Modifying Dynamics NAV: Rather than just write a business application, Dynamics NAV started by creating an application development environment (C/SIDE) for business applications. By creating this environment first Dynamics NAV was able to create a stable and robust business application while allowing ease of future modification.
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Development environment features:

• Object Designer gives interface to rapidly create or change tables, forms, reports, code units and XML ports.

• Objects have properties and methods designed to assist in business data manipulation tasks such as data posting routines.

• Create local and global variables and/or functions. Call code units or functions from other objects so code does not need to be written more than once for a specific function (more robust and consistent).

• Development environment supports OCX and Automation Controls.

Upgrading Dynamics NAV:

So how do I easily upgrade my Microsoft Dynamics NAV solution in the future especially if I have customised my database?

Dynamics NAV is designed in a modular fashion with each table, form (screen design), report and code unit having its own unique reference. Each object is designed specifically for a particular function and is called from another object if it needs to use that functionality. This modular design is what aids in the speed and simplicity of Dynamics NAV upgrades.

The Dynamics NAV developer toolkit offers a graphical interface to compare the objects in the new version of Dynamics NAV with those in the old version. Individual objects with no changes require no special upgrade work at all. Modified objects require a review to determine if modifications impact on changes in the new version but only when they are in a specific object that has changed exactly where the modification was placed. This methodology reduces upgrade work considerably.

A normal Dynamics NAV upgrade go-live will generally take place over a weekend with users logging in on a Monday morning and just continuing to work, albeit with a few new features to try out.