Installing Visual Studio Code

Set up Visual Studio Code with the AL Language extension and essential BC development tools.

20 minBeginner

Learning Objectives

Install Visual Studio Code
Install the AL Language extension
Configure essential WALDO extensions
Understand the BC development workspace

Why Visual Studio Code?

Microsoft chose Visual Studio Code as the official IDE for Business Central AL development. It provides:

AL Language IntelliSense and syntax highlighting
Integrated compilation and publishing
Git source control
Debugger support for AL code
Rich extension ecosystem

Info

Visual Studio (full IDE) is not used for BC development. Always use VS Code with the AL Language extension.

Step 1: Download VS Code

Download VS Code from code.visualstudio.com.

Choose the System Installer version on Windows for the best experience with Docker integration.

Step 2: Install AL Language Extension

Open VS Code and install these extensions:

AL Language (Microsoft) — ms-dynamics-smb.al
AL Object Designer (Andrei Dragos) — Navigate BC objects
AL Code Outline — Structure navigation

Search in the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X) and click Install.

Step 3: WALDO's Extension Pack

WALDO maintains essential BC development extensions:

AL CodeCop — Additional code analysis rules
AZ AL Dev Tools — Productivity tools for AL development
CRS AL Language Extension — Object naming and creation helpers

settings.json

{
    "al.enableCodeAnalysis": true,
    "al.codeAnalyzers": [
        "${CodeCop}",
        "${UICop}",
        "${PerTenantExtensionCop}"
    ],
    "al.enableCodeActions": true,
    "al.backgroundCodeAnalysis": true
}

Step 4: Verify Installation

Create a test workspace:

Ctrl+Shift+P → AL: Go!
Select your country/region
Choose "Your own server" or "Docker" (covered in next lesson)
VS Code creates a starter app.json and HelloWorld.al

If compilation succeeds, your environment is ready.

Pro Tip

Pin the AL panel to your sidebar. It shows symbols, dependencies, and publishing status at a glance.

Recommended VS Code Settings

.vscode/settings.json

{
    "editor.formatOnSave": true,
    "al.ruleSetPath": "./.vscode/ruleset.json",
    "files.exclude": {
        "**/.alpackages": true,
        "**/.altemplates": true
    }
}

Next Steps

In the next lesson, we'll set up Docker and launch your first Business Central sandbox container.