The Howdy Glossary

C/AL (Client/Server Application Language) was a legacy language designed for customizing Microsoft Dynamics NAV, an ERP system. Developed by Navision, a Danish company later acquired by Microsoft, C/AL enabled developers to create custom fields, tables, forms, and reports within the application. The language allowed for effective data management through DML statements like INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

C/AL boasted features tailored specifically for Dynamics NAV customization. Its close integration with the database facilitated streamlined data manipulation processes within the ERP environment. This included creating custom business solutions that met specific organizational needs efficiently. C/AL's ability to interact directly with the underlying database set it apart from its competitors like SAP's ABAP and Oracle's PL/SQL.

Competitors offered similar customization capabilities but were confined to their respective software environments. The transition from C/AL to AL in Dynamics 365 Business Central marked a shift towards modern cloud-based ERP solutions with more versatile tools for developers. Despite competition from other languages and tools in the market, C/AL maintained significant advantages due to its deep integration with Dynamics NAV and specialization in addressing unique business requirements within this ERP system.