NAV 2017 includes an extensive set of software development tools. The NAV development tools are accessed through C/SIDE, which runs within the development environment client. This environment and its complement of tools are usually collectively referred to as C/SIDE. C/SIDE includes the C/AL (Client Application Language) compiler. All NAV programming uses C/AL. No NAV development can be done without using C/SIDE, but other tools are used to complement C/AL code (such as Visual Studio, .NET, JavaScript, COM controls, and OCX controls, among others).

The C/SIDE IDE is referred to as the Object Designer within NAV. It is accessed through a separate shortcut, which is installed as part of a typical full system installation. When we open the Object Designer, we see the following screen: