GitHub Copilot and D365 Finance(X++): The Future of Development

How GitHub Copilot Elevates D365 Finance Development

Working on Dynamics 365 Finance is rewarding, but let’s admit it—development can sometimes be a grind. From repetitive coding to navigating best practices, the job demands focus and expertise. That’s where GitHub Copilot comes into play. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s like having a virtual assistant by your side, helping you write better code faster and with less hassle.

But here’s the thing: Copilot is not your boss—it’s your helper. Don’t expect it to deliver perfect, production-ready code every time. It’s still AI, and while it’s smart, it needs your guidance. Let’s dive into how you can use Copilot effectively while staying in control.

What Makes GitHub Copilot Valuable for D365 Finance Developers?

1. Smarter Code Suggestions
   Copilot doesn’t just guess what you’re typing—it understands the context. Whether you’re working on an X++ class, extending a form, or creating a batch job, it provides meaningful suggestions.

          Example:
            Adding a method to validate fields in a table? Copilot might suggest the right logic,                     complete with syntax, saving you precious time.

        Outcome:

[ExtensionOf(tableStr(CustTable))] final class CustTable_Extension {     public boolean validateWrite()     {         if (this.CreditLimit < 0)         {             throw error("Credit limit cannot be negative.");         }         return next validateWrite();     } }

**Ensure the outcome depends on the prompt provided and the context. Always verify, as Copilot may hallucinate at times**

2. Extensions and Chain of Command (CoC) Simplified
   Copilot makes customizing Dynamics 365 Finance a breeze by helping you:
• Create extension classes without overlayering.
• Generate Chain of Command (CoC) methods for seamless overrides.

        Prompt Example:
        “Write a CoC method to add custom logic for validateWrite on the CustTable.”

        Outcome:

[ExtensionOf(tableStr(CustTable))] final class CustTable_Extension {     public boolean validateWrite()     {         if (this.CreditLimit < 0)         {             throw error("Credit limit cannot be negative.");         }         return next validateWrite();     } }

          

3. Best Practices? Built In!
   Copilot has been trained on a vast range of public repositories, and it often follows:
• Proper naming conventions.
• Performance-friendly loops (e.g., while select vs. selectForUpdate).
• Framework patterns like RunBaseBatch or SysOperationFramework.

            Example:
            Archiving old sales orders with a batch job:

class ArchiveSalesOrdersBatch extends RunBaseBatch {     public void run()     {         SalesTable salesTable;         ttsBegin;         while select forUpdate salesTable             where salesTable.CreatedDateTime < dateTransYear(systemDateGet(), -1)         {             salesTable.Archived = true;             salesTable.update();         }         ttsCommit;     } }

But Here’s the Catch: Stay in Control

While Copilot is great, remember this: It’s an assistant, not your replacement. Don’t expect it to write perfect, production-ready code without your input.

• Smell the Rat: If something feels off—whether it’s logic, syntax, or standards—pause and review. It’s especially important if you’re letting Copilot suggest database-related code like insert, update, or delete.
• Experience Matters: To truly leverage Copilot, you need at least 3+ years of experience in Dynamics 365 Finance and X++. This helps you gauge whether its suggestions align with your project needs.
• Test Everything: Don’t blindly deploy code. Always validate and test, especially if it involves business-critical logic.

Enhanced Features with GitHub Copilot Chat

If you’re using GitHub Copilot Chat, you’ll notice a few powerful tools to interact with your code:

1. The / Commands: These commands help you get more out of your development process:
• /doc: Generate documentation for your code.
• /explain: Understand what a piece of code does.
• /fix: Suggest fixes for errors.
• /optimize: Improve performance or structure.
• /test: Generate test cases for the code.
2. The # Trick:
   Use # to highlight specific parts of your code for Copilot to focus on. For example, if you need help improving a particular method, comment it with # and ask Copilot for suggestions.

GitHub Copilot is a fantastic tool for Dynamics 365 Finance developers, but it’s just that—a tool. Use it wisely, keep an eye on what it’s suggesting, and always trust your expertise to guide the final output. At its best, Copilot can save you time, boost your productivity, and even make coding fun again.

But remember,

AI is here to assist—not replace you.

Be the master of your code, and let Copilot be the servant that makes your job easier.

***Ensure the outcome depends on the prompt provided and the context. Always verify, as Copilot may hallucinate at times.

Here are some examples I explored to demonstrate how GitHub Copilot works. You can use it to generate code or ask questions in natural language for quick and insightful answers.