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Working in Visual Studio Code and programming in AL for Business Central can be a productive experience. This article describes some of the productivity tips that can help you get more done when programming in AL.
AL language tips
AL snippets
In addition to the inline help of IntelliSense, you have access to various snippets that will give you a template for a specific object type. Use a code snippet from an .al file by start typing the snippet name. All snippets start with the letter t. For example, to get a template for a table, type ttable and press Tab.
Code actions
Code actions can help you fix issues in the code and give you possible corrective actions right next to an error or warning. If actions are available, a light bulb appears next to the error or warning. Examples of code actions are; explicit and implicit with statements, interface implementer, and spell check. For more information, see AL code actions.
Centralized launch configuration
Note
Introduced with Business Central version 21.1.
Add a launch property to a code-workspace or in the settings.json file. This allows for a centralized configuration of projects. Any local launch.json file overrides the user and workspace configuration. And a workspace launch configuration overrides the launch configuration specified in the user settings.json file.
Note
If a local launch.json file doesn't contain a valid AL launch configuration, we try to find one in the code-workspace first, and then in the settings.json files. However, if the launch property is specified in the code-workspace file even without specifying a valid AL configuration, the user settings.json file won't be able to override it.
AL Explorer
Use the AL Explorer, which is a tool that allows you to explore, navigate, and better understand objects in extensions. You can drill down into object details, dependencies, and extension points, without looking at the code. Learn more in AL Explorer.
General Visual Studio Code tips
Git integration
Visual Studio Code has built-in Git integration that makes it easy to manage your code changes. This can be useful when working together on projects with other developers and allows you to manage your Git repos directly from the editor. For more information, see Git integration.
Command palette
The Command Palette allows you to search for and run commands in Visual Studio Code. To open the Command Palette, press Ctrl+Shift+P.
Go to definition
Right-click a symbol and choose Go to Definition to quickly jump to or preview the source of objects, methods, or variables.
Rename symbol
Use F2 to rename variables, methods, or objects across your project, ensuring consistency and reducing manual edits.
Multi-cursor editing
Hold Alt and click in multiple places to add cursors, allowing you to edit several lines or variables at once.
Error list and problems panel
Check the Problems panel (Ctrl+Shift+M) to see all warnings and errors in your workspace at a glance.