.al — AL Object File

Microsoft · 1995

Developer

Microsoft

Key Features

Contains human-readable AL source code for customizations.
Supports object-oriented programming concepts.
Used for extending Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Business Central functionality.
Versionable and manageable via source control systems.

Best For

Developing customizations for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.
Maintaining and versioning ERP system extensions.
Team-based development of business application features.
Creating reusable AL code modules.

Less Ideal For

General-purpose programming outside of the Dynamics ecosystem.
Web development or mobile app development.
Data storage or database management.
Creating standalone executable applications.

Common Use Cases

Developing new features for Business Central.
Modifying existing business logic in NAV.
Creating custom reports and interfaces.
Integrating third-party services with the ERP system.

How to Open It

Open in Visual Studio Code with the AL Language extension installed for full development features.
Can be viewed and edited with any plain text editor (e.g., Notepad, Sublime Text, Atom).
Consult the official Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central documentation for development best practices.

What is a .al file?

The .al file extension typically refers to AL Object Files used within Microsoft Dynamics NAV (now Business Central). These files contain source code written in the AL language, which is used for customizing and extending the functionality of the ERP system. AL code is compiled into a binary format for deployment, but the .al files themselves serve as the human-readable source representation. They allow developers to manage and version control the customizations made to the business application, making it easier to update and maintain.

Programs That Open .al Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Visual Studio Code	Free
macOS	Visual Studio Code	Free
Linux	Visual Studio Code	Free

Common Problems with .al Files

⚠️ Syntax errors or compilation issues.

Ensure the AL Language extension is installed and up-to-date in Visual Studio Code. Check the 'Problems' tab for specific error messages and consult the AL documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AL and C/AL?▼

AL is the modern, object-oriented language for Business Central, replacing C/AL which was used in older versions of NAV. AL offers better extensibility and development practices.

Can I open .al files in any text editor?▼

Yes, .al files are plain text and can be opened and read in any standard text editor, though Visual Studio Code with the AL extension provides the best development experience.

Technical Details

AL Object Files contain source code written in the AL programming language, which is an object-oriented language. These files are essentially text-based and can be edited with standard text editors or specialized IDEs. They are compiled into binary .app packages for deployment on the Business Central platform.

Did You Know?

The AL language was introduced with Dynamics 365 Business Central.

AL development leverages modern IDE features like IntelliSense and debugging.

Security Information

As .al files contain source code, they should be handled with the same security precautions as any other code. Only use code from trusted sources and ensure proper security practices are followed during development and deployment.