Field Definition

Field definitions represent a data type for a dynamic field. They define the specifics of a field, such as the data type, the length and additional validations such as a regular expression. Field definitions are used to extend a table (like adding a new column to the table), and they are also used to create the definitions for Flex Code Definitions and Record Definitions.

Table 1. Field Definition
Field Description

Code

The unique identifier of the field definition

Description

The text that would appear in a LOV on fields

Data Type

Number, date or character string

Decimals

The number of decimals. Only relevant for data type number.

Length

The maximal length of this field. Date fields ignore this attribute.

Validation

Optional dynamic logic validation against which the value of this field is validated

The same field definition can be re-used multiple times.

The validation imposes a restriction on the format. Consider the following example, the second and third digit must be separated by a decimal point. How to set up a dynamic logic validation is specified in the Developer Guide for Dynamic Logic. A field can have zero or one validation.

To clarify the purpose of these validations, consider the following examples:

  • The numerical value must be between 1 and 24

  • A restriction on the format based on a regular expression

  • A check digit calculation for a bank account number

Consider the following example: _A user wants to update the Body Mass Index (BMI). The first step is to create a field that can store the BMI.

The user creates a new field with the following attributes:_

  • Code: BMI

  • Description: Body Mass Index

  • Data Type: char

  • Length: 5

  • Validation: