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Best Practices for Implementing CI/CD Pipelines in Dynamics NAV 2018 (C/SIDE / C/AL)

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Posted on by CU17071040-0 24

Hi Dynamics Community,

Our client will continue on Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 (C/SIDE & C/AL) through end‑2026. We’re researching on implementing a CI/CD pipeline (Azure DevOps/GitHub Actions) and would appreciate your advice on:

  • Source Control: Object export formats, repo structure, branching for features/hotfixes

  • Build & Compile: Headless compilation tools (e.g., NavContainerHelper, Automation Toolkit) and error enforcement

  • Testing: Unit/integration test frameworks and result integration in pipelines

  • Packaging: Creating/versioning deployable artifacts (.fob/.navx), handling localization

  • Deployment: Automating app publish, schema sync, data upgrades with rollback strategies

  • Lessons Learned: Common pitfalls with schema changes, upgrade scripts, and YAML snippets or community extensions

  • Documentation: Links to any proper guidance or reference materials on CI/CD for NAV 2018

Thank you for any concise scripts, pipeline examples, or tooling recommendations.

Categories:
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
I have the same question (0)
  • Verified answer
    Sohail Ahmed Profile Picture
    Sohail Ahmed 11,089 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at
    Best Practices for Implementing CI/CD Pipelines in Dynamics NAV 2018 (C/SIDE / C/AL)

    Great question—setting up CI/CD for NAV 2018 (C/SIDE / C/AL) is possible, though less streamlined than AL-based extensions. Here's a concise guide based on community best practices:

     

     Source Control

     
    • Use Git with FOB or TXT format. Prefer TXT (ExportToNewSyntax=1) for readable diffs.
    • Organize repo by object type (e.g., Tables, Codeunits) with clear branching strategy (main, dev, feature/hotfix).
     

    Build & Compile

     
    • Use NavContainerHelper with Docker-based NAV 2018 images.
    • Automate compilation via PowerShell scripts: import TXT → compile → export FOB.
    • Enforce compile errors by stopping the pipeline if any objects fail.
     

    Testing

     
    • Use Test Toolkit objects delivered by Microsoft (if available).
    • Integrate tests using PowerShell and parse results into Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
     

    Packaging

     
    • Create versioned .fob packages after successful build/test steps.
    • Handle localization by separating language-specific objects or using translation files.
     

    Deployment

     
    • Automate via PowerShell: import .fob, run schema sync, and handle data upgrades.
    • Include pre-check scripts for schema conflicts and create backups for rollback.
     

    Lessons Learned

     
    • Avoid heavy schema changes in core tables.
    • Always test upgrade codeunits in a staging environment.
    • Common pitfalls: missing dependencies, locked objects, and version mismatch.
     

    Documentation

       

    Let me know if you'd like a sample YAML or PowerShell pipeline template.

     

    ✅ Mark this answer as verified if it helps you.

  • Suggested answer
    Ramesh Kumar Profile Picture
    Ramesh Kumar 7,511 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at
    Best Practices for Implementing CI/CD Pipelines in Dynamics NAV 2018 (C/SIDE / C/AL)
    Everyone has their one way of practice but here is below I suggest
     
     
    Source Control Git (branch-per-feature/hotfix)
    Build NavContainerHelper, import .fob & compile
    Tests Invoke-NAVCodeunit + parse logs
    Packaging Artifact pipelines: .fob or .navx
    Deployment PowerShell + container automation
     
     
     
    Thanks
    Ramesh
     
    If this was helpful, please check the "Does this answer your question?" box and mark it as verified.
     
     

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