What are the key characteristics of the X++ language?

X++ is an object-oriented, application-aware, and data-aware programming language used in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and database applications. Its key characteristics include:

• Object-oriented structure.
• Ability to interact with relational tables.
• Best practice checks during compile time.
• Automatic garbage collection.
• Interoperability with C# and other .NET Framework languages.
• File manipulation, including XML building and parsing.
• Dynamic collections like arrays.
• Compilation to Microsoft .NET CIL (Common Intermediate Language) for faster execution.

More Information

• Memory Management:
  X++ has a user-friendly memory management model, similar to .NET.

• Differences from Other Managed Languages:

  • Strong data access statements
  • Tight integration with system and user metadata
  • Strong extensibility with Pre/Post event handlers and chain of command
  • Case insensitivity (e.g., "While," "while," and "WHILE" are treated the same, unlike C#)

• Extensibility:
  X++ offers existing application classes for programming business processes that are easily extended for customizations.

• SQL-Like Syntax:
  X++ shares many keywords with SQL and allows direct access to data through table objects and views.

• Best Practices Checking:
  The compiler enforces best practices by checking code during development.

• Interoperability with .NET:
  Finance and operations apps support interoperability between X++ and other .NET Framework languages.

• Development Environment Requirements:
  To start programming, a finance and operations apps developer environment and Visual Studio (with a license) are required.