Introduction

This blog explains Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Table, Table Field, and Table Extension properties. It includes clear definitions, when-to-use guidance, when-not-to-use warnings, and real business scenarios with AL code examples.

Table-Level Properties

1. Access

Controls whether a table is accessible outside the extension. Used when exposing tables to APIs or other extensions. Avoid using Public unnecessarily.

Access = Public;

2. DataPerCompany

Defines whether data is stored per company. Used for transactional and master data.

DataPerCompany = true;

3. TableType

Defines the technical purpose of the table (Normal, Temporary).

TableType = Normal;

4. Extensible

Allows other extensions to add fields.

Extensible = true;

5. LookupPageId / DrillDownPageId

Defines default lookup and drill-down pages.

LookupPageId = "Customer List";

6. Permissions

Defines required permissions for accessing the table.

Permissions = TableData Customer = RIMD;

Table Field Properties

1. AutoIncrement

Automatically generates sequential values.

AutoIncrement = true;

2. TableRelation

Creates lookup and enforces referential integrity.

TableRelation = Customer."No.";

3. ValidateTableRelation

Validates related table data during entry.

ValidateTableRelation = true;

4. NotBlank

Prevents empty values.

NotBlank = true;

5. ValuesAllowed

Restricts allowed values.

ValuesAllowed = 'Open, Released,Posted’;

6. InitValue

Sets default field value.

InitValue = 'Open';

7. MinValue / MaxValue

Restricts numeric ranges.

MinValue = 0;

8. DecimalPlaces

Controls decimal precision.

DecimalPlaces = 0:2;

9. BlankZero

Hides zero values.

BlankZero = true;

10. DataClassification

Classifies data for compliance.

DataClassification = SensitivePersonalData;

11. MaskType

Masks sensitive data.

MaskType = Partial;

12. OptionCaption

User-friendly option values.

OptionCaption = 'Open,Released,Posted';

Performance & Key Properties

1. Clustered

Defines primary index.

Clustered = true;

2. SumIndexFields

Creates SIFT totals.

SumIndexFields = Amount;

3. MaintainSqlIndex

Controls SQL index maintenance.

Table Extension Properties

1. AllowInCustomizations

Allows fields in personalization.

AllowInCustomizations = true;

2. MovedFrom / MovedTo

Tracks refactoring during upgrades.

MovedFrom = 'OldFieldName';

Real Business Example

table 50100 CustomerExtra
{
    Extensible = true;
    DataClassification = CustomerContent;
    fields
    {
        field(1; CreditLimit; Decimal)
        {
            Caption = 'Credit Limit';
            DecimalPlaces = 0:2;
            MinValue = 0;
            DataClassification = FinancialData;
        }
        field(2; PANNo; Code[20])
        {
            Caption = 'PAN Number';
            MaskType = Partial;
            DataClassification = SensitivePersonalData;
            NotBlank = true;
        }
    }
}

Best Practices

• Prefer properties over triggers
• Always define DataClassification
• Use TableRelation instead of manual validation
• Design tables for extensibility
• Use obsolete properties for upgrade safety

Conclusion

Table and Table Field properties are the backbone of Business Central. Correct use ensures clean architecture, strong validation, compliance, and upgrade-safe solutions.