Hi Readers,
Introduction
Microsoft continues to improve the AL development experience in Business Central 2025 Release Wave 1, making it easier for developers to write efficient and cleaner code. One of the latest enhancements is the new overload for the IncStr method, allowing developers to increase or decrease numbers within string variables by more than 1 in a single call. This feature eliminates the need for custom loops or additional logic, ultimately making AL development more streamlined and productive.
In this blog, we'll explore why this update matters, how it works, and how you can use it to simplify your Business Central customizations.
Why This Feature Matters
Previously, AL developers could only increment numbers within strings by 1 using the IncStr method. If you needed to increment by a larger value, you had to implement additional custom logic—often leading to unnecessary complexity in your code. The new optional parameter in the IncStr method now makes it possible to define the exact increment or decrement value, providing a more efficient solution.
Key Benefits:
✅ Eliminates the need for custom loops to modify string-based numbers.
✅ Enhances code readability and reduces redundancy.
✅ Supports both positive and negative increments in a single call.
✅ Works seamlessly across Business Central SaaS and On-Premises environments.
✅ Helps ISVs and partners optimize their Business Central extensions with simpler logic.
How the New IncStr Overload Works
The IncStr method now supports an optional parameter that specifies the increment value. You can now increase or decrease numbers embedded in text variables without extra logic.
Syntax: IncStr(StringVariable: Text, IncrementValue: Integer)
StringVariable – The text variable containing a numeric value.
IncrementValue – The number to increment or decrement by (supports both positive and negative values).
Real-World Use Cases
🔹 Automating Number Series in Business Central
Many Business Central applications rely on automatically generated number series (e.g., invoice numbers, sales order numbers). The new IncStr overload allows developers to easily adjust increments without complex loops.
🔹 Custom Workflows and Document Handling
Business workflows often involve tracking numerical IDs within string variables (e.g., order processing, batch IDs). With this enhancement, developers can quickly adjust sequences without additional logic.
🔹 Reducing Code Complexity in Extensions
ISV solutions often include custom numbering logic for business-specific workflows. Instead of handling increments manually, this feature simplifies number manipulation within AL extensions.
How to Start Using This Feature
This feature will be available in Business Central 2025 Release Wave 1, rolling out in April 2025. Developers can start using this enhancement as soon as their Business Central environments are updated.
Getting Ready:
1️⃣ Update Your Business Central AL Development Environment.
2️⃣ Test the new IncStr overload in your sandbox environment.
3️⃣ Update your extensions to take advantage of this feature.
4️⃣ Optimize existing number series logic using this new method.
Conclusion
The new overload for the IncStr method is a game-changer for AL developers, making number modifications within string variables simpler and more efficient. Whether you're handling number series, document IDs, or workflow automation, this feature can save time and improve code maintainability.
🔹 Are you excited about this new feature? Let me know how you plan to use it in your Business Central projects! 💬👇
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Saurav Dhyani
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