How to resolve a text string variable to an object reference

jonwlong · 2004-07-28

I want to be able to refer to an object, such as a table or a field, using a string parameter. I'm familiar with the RecordRef and FieldRef DataTypes. Below is an overview of my concept.
Assuming that MyRecordRef is a RecordRef object, MyField is a FieldRef object and TableNo is an integer.

MyRecordRef.OPEN( intTableNo );
MyFieldRef := MyRecordRef.FIELD( 1 );

This allows me to do Get, Validate etc.. using the ref's. Notice that in both cases, an integer is used as a parameter.

My question is: How to resolve a table name to an integer. Or how can I refer to a table or field, using only it's name. Something like this:
Assume strTableName and strFieldName are string variables

MyRecordRef.OPEN( DATABASE::strTableName );
MyFieldRef := MyRecordRef.FIELD( FIELDS::strFieldName );

Below is an interesting and valid method of resolving a Table reference to an integer. However, even though "Customer" below resolves to an object it is not derived from a string variable, which is what I am trying to accomplish.

MyRecordRef.OPEN( database::"Customer" );

Any discussion on this appreciated.
Thanks,
Jon

fb · 2004-07-28

Here's an idea that uses the Object table:

PROCEDURE GetTableIDByName(searchName : Text[30]) : Integer
VAR
  Obj : Record 2000000001;
BEGIN
  WITH Obj DO BEGIN
    SETCURRENTKEY(Type,Name);
    SETRANGE(Type,Type::Table);
    SETRANGE(Name,searchName);
    IF FIND('-') THEN
      EXIT(ID);
  END;
  EXIT(0);
END;

jonwlong · 2004-07-29

I thought about that way but I was really looking for a navision function. I think your object method way will work just fine. Your example is excellent.

Thanks,

darrenc · 2005-07-22

I am about a year late, but I thought I would post this in case anyone else is searching for a way to convert a field's name to its No. I just found out about the existence of the Field system table.

variable rec_Field is a record variable with subtype Field

rec_Field.SETRANGE(TableNo, intTableNo);
rec_Field.SETRANGE(FieldName, strFieldName);
rec_Field.FIND('-')

peterkozma · 2006-05-04

darrenc wrote:

I am about a year late, but I thought I would post this in case anyone else is searching for a way to convert a field's name to its No.

Wow, thanks! I've been looking for this since ages...

How to resolve a text string variable to an object reference

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