Tables are the fundamental objects in any database. They are the objects in which you store and manipulate data. This is true no matter what kind of data you need to manage. When you create a new database, you begin by building the tables. Later, you create forms and reports in order to access and view the data in the tables.

The following sections provide an overview of how to locate Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 documentation about designing tables in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Creating Tables

This section explains how to design tables to store your data and set up table descriptions that can ease sophisticated data manipulation.

To See

Learn about the Microsoft Dynamics NAV approach to tables in database design.

Overview of Tables

Design and develop a basic table in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

How to: Create a Table

Decide which field data type to apply to your data.

Field Data Types and Data Format Considerations

Apply table and field properties and create effective table descriptions.

How to: View or Modify Properties on a Table or Field

Connect table data through primary and secondary keys.

Table Keys

Learn about Microsoft Dynamics NAV features designed to speed up data manipulation and computation.

Table Fields for Instant Access to Data

Using Triggers in Database Design

Microsoft Dynamics NAV supports setting up actions to take place in response to specific events. These are known as triggers. The following topics help to explain how Microsoft Dynamics NAV implements this feature of database design.

To See

Learn about the set of triggers that Microsoft Dynamics NAV supports for tables and fields.

Table and Field Triggers

Create a table trigger.

How to: Define or Modify Table or Field Triggers

See reference information about specific triggers.

Triggers

Designing Relationships Between Tables

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the primary way to establish a connection between tables is to use the TableRelation property. The following topics go into detail about how this works.

To See

Get a brief introduction to relational database design in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Setting Relationships Between Tables

Understand the extra steps SQL Server requires to use the TableRelation property.

Maintaining Table Relationships on SQL Server

Understanding SQL Server and Linked Objects

Microsoft Dynamics NAV supports special handling for SQL Server Object tables. You can find help on linked objects in the following topics.

To See

Learn about the LinkedObject table property.

Creating Table Defintions from SQL Server Objects (Linked Objects)

Work with other data sources, including Microsoft Excel and Oracle databases.

Accessing Objects in Other Databases or on Linked Servers

See Also

Other Resources

Special C/SIDE Tables