# AL
**Wikidata**: [Q108667364](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108667364)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al

## Summary
AL is a programming language developed by Microsoft that replaced C/AL and is used in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

## Key Facts
- Developed by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation founded on April 4, 1975
- Replaces the C/AL programming language
- Used by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Classified as an imperative programming language
- Developed by Microsoft with headquarters in Redmond, United States
- Microsoft has approximately 221,000 employees (as of 2022)

## FAQs
### Q: What is AL and what is it used for?
A: AL is a programming language developed by Microsoft that replaces C/AL and is used in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

### Q: Who created AL?
A: AL was created by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation.

### Q: What programming paradigm does AL follow?
A: AL follows an imperative programming paradigm.

## Why It Matters
AL represents a significant evolution in business application development, replacing the older C/AL language with a modern, object-oriented approach. This transition enables more efficient development of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, particularly within Microsoft's Dynamics 365 Business Central platform. By providing a more contemporary programming model, AL helps businesses modernize their legacy systems while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. The language's development reflects Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving developer productivity and application performance in enterprise environments.

## Notable For
- AL is specifically designed for business applications within Microsoft's Dynamics ecosystem
- It represents a complete replacement for the legacy C/AL language
- The language incorporates modern programming features while maintaining backward compatibility
- It's optimized for developing business logic in enterprise resource planning systems
- AL provides improved developer experience through modern language constructs

## Body
### Development and Origin
AL was created by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, United States. The company was founded on April 4, 1975, and has grown to become one of the world's largest software companies. Microsoft developed AL as a successor to the C/AL programming language used in previous versions of Microsoft Dynamics.

### Technical Characteristics
AL follows an imperative programming paradigm, similar to traditional procedural languages but with modern object-oriented features. The language is specifically designed for business application development, particularly within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central platform. It provides developers with tools to create complex business logic while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

### Implementation and Usage
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central utilizes AL as its primary programming language for customizing and extending business applications. The language provides developers with access to the platform's extensive functionality through a comprehensive set of APIs and development tools. The transition from C/AL to AL represents a significant architectural change that enables more efficient development and better performance in modern business environments.

### Corporate Context
Microsoft, the developer of AL, operates in the technology and software development industry. As of 2022, the company employed approximately 221,000 people globally. Microsoft's development of AL is part of its broader strategy to modernize its business application portfolio and provide customers with contemporary development tools that meet current industry standards. The company's headquarters in Redmond serves as the central hub for its global operations and product development.