Updating the startupObjectId in launch.json is a common task when developing for Business Central. Without a quick way to find object IDs, you often have to look up object names, search for IDs manually, and interrupt your workflow.

With the latest AL Navigator update, you can now select startup object IDs effortlessly using a Quick Pick menu in Visual Studio Code. You don’t even have to open the launch.json to do this. This new feature saves you time and ensures accuracy when working on Business Central projects.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how this feature works and why it’s a must-have for Business Central developers.

---

The Challenge: Manually Managing launch.json

The launch.json file in Business Central AL projects is essential for defining how your project runs. It includes fields like startupObjectId and startupObjectType that determine which object (page or report) is opened when you run or test your project.

Typically, updating these fields requires knowing the exact object ID, which is not always straightforward. You’re left searching through your codebase or documentation to match object names with IDs, wasting valuable time during development.

---

The Solution: Effortless Selection with AL Navigator

The Select Startup Object ID feature in AL Navigator transforms this process. Instead of manually looking up IDs, you can now:

See a table-like menu with the following columns:

• Name: The name of the object (e.g., “Customer List”).
• ID: The object ID (e.g., 22).
• Type: Whether the object is a Page or Report.

Once you select an object, AL Navigator automatically updates the startupObjectId and startupObjectType fields in launch.json.

---

Why This Feature Saves Time

This feature eliminates the guesswork and tedious manual searches for object IDs. Whether your project includes dozens or hundreds of pages and reports, the Quick Pick menu ensures you always have the right information at your fingertips.

Key Benefits:

• No need to memorize IDs: Work with object names directly.
• Accurate and efficient: Automatically updates both startupObjectId and startupObjectType.
• Supports .app files: Scans your project for objects in .al files and compiled .app packages.

---

How to Use It

1. Open your project in Visual Studio Code.
2. Run the AL Navigator: Select Startup Object ID command from the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or F1).
3. Choose your desired object from the list.

That’s it! Your launch.json file is updated automatically.

---

Ready to Save Time?

The Select Startup Object ID feature is just one of the many ways AL Navigator streamlines Business Central development. By integrating this functionality directly into your workflow, you can focus on coding instead of wasting time searching for object IDs.

Update to the latest version of AL Navigator today and try it out!

Visit the VS Code Marketplace

Let me know if further tweaks are needed! 😊