Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central extensions allow you to customize and extend your ERP functionality without modifying the core system. Here’s a straightforward guide to deploying extensions effectively.
What Are Business Central Extensions?
Extensions in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are upgrade-safe ways to extend ERP functionality. These are packaged as .app files using AL (Application Language), allowing organizations to customize features without altering core code.
Prerequisites
What You Need Before Deployment
To successfully deploy a .app extension in Business Central, ensure you have:
Visual Studio Code with AL Language extension
Business Central sandbox or production environment
A valid Business Central license with development access
System Administrator permissions
Deployment Steps:
Prepare the AL Extension
Step 1: Configure the Extension in Visual Studio Code
Open your AL project folder
Verify the app.json file includes valid values for:
“id”, “name”, “publisher”, and “version”
Ensure proper folder structure and file naming conventions
Build the .app Package
Step 2: Create the AL Package File (.app)
Open the project in VS Code
Press Ctrl+Shift+P → choose AL: Package
Check that the .app file is generated in the output folder
Upload to Business Central
Step 3: Deploy Your .app Extension
Log in to your Business Central environment
Navigate to Extension Management
(URL format: https://<tenant>.businesscentral.dynamics.com)
Click Upload Extension
Choose your .app file and follow the upload wizard
After Deployment
Step 4: Verify and Manage the Extension
Once the extension is installed:
Locate it in the Extension Management list
Enable or disable as needed
Monitor its usage and performance logs
If you’re looking to further enhance your Business Central environment, check out how we used Power Automate to simplify Power BI CSV exports – another example of low-code automation that boosts operational efficiency. Export Power BI Table to CSV with Power Automate.
Need help deploying your Business Central extension?
Get expert assistance to publish, test, and manage Business Central extensions the right way.
FAQ
What is a .app extension in Business Central?
A .app extension is a packaged set of AL objects used to customize Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central without altering its core code. It enables safe, modular enhancements, making upgrades and maintenance simpler for development teams and partners.
Learn more about Microsoft’s official extension architecture.
Can I deploy AL-based extensions without modifying the base application?
Yes. One of the key benefits of the AL language is that it supports extension-based customization, allowing you to build functionality in a modular way using events and hooks.
You can explore how this approach aligns with digital transformation in cloud systems.
Do I need Visual Studio Code to build and deploy Business Central extensions?
Absolutely. Visual Studio Code with the AL Language extension is required to build, debug, and publish .app packages. It connects directly with your sandbox or production environment.
For setup instructions, refer to Visual Studio Code's official guide.
How does this deployment method compare to other Dynamics 365 extensions?
The .app-based deployment method is upgrade-safe and supports CI/CD automation, unlike traditional in-app configuration. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft-hosted environments, making it ideal for organizations migrating to cloud-based ERP platforms.
Check out a related blog on cloud strategies for Dynamics to see how .app extensions fit into broader transformation initiatives.