Referencing dynamic tables and fields

On occasions, we may need to retrieve data from the system, but not know in advance where that data should come from. NAV accommodates this by allowing you to reference tables and fields dynamically.

How to do it...

1. Let's start by creating a new codeunit from Object Designer.

2. Add a global function, GetFirstRecord:

3. The function should take the following parameter:

   Name	Type
   TableNo	Integer

4. Now add the following local variables:

   Name	Type
   RecRef	RecordRef
   FieldRef	FieldRef

5. With the cursor on the FieldRef variable, navigate to View | Properties or press Shift + F4.

6. Let's set the following property:

   Property	Value
   Dimensions	2

7. Write the following code in the GetFirstRecord function:

   RecRef.OPEN(TableNo);
   IF RecRef.FINDFIRST THEN BEGIN
     IF RecRef.FIELDEXIST(1) THEN
       FieldRef[1] := RecRef.FIELDINDEX(1);
     
     IF RecRef.FIELDEXIST(2) THEN
       FieldRef[2] := RecRef.FIELDINDEX(2);
     
     IF FieldRef[1].ACTIVE AND FieldRef[2].ACTIVE THEN
    ...