Master the foundation of data management in Business Central! This comprehensive guide covers everything from table objects and their properties to table extensions for customization. Learn about keys (indexes), field groups, FlowFields, snippets, and data classification. Dive deep into retention policies with practical interface implementations. Whether you're preparing for MB-820 certification or building robust extensions, this is your definitive reference for Business Central data architecture.
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About the Book
Master the foundation of data management in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central! This comprehensive 50+ page guide is your definitive resource for understanding tables, table extensions, keys, field groups, and retention policies.
Business Central is built on a robust data layer where tables store everything from customer records to complex transactions. This booklet demystifies how data is structured, indexed, extended, and maintained in the platform.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Tables and Schema Design
- Creating tables with proper field definitions, properties, and data types
- Understanding table types: Normal, Temporary, System, and Virtual tables
- Understanding field classes: Normal, FlowField, and FlowFilter
- Implementing table triggers for business logic
- Data classification for GDPR compliance
- Using VS Code snippets for rapid development
Keys and Performance
- Designing primary keys for unique identification
- Creating secondary keys for query optimization
- Clustered vs. non-clustered indexes
- IncludedFields for covering indexes (why not just add more key fields?)
- ColumnStoreIndex for analytical queries and reporting
Field Groups
- DropDown field groups for lookup controls
- Brick field groups for tile views and Teams integration
- Extending field groups in table extensions
Table Extensions
- Adding fields to existing tables without code modification
- Understanding extension tables and primary key joins
- Key and field group additions in extensions
- Limitations and best practices for extensions
Retention Policies
- Managing database growth with automatic data cleanup
- Implementing the three retention policy interfaces:
* Retention Period
* Reten. Pol. Filtering
* Reten. Pol. Deleting
- Registering custom tables for retention policies
- Creating custom deletion implementations with archiving
HANDS-ON PRACTICE
This booklet includes:
- 9 practical exercises covering all major topics
- 30 exam-style practice questions with detailed answers
- Real-world code examples from Base App and Microsoft extensions
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
- Developers preparing for the MB-820 certification exam
- AL developers building Business Central extensions
- Solution architects designing data models
- Technical consultants implementing custom solutions
COMPANION RESOURCES
YouTube Videos:
- Tables and Table Extensions: https://youtu.be/V8cts4cWVRU
- Retention Policies: https://youtu.be/SMFtPteNP3s
GitHub Repository:
- Retention Policy Examples: https://github.com/SilviuVirlan/Directions2025InterfacesRetentionPoliciesCustomization
Microsoft Learn Modules:
- Work with Tables: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/work-with-tables/
- Extend and Modify Tables: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/extend-modify-existing-table/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This booklet was created based on real-world development experience, official Microsoft documentation, Business Central source code analysis, and hands-on expertise with AL development and extension architecture.
Perfect for self-study or as a companion to instructor-led training, this guide gives you the knowledge you need to confidently work with tables in Business Central and pass the MB-820 certification exam.
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Bundles that include this book
11 Books
About the Author
Silviu Virlan is a Microsoft MVP for Business Applications (awarded multiple times, including a second recognition in recent years), MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), and a highly respected Dynamics 365 Business Central expert.
With over 12 years of hands-on experience in Dynamics NAV and Business Central, Silviu specializes in AL development, extensions, integrations, performance optimization, and modern AI-driven analytics. He served as a Developer Lead or Technical Architect in Dynamics 365 Business Central development teams for various Microsoft Partners in USA and Canada.
Since 2017, Silviu has been a dedicated contributor to the global Business Central community. He shares practical knowledge and deep technical insights through:
In 2024, Silviu authored the book "Beyond the Ledgers: Cutting-edge Data Insights with Business Central and AI", a practical guide that helps users and developers unlock powerful analytics, automation, and AI capabilities within Business Central.
A sought-after speaker, you can often find Silviu presenting at major technical conferences including Directions, DynamicsCon, and Community Summit, where he delivers sessions on cutting-edge Business Central topics, from AL language features to advanced integrations and user experience enhancements.
Through his content, speaking engagements, and community leadership, Silviu continues to empower developers, consultants, and partners to build better solutions in the ever-evolving world of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Table of Contents
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