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Programmatic Languages35% of the exam

SSJS Platform functions versus Core library

How server-side JavaScript is declared and loaded, where Platform functions and Core library objects may run, how values pass between SSJS and AMPscript, and how to read data extensions, personalization strings and HTTP responses in SSJS.

Official exam objective
Given a scenario, demonstrate knowledge of AMPscript and SSJS language syntax and functions.

~6 min read · 6 practice questions ·

What the exam expects

  • Read and fix the <script runat="server"> declaration and its optional attributes.
  • Decide whether a requirement calls for Platform functions or the Core library, given where the code runs (email, CloudPage, application).
  • Pass values between SSJS and AMPscript with Platform.Variable.SetValue() and GetValue(), and print them with SSJS personalization strings.
  • Look up data extension values with Platform.Function.Lookup() and retrieve rows with Core DataExtension objects.
  • Call an external endpoint with HTTP.Get() or HTTP.Post() and parse the JSON body.
  • Key terms: Platform functions (SSJS objects that run in messages, CloudPages and landing pages without loading a library); Core library (SSJS objects loaded with Platform.Load() for landing pages and applications); personalization string (a ctrl: tag that outputs an attribute, variable or expression); ordinal (a parameter's position in a function call).

Key facts

Missing runat="server"
Detail
The browser tries to run the code, causing errors
Source
SSJS Syntax Guide (opens in a new tab)
Script tag defaults
Detail
language JavaScript; ExecutionContextType Get
Source
SSJS Syntax Guide (opens in a new tab)
In email
Detail
AMPscript or Platform functions only
Source
Server-Side JavaScript (opens in a new tab)
Core library load
Detail
Platform.Load("Core","1") before Core objects
Source
SSJS Syntax Guide (opens in a new tab)
Platform performance
Detail
Faster, because Platform objects sit outside Core
Source
Platform Functions (opens in a new tab)
Not available
Detail
DOM and external libraries
Source
Server-Side JavaScript (opens in a new tab)
SetValue / GetValue
Detail
Two parameters to write; one to read
Source
SetValue (opens in a new tab)GetValue (opens in a new tab)
default attribute
Detail
Returned when the source is null or empty
Source
SSJS Syntax Guide (opens in a new tab)
Rows.Retrieve()
Detail
Up to 2500 rows; not in email or email preview
Source
Rows.Retrieve (opens in a new tab)
DataExtension functions
Detail
No enterprise-level data extensions
Source
Data Extension Functions (opens in a new tab)
HTTP ports
Detail
Only 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS)
Source
HTTP.Get() (opens in a new tab)HTTP.Post() (opens in a new tab)
Sources for this section (9)

Check yourself

  • Why can Platform functions run faster than other SSJS functions?
  • When does a ctrl:field tag return its default value?
  • Which headers does HTTP.Post() add without being asked?
  • Why does DataExtension.Init() fail as a way to reach an enterprise-level data extension?
  • What is the default ExecutionContextType of a server-side script tag?

The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.

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