while, you’ve probably encountered SuiteScript—the development framework that allows you to customize and extend the platform. As JavaScript has evolved and customer needs have grown, NetSuite has updated its scripting language, and today, SuiteScript 2.1 is the recommended standard.

But what makes this version special? And why is it crucial for a partner to take control of customizations in a NetSuite environment? Let’s break it down.

SuiteScript 2.1 - The Evolution of NetSuite Development - UnlockCommerce

Table of Contents

What Is SuiteScript 2.1 and What Makes It Different?

SuiteScript 2.1 is an evolution of SuiteScript 2.0, bringing key improvements that make development up-to-date and efficient. Some of its standout features include:

ES.Next Compatibility: This means we can use async/await, destructuring, spread operators, and many other advanced JavaScript features.

Better Promise Handling: SuiteScript 2.0 used a somewhat cumbersome syntax for promises, but 2.1 simplifies this with async/await, making code cleaner and easier to read.

Improved Script Performance: Thanks to execution enhancements, SuiteScript 2.1 scripts can run faster and more efficiently.

Backward Compatibility with 2.0: You don’t have to rewrite all your old code; SuiteScript 2.1 maintains compatibility with 2.0 while allowing you to take advantage of new features when needed.

In short, SuiteScript 2.1 enables developers to write cleaner, more contemporary, and efficient code, leading to better performance and maintainability.

Why Should a Partner Take Control of Customizations?

Customizing NetSuite isn’t just about writing code; it’s about creating scalable, secure, and future-proof solutions. Here’s why a specialized NetSuite partner is indispensable:

1. Avoiding Unnecessary Technical Debt

When an internal team without NetSuite experience develops scripts without following best practices, the result is often difficult-to-maintain code full of workarounds. Over time, this creates technical debt, leading to bugs, performance issues, and headaches with every update. A partner with experience can design scalable solutions and prevent these problems.

2. Adapting to NetSuite’s Changes

NetSuite updates twice a year, and each update can introduce changes that impact custom scripts. A partner is aware of these changes in advance and ensures that everything continues to work smoothly. Poorly maintained code or scripts written without considering NetSuite’s roadmap can break overnight.

3. Optimizing Performance

SuiteScript has limits on CPU consumption and execution time. Poorly optimized code can cause scripts to time out before completion, disrupting critical business processes. A partner knows how to optimize code to prevent these issues and maximize NetSuite’s resources.

4. Security and Best Practices

NetSuite handles critical business data, meaning poorly implemented scripts can introduce vulnerabilities or unauthorized access. A partner understands how to implement proper controls to protect information and ensure compliance with security best practices.

5. Saving Time and Costs in the Long Run

Developing in-house might seem cheaper, but in the long run, errors, maintenance, and rewrites end up costing more. A partner ensures that solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with business needs, avoiding unnecessary expenses in the future.

More Than Just Code, a Long-Term Strategy

SuiteScript 2.1 allows us to write more up-to-date and efficient code, but that means nothing if it’s not well-designed from the start. NetSuite is a powerful platform, but to maximize its potential, customizations must be built by experts who understand the ecosystem and its constant evolution.

If your business relies on NetSuite, don’t leave customizations to chance. Having a specialized partner not only ensures high-quality code but also gives you peace of mind that your system will evolve smoothly and remain aligned with industry best practices.

At the end of the day, when it comes to NetSuite, code matters, but strategy matters even more.

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Marcos Mansilla

Engineering Manager at UnlockCommerce, with a robust background in software development and team leadership. Marcos specializes in guiding engineering teams to deliver high-quality, scalable, and efficient solutions tailored to meet client needs. His expertise in SuiteCommerce and Shopify and deep understanding of NetSuite and eCommerce systems ensure seamless execution and innovative results for our clients. Marcos is dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving excellence across all technical initiatives.

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