Introduction to AL Language: The Power Behind Microsoft Dynamics 365 Development

Customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and other business management tools are all included in the robust enterprise application suite Microsoft Dynamics 365. The ability to adapt and expand Dynamics 365 using AL (Application Language), a specific programming language that enables developers to produce customized solutions that match the particular requirements of their business, is what, however, makes it even more potent.

We’ll give an overview of the AL Language and its application to the creation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 in this article.

What is AL Language?

A specific programming language called AL (Application Language) is used to create extensions and customizations for Microsoft Dynamics 365. Due to the fact that AL is an object-oriented language, it is built on the idea of objects, which are just particular instances of classes that represent data and behavior.

With AL, developers define what they want to happen rather than how it should happen because it is a declarative language. This method lowers the likelihood of errors while also simplifying the writing of code.

Although AL was much improved and modernized for usage in Dynamics 365, it is based on the C/AL (Client/Server Application Language) language used in prior iterations of Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision).

Why use AL Language?

AL Language is a powerful resource for developers who want to add functionality to and modify Microsoft Dynamics 365 to suit their own business requirements. Some of the main advantages of adopting AL are as follows:

Customization: AL enables developers to design extensions and adaptations for Dynamics 365 that are specific to the requirements of their company. Workflows, user interfaces, and customized reports are examples of this.

Integration: Dynamics 365 can be integrated with other systems, like accounting programs or e-commerce platforms, using AL. This enables companies to decrease manual data entry and streamline their processes.

Automation: Dynamics 365 tasks like sending notifications, changing records, and providing reports may all be automated using AL. This can speed up and save time for enterprises.

How to get started with AL Language

Starting out in AL Language can be intimidating if you’ve never used it before. Yet you can quickly become an AL developer with a little amount of training and direction. To get started, follow these steps:

Study the fundamentals of programming: Prior to getting started with AL, it’s critical to have a firm grasp of the fundamental ideas in programming, such as data types, variables, loops, and conditional statements. Learning a programming language, such as Python or JavaScript, can help you better comprehend

Practice coding: The best way to learn AL is by practicing coding. Start by creating simple AL programs and gradually increase the complexity of your projects. You can also try solving AL coding challenges or participating in online AL communities to learn from other developers.

Keep learning: AL is constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep learning and staying up-to-date with the latest developments. You can follow AL blogs, attend conferences, or participate in online courses to continue developing your AL skills.

AL Syntax and Structure

AL is an object-oriented, declarative programming language, as was already explained. It has a syntax that resembles normal language and is made to be simple to read and comprehend. Here is a quick summary of AL’s fundamental structure and syntax:

Objects: In AL, there are no inanimate objects. The data and behavior that are represented by objects are instances of classes. Tables, pages, and reports, for instance, are examples of objects in Dynamics 365.

Variables: Data is stored in AL via variables. Variables are declared in AL by using the keyword “var” followed by the variable’s name and data type. For instance, the declaration “var CustomerName: Text;” declares a variable with the name “CustomerName” and a data type of “Text”.

Functions are sections of code that carry out particular tasks. The “function” keyword, the function’s name, and any optional parameters are used to declare functions in AL. A function named “CalculateTotal” is declared, for instance, as “function CalculateTotal(Price: Decimal, Quantity: Integer): Decimal;” This function accepts two parameters, “Price” and “Quantity,” and returns a Decimal result.

To add annotations to the code that are not executed, use comments. AL begins multi-line comments with “/” and ends single-line comments with “//.”

AL Development Tools

Developers use a range of development tools to create AL code for Dynamics 365. Some of the most popular AL development tools are listed below:

AL development is frequently conducted using Visual Studio Code, a free and open-source code editor. It has functions like debugging, code completion, and syntax highlighting.

The AL Language Extension is an add-on for Visual Studio Code that supports AL development. It has attributes including syntax checking, code snippets, and IntelliSense.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: An ERP system that runs in the cloud with built-in support for AL development is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Business Central is a tool that developers can use to build and test their AL solutions.

Conclusion

AL Language is a potent tool for developers who want to add functionality to and modify Microsoft Dynamics 365 to suit their own business requirements. AL makes it simple to design specialized solutions that are catered to the particular requirements of each organization because to its object-oriented, declarative syntax and assortment of development tools.

The best way to get started if you’re new to AL is to understand the fundamentals of programming and get acquainted with the Dynamics 365 platform. You can then practice coding to improve your abilities and discover AL syntax and development tools.

Remember to keep learning and staying current with the most recent advances in the AL community as you continue to hone your AL talents. With commitment and exercise, you’ll soon be on your way to becoming an AL developer and unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365.