How to create a local development environment

Prerequisites

• Install and run Docker Desktop. Make sure it is running Windows containers.
• Install BcContainerHelper PS module (latest available version). Install-Module BCContainerHelper -AllowPrerelease would do.

Here you can read more about BcContainerHelper.

Create a development environment

The development environment is a docker container running Business Central locally. In order to create it, simply run .\build\scripts\DevEnv\NewDevEnv.ps1 with the desired parameters.

Example - Set up a container and VSCode

.\build\scripts\DevEnv\NewDevEnv.ps1 -ContainerName 'BCApps-Dev'

Running the above will

• Create a new container (if one doesn't already exist)
• Set up launch.jsons and settings.jsons in your VSCode

Example - Set up a container, VSCode and publish a new system app

.\build\scripts\DevEnv\NewDevEnv.ps1 -ContainerName 'BCApps-Dev' -ProjectPaths '.\src\System Application\App'

Running the above will

• Create a new container (if one doesn't already exist)
• Set up launch.jsons and settings.jsons in your VSCode
• Compile and publish a new system app using your local codebase

Example - Set up a container, VSCode and publish a new system app and tests

.\build\scripts\DevEnv\NewDevEnv.ps1 -ContainerName 'BCApps-Dev' -ProjectPaths '.\src\System Application\*'

Running the above will

• Create a new container (if one doesn't already exist)
• Set up launch.jsons and settings.jsons in your VSCode
• Compile and publish all AL apps that match .\src\System Application\