Getting started with AnyPoint Code Builder(ACB)

Mulesoft Anypoint Code Builder

Anypoint Code Builder is MuleSoft’s next generation Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that is part of the Anypoint Platform by MuleSoft. It allows developers to design, develop, and deploy APIs, integrations, and automations from a single environment.

How is Anypoint Code Builder useful for developers?

Using Anypoint Code Builder, developers can write, test, and deploy MuleSoft applications entirely in the cloud without the need for any local installations. The tool provides a visual interface for designing APIs and integrations and supports the creation of custom connectors, data transformations, and other components.

Anypoint Code Builder is designed to accelerate the development process by providing templates, pre-built connectors, and code snippets. It also provides collaboration features that allow multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously, reducing the time and effort required to create complex integrations.

Anypoint Code Builder vs Anypoint Studio

In the real world of MuleSoft development, having the right tools at your disposal can make a significant difference in streamlining the integration process, enhancing productivity, and delivering successful projects. Two key tools offered by MuleSoft for development purposes are Anypoint Studio and Anypoint Code Builder. Let us explore the differences between these two tools, their unique features, and considerations to help you choose the right tool for your MuleSoft development needs.

Anypoint Studio: The Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Anypoint Studio is MuleSoft’s flagship integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a comprehensive set of tools for designing, building, testing, and deploying Mule applications and integrations. Key features of Anypoint Studio include:

1. Graphical Interface: Anypoint Studio offers a visually intuitive environment that allows developers to design integration flows, create APIs, and configure connectors using drag-and-drop functionality.
2. Visual Data Mapper: The DataWeave visual mapper within Anypoint Studio simplifies data transformations by visually mapping data between different formats and structures, reducing the need for manual coding.
3. Connector Development: Anypoint Studio provides a wide range of pre-built connectors for integrating with various systems and applications, as well as the ability to develop custom connectors to extend connectivity options.
4. Testing and Debugging: Anypoint Studio offers robust testing and debugging capabilities, allowing developers to verify the functionality of integrations, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance.

Anypoint Code Builder: The Collaborative Coding Environment

Anypoint Code Builder is a cloud-based collaborative coding environment that enables developers to write, edit, and collaborate on Mule applications directly in the browser. Key features of Anypoint Code Builder include:

1. Browser-Based Development: Anypoint Code Builder allows developers to access and edit Mule application source code from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for local development environments.
2. Real-Time Collaboration: Developers can collaborate in real-time on Mule projects, share code snippets, and review changes made by team members, fostering collaboration and accelerating development cycles.
3. Version Control Integration: Anypoint Code Builder seamlessly integrates with version control systems like Git, enabling developers to manage code versions, track changes, and ensure code quality and consistency.
4. Code Completion and Validation: Anypoint Code Builder provides intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, and real-time error checking to help developers write clean, efficient code and identify issues early in the development process.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your MuleSoft Development Needs

When deciding between Anypoint Studio and Anypoint Code Builder for your MuleSoft development projects, consider the following factors:

1. Project Complexity: Anypoint Studio may be more suitable for complex integrations that require visual design tools, data mapping capabilities, and extensive connector support, while Anypoint Code Builder may be ideal for simpler projects that prioritize collaboration and cloud-based development.
2. Team Collaboration: If your development team values real-time collaboration, remote work capabilities, and seamless code sharing, Anypoint Code Builder may be the preferred choice, whereas Anypoint Studio offers a more feature-rich environment for individual developers or small teams.
3. Development Preferences: Consider the development preferences and workflows of your team members — developers who prefer a graphical, drag-and-drop interface may lean towards Anypoint Studio, while those comfortable with coding in a browser may find Anypoint Code Builder more appealing.
4. Integration Requirements: Evaluate the integration requirements of your project, including the need for specific connectors, data transformation capabilities, testing tools, and deployment options, to determine which tool aligns best with your project objectives.

Types of Anypoint Code Builder IDEs:

1. Cloud Based IDE(Open Beta)
2. Desktop IDE
3. Einstein Version of Anypoint Code Builder(Along with power of AI)

Einstein Version of Anypoint Code Builder

Overview of Anypoint Extension Pack:

The Anypoint Extension Pack extension installs below 7 extensions.

1. Anypoint Code Builder — API Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-api-component) enables you to use VS Code to create a RAML, OAS 2.0, or 3.0 API specification, or an API fragment. It also enables you to sync your changes with Anypoint Design Center.
2. Anypoint Code Builder — APIkit Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-apikit-component) provides support for scaffolding a Mule application.
3. Anypoint Code Builder — Integration Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-mule-dev-component) enables users to develop Mule applications using Anypoint Code Builder.
4. Anypoint Code Builder — Platform Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-vscode) provides the necessary platform capabilities to Anypoint Code Builder.
5. Anypoint Code Builder — Dependencies Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-dependencies) contains Anypoint Code Builder dependencies.
6. Anypoint Code Builder — DataWeave Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-data-weave-client) provides DataWeave 2.0 language support to Anypoint Code Builder.
7. Anypoint Code Builder — MUnit Extension This extension (salesforce.mule-dx-munit-component) enables you to run and debug MUnit tests.

Prerequisites for ACB

Before installing ACB (Anypoint Code Builder) for Desktop, ensure you have below prerequisites:

1. Anypoint Platform Account
2. Visual Studio Code installed v1.76.1 or later
3. GIT installed

Installing ACB

Step 1: Login to your Anypoint Platform Account

Once you login to Anypoint Platform, click on the burger menu towards your left and select Code Builder.

Step 2: Accept the Terms and Conditions

Once you click on Code Builder, you are redirected to the below page. We need to first accept the terms and conditions before we proceed further.

Now click on Terms & Conditions and scroll completely to accept the conditions and get access to ACB.

Step 3 : Select the IDE

You can either select and Launch a cloud based IDE or download the Desktop version. In this blog, I will be downloading the Desktop Version.

Step 4 : Install the Anypoint Extension Pack

Install the Anypoint Extension Pack from Visual Studio Market Place

The below pop-up is displayed, click on Continue

Now, Please select Open

The site redirects to the below window on Visual Studio Editor. Click on Install to proceed with installing the Extension Pack on the Visual Studio Code IDE.

Once the Extension Pack is installed, you can find the MuleSoft Icon on the Left Panel.

Clicking this icon will launch the Anypoint Code Builder.

Step 5 : Link your Anypoint Platform Account

Click on Not logged in to Anypoint Platform at the bottom of the page.

A pop-up appears seeking permission to allow you to login to Anypoint Platform. Click Allow.

Again, click on Open while it asks to redirect to Anypoint Platform.

The site is redirected to you Anypoint Platform login page and enter your credentials. The site then seeks permission to be redirected to Visual Studio, click on Open.

Now, the control is switched back to Visual Studio where the studio is asking permission to open the URI. Check the “Do not ask me again for this extension” and click on Open.

Now, towards the bottom left of the screen you can see your anypoint platform username indicating that the studio is now linked with Anypoint Platform.

You are now good to start working using the ACB! In my next blog, let’s deep dive into working with ACB.