Topics
- Multi-Model GitHub Copilot
- AL in D365 Business Central
- Copilot Studio Connectors
- Events
Multi-Model GitHub Copilot
On October 29, 2024, GitHub announced at the GitHub Universe ’24 conference a suite of enhanced AI-powered features in GitHub Copilot, empowering developers.
In today’s fast-paced development environment, flexibility is key. GitHub Copilot now offers a multi-model experience, enabling developers to select from leading models like Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro, and OpenAI’s GPT-4o series.
GitHub Spark - AI-Native App Building: Building applications has never been more accessible. GitHub Spark introduces a way for developers and non-technical users alike to create micro apps, known as “sparks,” using natural language. Through an iterative feedback loop, users can see live previews of their app, save versions, and build complete applications without managing cloud resources.
GitHub’s AI-native experience extends throughout its platform with substantial updates:
- Multi-File Edits in VS Code: Copilot can now make adjustments across multiple files in a single command, streamlining complex changes.
- Copilot Extensions: These extensions allow developers to interact with integrated tools, such as Atlassian Rovo and Docker, and create private extensions for internal tools. General availability is planned for early 2025.
- Enhanced Security with Copilot Autofix: Addressing vulnerabilities is faster than ever with Copilot Autofix, which can manage up to 1,000 alerts per session. Integrations with tools like ESLint and JFrog SAST ensure efficient security triage and streamlined workflows.
- GitHub Models for Experimentation: An interactive model playground lets developers compare models side-by-side, try multi-modal models, and share prompts, enhancing experimentation with new models and settings.
As these features reshape the GitHub environment, AI will continue to drive innovation in development, from beginners to seasoned engineers. This is a great news!!
AL in D365 Business Central
AL (Application Language) is the custom programming language for Dynamics 365 Business Central, enabling developers to extend and tailor the ERP system to meet unique business needs. Building on its foundation in Microsoft’s legacy NAV system, AL allows for industry-specific customizations directly within Business Central.
Key Aspects of AL
- Specialized for Business Central Customization: Unlike Power Automate, which is designed for cross-platform workflow automation, AL is specifically for modifying ERP structures, adding workflows, and building extensions within Business Central.
- Object-Based Structure: AL works with core objects like Tables, Pages, Reports, and Code units, allowing developers to add custom fields, interfaces, and business logic without changing core application code.
- Event-Driven Customization: With an event-driven model, AL enables developers to trigger custom actions at specific workflow points, like when orders are submitted. This makes updates easier and minimizes disruption during Business Central upgrades.
- Modular Development with Extensions: AL customizations are packaged as extensions, keeping custom code separate from core Business Central, making deployment, scaling, and updates easier.
- Development in Visual Studio Code: AL is developed in Visual Studio Code using the AL Extension, with features like IntelliSense and debugging to streamline the process for those familiar with Microsoft tools.
AL is Ideal for ERP-specific customizations within Business Central, such as adding fields, creating custom modules, or extending core features. By mastering AL, developers can transform Business Central into a powerful, customized ERP solution that aligns perfectly with an organization’s needs.
Copilot Studio Connectors
In Copilot Studio, connectors allow makers to add new features and actions to Microsoft Copilot. These actions can help copilots pull data, run specific tasks, and perform other functions that fit a team’s unique needs, making Copilot more flexible and powerful.
How Connectors Work in Copilot Studio
- Access and Setup: When you sign in to Copilot Studio, the copilots you can work with depend on your permissions. You start by selecting a copilot—either custom-made or provided by Microsoft—that you want to extend. You can view and manage available actions for each copilot in the Actions tab.
- Creating Custom Actions: You can create new actions for your chosen copilot. These actions can do different things, such as:
- Building an Action: Each action includes:
- Extra Features: Copilot Studio offers helpful features to make actions more user-friendly:
- Publishing and Managing Actions: Once an action is ready, you can publish it for review. After it’s approved, administrators can control who has access. Actions can be used in other copilots, exported to different environments, or even submitted to Microsoft for certification, making them available to a wider audience.
Copilot Studio Connectors let teams expand what Copilot can do, making it easy to connect to external tools, automate processes, and bring real-time AI insights into daily work, boosting productivity and collaboration across the organization.
Events
- Microsoft Ignite (November 19–21, 2024): This flagship event will focus on the latest innovations in AI, security, and the Microsoft Cloud. Attendees can expect deep-dive technical sessions, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities. A special focus this year will be on AI-powered solutions, such as Copilot. Check out https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US/home
- DynamicsCon Virtual (November 13, 2024): This free, community-driven event is tailored for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform users. It will feature sessions on Dynamics 365 products like Business Central, Customer Engagement, and Finance & Operations, along with a new cross-product track. Checkout https://dynamicscon.com/virtual/
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