What it is: An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software solution primarily used for managing business processes like finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and sales.
Purpose: Helps businesses automate and streamline their operations.
Technology Stack: Originally developed using C/AL language, now transitioning towards AL language with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Customization: You customize and extend functionality using the built-in development environment with AL language.
Target users: Business users, accountants, supply chain managers, etc.
Deployment: Can be on-premise or cloud-based.
What it is: A general-purpose programming language and framework developed by Microsoft.
Purpose: Used to build a wide variety of applications, from web and desktop apps to cloud services and mobile apps.
Technology Stack: Uses the .NET ecosystem, including frameworks like ASP.NET for web apps, WinForms/WPF for desktop apps, Xamarin/MAUI for mobile, etc.
Customization: Full programming flexibility with object-oriented programming, libraries, APIs.
Target users: Software developers.
Deployment: Can build and deploy applications across many platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile).
AspectMicrosoft Dynamics NAV (Navision)C# .NETTypeERP softwareProgramming language & frameworkPurposeBusiness process automationSoftware development for various needsUsersBusiness users, ERP consultantsSoftware developersCustomizationVia AL language in Dynamics environmentFull programming using C# languageScopeBusiness domain-specificGeneral-purposeDeploymentOn-premise / cloud (specific to ERP)Multi-platform (web, desktop, mobile, cloud)
If you want to manage and automate business operations with an existing ERP solution, or customize an ERP system: go for Dynamics NAV / Business Central.
If you want to build custom applications from scratch with full control and flexibility: choose C# .NET.