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Programming Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013
Programming Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013

Programming Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013: Experienced programmers and developers will find this the definitive guide to programming Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Both a reference book and a comprehensive hands-on tutorial, it will expand your knowledge dynamically. , Third Edition

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Programming Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013

Chapter 2. Tables

 

When done well, software is invisible.

 
 --Bjarne Stroustrup
 

Design and programming are human activities; forget that and all is lost.

 
 --Bjarne Stroustrup

The foundation of any system is the data structure definition. In NAV, the building blocks of this foundation are the tables and the individual data fields that the tables contain. Once the overall analysis and process definition has been completed, any new design work must begin with the data structure. For NAV, that means the tables and their contents.

A NAV table includes much more than just the data fields and keys. A NAV table definition also includes data validation rules, processing rules, business rules, and logic to ensure referential integrity. The rules are in the form of properties and C/AL code.

In this chapter, we will learn about the structure and creation of tables. Details about Fields, the components of tables, will be covered in the following chapter. Our topics in this chapter include:

  • An overview of...

An overview of tables


There is a distinction between the table (data definition and data container) and the data (the contents of a table). The table definition describes the data structure, validation rules, storage, and retrieval of the data which is stored in the table (container). The definition is defined by the design and can only be changed by a developer. The data is the variable content that originates from the user activities. The place where we can see the data explicitly referenced independently of the table as a definition of structure is in the Permissions setup data. In the following screenshot, the data is formally referred to as Table Data :

The table is not the data, it is the definition of data contained in the table. Even so, we commonly refer to both the data and the table as if they were one and the same. That is what we will do in this book.

All permanent data must be stored in a table. All tables are defined by the developer working in the development environment....

Enhancing our sample application


Now we can take our knowledge of tables and expand our WDTU application. Our base Radio Station table needs to be added to and modified. We also need to create and reference additional tables.

While we want to have a realistic design in our sample application, we will make changes that illustrate the main (and what we feel are the most important) features in NAV table design. If there are capabilities or functionality that you feel is missing, then feel free to add them. Adjust the examples as much as you wish to make them more meaningful to you.

Creating and modifying tables

In Chapter 1, An Introduction to NAV 2013, we created the Radio Show table for the WDTU application. At that time we had the minimum fields that allowed us to usefully define a master record. Now let's set properties on existing data fields, add more data fields, and create an additional data table to which the Radio Show table can refer.

Our new data fields are shown in the following table...

Types of tables


For this discussion, we will divide table types into three groups. As developers, we can change the definition and the contents of the first group (the Fully Modifiable tables). We cannot change the definition of the base fields of the second group, but we can change the contents (the Content Modifiable tables) and add new fields. The third group can be accessed for information, but neither the definition nor the data within is modifiable (the Read-Only tables).

Fully Modifiable tables

The following tables are included in the Fully Modifiable Tables group:

Master

The Master table type contains primary data (such as customers, vendors, items, employees, and so on). These are the tables that should be designed first because everything else will be based on these tables. When working on a modification, any necessary changes to Master tables should be defined first. Master tables always use card pages as their primary user input method. The Customer table is a Master table. A Customer...

Summary


In this chapter, we have focused on the foundation level of NAV data structure: tables and their internal structure. We worked our way through the hands-on creation of a number of tables and their data definitions in support of our WDTU application. We briefly discussed Field Groups and how they are used.

We identified the essential table structure elements including properties, object numbers, triggers, keys, and SumIndexFields. Finally, we reviewed the types of tables found in NAV 2013.

In the next chapter, we will dig deeper into the NAV data structure to better understand how fields and their attributes are assembled to make up the tables. We will also focus on what can be done with triggers. Then we will explore how other object types use tables, working towards developing a full kit of tools with which to perform NAV development.

Review questions


  1. Which of the following is a correct description of a table in NAV 2013? Choose two.

    1. A NAV table is the definition of data structure

    2. A NAV table includes a built-in data entry page

    3. A NAV table can contain C/AL code but that should be avoided

    4. A NAV table should implement many of the business rules of a system

  2. Tables can have up to 1000 data fields with a maximum total record size of 8 GB? True or False?

  3. Table numbers intended to be used for customized table objects should only range between 5000 to 9999. True or False?

  4. Which of the following are Table triggers? Choose two.

    1. OnInsert

    2. OnChange

    3. OnNewKey

    4. OnRename

  5. All primary keys should contain only one data field. True or False?

  6. NAV table design in the product always ensures referential integrity for all parent-child table relationships when a record is deleted. True or False?

  7. Keys can be enabled or disabled in executable code. True or False?

  8. SumIndexFields can be used to calculate totals. True or False?

  9. The DropDown display on a field lookup...

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Key benefits

  • A comprehensive reference for development in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013, with C/SIDE and C/AL
  • Brimming with detailed documentation that is additionally supplemented by fantastic examples
  • The perfect companion for experienced programmers, managers and consultants

Description

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 is a complete and robust ERP system that is accompanied by a comprehensive set of development tools. You will learn how to master these tools and tailor Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 to meet your customer's specific business needs."Programming Microsoft Dynamics® NAV 2013" will lead you from start to finish, teaching you how to use this incredible ERP software whilst simultaneously making you a more productive developer. You'll learn how to implement your solutions, as well as evaluating, managing and appraising Dynamics NAV 2013 productions and projects.You will be empowered with the skills and knowledge that you need to get the job done and exceed your client's expectations. Step by step, you will learn how to use NAV, master the C/AL programming language, as well as the construction and uses of each object type. Ultimately, you will be able to bring your NAV 2013 solution together with fantastic efficiency.Hands-on development examples and additional material teach you by example and uncover the insider knowledge that only years of experience can provide, truly unleashing your productivity and potential.

Who is this book for?

This book is for experienced programmers who are either new to Microsoft Dynamics NAV or for experienced developers that want to utilize the fantastic new features of NAV 2013. Managers and consultants will also benefit from understanding NAV environments in order to build on their skills and experience during development projects.

What you will learn

  • Get to grips with fundamental programming and design concepts
  • Learn the C/AL programming language, alongside many useful built-in functions
  • Discover how to successfully deliver interactive user data presentation
  • Learn convenient methods for extracting NAV data
  • Sharpen your skills and increase your productivity with Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013

Product Details

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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Feb 22, 2013
Length: 630 pages
Edition : 3rd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849686488
Vendor :
Microsoft

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Product Details

Publication date : Feb 22, 2013
Length: 630 pages
Edition : 3rd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849686488
Vendor :
Microsoft

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Table of Contents

9 Chapters
An Introduction to NAV 2013 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Tables Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Data Types and Fields Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Pages – the User's Interactive Interface Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Queries and Reports Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Introduction to C/SIDE and C/AL Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Intermediate C/AL Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Advanced NAV Development Tools Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Develop, Debug, Deliver Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.1
(19 Ratings)
5 star 42.1%
4 star 36.8%
3 star 15.8%
2 star 0%
1 star 5.3%
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Mike Twiford Apr 24, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book covers all aspect of NAV development. The authors uses a real world development scenario that is easy to build on for your own practice. Big thanks to the authors for taking the time to write it.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
jaschnu May 28, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
erstes Buch zu NAV 2013 und sehr hilfreich. Gute Auswahl und Tiefe der Artikel. Wir haben uns das wegen des neuen Reportings gekauft und alles notwendige dafür gefunden.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
James Jul 29, 2008
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I found this book very helpful when I first got into Navision development. It's well written and gave me a good understanding of the main components. It is not a comprehensive guide, but a great introduction nonetheless! There are many programming examples and tons of screenshots. It helps fill in some of the gaps in the Application Designer's Guide.I have it next to me whenever I'm doing develpment work. It's a good resource and I highly recommend this to anyone new to Navision.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Daniel Rimmelzwaan Apr 22, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The latest update to the book on NAV programming (David Studebaker wrote the book on two previous versions) will get anyone started who wants to learn about programming NAV 2013. What I like about it is that both authors actually care a great deal about showing you the ropes, and I think that shows in this book. This book covers all the concepts that you need to know to become a NAV programmer.The wordiness sometimes gets in the way of getting to the point, so I would give it 4.5 stars. Other than that, this is THE book for anyone that wants to get into this field, and anyone that wants to have a reference for the new development features in NAV 2013.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Steven Renders Apr 18, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
If you want to learn how to customize Dynamics NAV 2013 then this is the book for you. The book explains in detail all of the objects (tables, pages, queries, reports, codeunits,...) and how to use the C/AL programming language using real life examples.Even if you are a non technical consultant, manager this book will give you great insight in Dynamics NAV 2013.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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