programming-for-all-al

Chapter 3: First Steps with AL

Your First AL Project

Begin by creating a simple AL project that includes a table, a page, and a codeunit. This project will help you understand the basic structure and syntax of AL.

Basic Syntax and Structure

AL syntax is similar to other modern programming languages, with clear structures for defining tables, pages, and business logic. Key elements include:

• Table Objects: Define data structures.
• Page Objects: Define user interfaces.
• Codeunit Objects: Define business logic and procedures.

Running and Debugging AL Code in Business Central

To run your AL code:

1. Publish the Extension: Use the F5 key in Visual Studio Code to build and publish your extension to the Business Central sandbox.
2. Test the Functionality: Access Business Central to verify that your extension works as expected.
3. Debug the Code: Use the built-in debugger in Visual Studio Code to set breakpoints and inspect variables during execution.