MSDYN365BC - How to Enable Download Source or ShowMyCode in Extensions?

Hi Readers,

I am feeling great with all the questions that I am receiving via Email, Contact Us, Facebook Page, Google Page & Twitter.


Thank you for all your question. In this article, we will discuss the question "How can I download Source Code for my Extension once Deployed?"

I think this point is not yet discussed for Extension in Customer Database and it is important. Below are my thoughts -

• Download Source Code Should be enabled for all Customizations (Extensions) developed for Customer.

• Addon Partners Extensions should not allow to Download Source Code so that other partners should not be able to modify Addon Extensions.

• If a Customer is with Partner A for 10 Years and Partner Developed 20 Extension based on Customer Requirements. After 10 Years Customer Plan to switch Partner. When Customer Switch to Partner B neither the Customer or Partner has access to Extension Code which was developed by Partner A.

• I think for our Customers we have a responsibility so that they own the code that they paid for. This can be done in two ways -

• Either Share all Code Segment for all extension in Customer source control.

• Make Sure that Download Source is enabled for all extension published in Customer Environment.

• Customers, please discuss with your partner and make sure that you have either all code base in your Source Control or you are able to download Source Code.

• Without any of these options, the New partner will not be able to enhance the Existing Extension or Upgrade Existing Extension.

Let's now discuss how to Enable Download Source Code for Extension that we build and how we figure it's enabled or Not.

Open Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and Using Tell me to feature, Open Extension Management Page as shown below.

Using ... Manage, Check Download Source is Enabled or Not.

As you can see above the action is not enabled in the last extension that we build.

Open VS Code and Open App.Json file for Extension. To Enable Download Source set additional Parameter - ShowMyCode as shown below.

** By Default ShowMyCode is set to False.

Re-Publish Extension and check the Extension Management Page.

As we can see Download Source is enabled, which will allow us to download all files related to extension.

Hope you find the information useful. Let me know what you think about keeping it enable for customer specific Extensions.

Regards,
Saurav Dhyani
www.sauravdhyani.com