Microsoft launches preview of new Dynamics NAV development tools

The Microsoft Dynamics NAV development team has launched a preview of the new tools needed to build extensions and apps in and for Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Earlier this month, Microsoft offered the first public glimpse of the AL language for Dynamics NAV that will position it to use the Visual Studio Code editor instead of the traditional Dynamics NAV development environment. One primary use will be to develop new NAV and Dynamics 365 for Financials extensions.

There are two new approaches: the in-client designer and Video Studio code.

The in-client designer (see graphic above) enables users to make an extension in the client itself. "Business consultants and UX designers will love using this drag-and-drop interface," promises the Dynamics NAV team. Users can "rearrange fields, rename groups, and reposition elements to build a perfect extension to support an industry-specific solution or implement a business process optimization."

The AL Extension for NAV in Visual Studio Code enables users to build extensions based on tables, pages, and codeunits using two new objects: Page Extensions and Table Extensions. This enables users to build extensions that reuse and extend core business logic in their applications.

To get started, users must have an Azure subscription. Those who do not can access a 30-day trial here that will give them access to everything they need, according to the team.

Next, users can log in to their Azure subscriptions here, select their ...