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@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
"pictures-must-use-media-not-blob", "pictures-must-use-media-not-blob",
"report-barcodes-must-use-barcode-module-and-production-font-name", "report-barcodes-must-use-barcode-module-and-production-font-name",
"table-design-must-match-bc-table-type-conventions", "table-design-must-match-bc-table-type-conventions",
"tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field",
"transferfields-mirrored-fields-must-match-type-and-length" "transferfields-mirrored-fields-must-match-type-and-length"
] ]
}, },
@ -157,7 +158,8 @@
"test-one-when-per-test", "test-one-when-per-test",
"transactionmodel-attribute-governs-test-transactions", "transactionmodel-attribute-governs-test-transactions",
"ui-test-codeunit-naming", "ui-test-codeunit-naming",
"use-assert-isfalse-not-asserterror-for-boolean-checks" "use-assert-isfalse-not-asserterror-for-boolean-checks",
"recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks"
] ]
}, },
"ui": { "ui": {

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table 50100 "Sample Category"
{
fields
{
field(1; "Code"; Code[20]) { }
}
keys
{
key(PK; "Code") { Clustered = true; }
}
}
table 50102 "Sample Contract"
{
fields
{
field(1; "Code"; Code[20]) { }
// Code[10] cannot hold every "Sample Category"."Code" value (Code[20]).
// Compiles without a diagnostic; assigning or validating a category code
// longer than 10 characters fails at runtime.
field(2; "Category Code"; Code[10])
{
TableRelation = "Sample Category"."Code";
}
}
keys
{
key(PK; "Code") { Clustered = true; }
}
}

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enum 50100 "Sample Source Type"
{
Extensible = true;
value(0; Category) { }
value(1; Region) { }
}
table 50100 "Sample Category"
{
fields
{
field(1; "Code"; Code[20]) { }
}
keys
{
key(PK; "Code") { Clustered = true; }
}
}
table 50101 "Sample Region"
{
fields
{
field(1; "Code"; Code[10]) { }
}
keys
{
key(PK; "Code") { Clustered = true; }
}
}
table 50102 "Sample Contract"
{
fields
{
field(1; "Code"; Code[20]) { }
// Unconditional relation: same type and exactly the same length as
// "Sample Category"."Code".
field(2; "Category Code"; Code[20])
{
TableRelation = "Sample Category"."Code";
}
field(3; "Source Type"; Enum "Sample Source Type") { }
// All branches conditional: at least as long as the longest related
// field (Code[20] covers both Code[20] and Code[10]).
field(4; "Source Code"; Code[20])
{
TableRelation = if ("Source Type" = const(Category)) "Sample Category"."Code"
else
if ("Source Type" = const(Region)) "Sample Region"."Code";
}
// Filter field: holds a filter expression, not one code, so it is
// deliberately longer and opts out of relation validation.
field(5; "Category Filter"; Code[250])
{
TableRelation = "Sample Category"."Code";
ValidateTableRelation = false;
}
}
keys
{
key(PK; "Code") { Clustered = true; }
}
}

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---
bc-version: [all]
domain: data-modeling
keywords: [tablerelation, field-length, code, text, conditional-relation, lookup]
technologies: [al]
countries: [w1]
application-area: [all]
---
# A TableRelation field's length must match the related field
## Description
`TableRelation` points a field at another table, or at a specific field of it with `Table.Field`. The relation is also used to validate entries and to drive the lookup. A referencing field that is shorter than the related field compiles without a length diagnostic: verified with AL compiler 30.0 and the CodeCop, UICop and PerTenantExtensionCop analyzers. Compare `AL0685`, which does warn about an analogous length mismatch for a FlowField's `CalcFormula` target.
A shorter field compiles cleanly and works for every value that happens to fit. It fails only when a real related value is longer than the field. For example, a `Code[10]` field related to a table with a `Code[20]` key fails when a 15-character code is assigned or validated into it. The runtime error reads "The length of the string is N, but it must be less than or equal to M characters."
The length Business Central's own relation check expects depends on whether the field has an unconditional relation:
- **At least one unconditional relation**, either a plain `TableRelation = X` or an unconditional branch: the field must have the **exact** length of the longest related field and the same type.
- **Only conditional relations** (`if (...) X else if (...) Y`): the field must be **at least** as long as the longest related field. A longer field is accepted.
For the type, the check requires the related field's type, or `Text` when the related fields mix `Code` and `Text`. Only under all-conditional relations, and only when the required type is `Code`, may the field be `Text` instead.
The check skips any field that sets `ValidateTableRelation = false` or `TestTableRelation = false`. The Base Application sets `ValidateTableRelation = false` on filter and totaling fields, which hold a filter expression rather than one key value. Such a field may be longer than the related field. A field that is shorter than the related field is still a defect even with either property set to `false`, because a real related value still overflows it at runtime.
The check is codeunit 134926 "Table Relation Test" in the BC test app. Its validation test is `[Scope('OnPrem')]`, so it runs only on an on-premises test surface. It is not a compile-time guarantee. See [`table-relation-test-exclude-known-invalid-relations-via-event.md`](../testing/table-relation-test-exclude-known-invalid-relations-via-event.md) for how that check evaluates relations and how to exclude a known exception.
## Best Practice
Before you add or change a `TableRelation`, read the declared type and length of every related field from its table definition. Lengths vary from table to table, so don't assume a typical `Code[10]` or `Code[20]`. Then size the field:
- For an unconditional relation, give it the same type and exact length as the related field, unless the field holds a filter expression and sets `ValidateTableRelation = false`.
- For an all-conditional relation, make it at least as long as the longest branch target.
When a `tableextension` adds a branch with `modify(...)`, check the new target's length against the field's existing declaration too.
See sample: [`tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field.good.al`](tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field.good.al).
## Anti Pattern
A field whose declared `Code`/`Text` length is shorter than the field it relates to. One example is a `Code[10]` field with `TableRelation` to a table keyed on `Code[20]`. Another is a conditional relation where one branch targets a longer field than the declaration. Both compile without a diagnostic and fail at runtime once a real, longer value is used. This applies whether or not `ValidateTableRelation` or `TestTableRelation` is `false`. The Base Application has an instance: "Financial Report Schedule"."Excel Template Code" is `Code[20]` and relates, with a `where` filter, to "Fin. Report Excel Template".Code, which is `Code[50]`.
A field that is longer than its related field under an unconditional relation, with neither `ValidateTableRelation` nor `TestTableRelation` set to `false`, is a lesser deviation. It holds every valid value, but it is rejected by codeunit 134926's check and accepts values that can never satisfy the relation.
See sample: [`tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field.bad.al`](tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field.bad.al).
Related: [`transferfields-mirrored-fields-must-match-type-and-length.md`](transferfields-mirrored-fields-must-match-type-and-length.md) covers the same length-mismatch failure between fields that `TransferFields` connects.
## Source
- [TableRelation property](https://learn.microsoft.com/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/developer/properties/devenv-tablerelation-property): syntax `<TableName>[.<FieldName>]`, conditional `IF ... ELSE` relations, and use of the relation to validate entries.
- [Compiler Warning (future error) AL0685](https://learn.microsoft.com/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/developer/diagnostics/diagnostic-al685): the analogous FlowField length diagnostic, which warns that the mismatch "could result in a runtime error".
- BCApps [`src/Layers/W1/Tests/Misc/TableRelationTest.Codeunit.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/Tests/Misc/TableRelationTest.Codeunit.al): line 46 says "Fields must have the exact length of the largest field they relate to". Lines 48-49 skip a field unless both "Test Table Relation" and "Validate Table Relation" are true. Lines 68-84 apply `Field.Len < MaxRelatedFieldLength` when every relation is conditional and `Field.Len <> MaxRelatedFieldLength` otherwise. Line 15 is `[Scope('OnPrem')]`.
- [ValidateTableRelation property](https://learn.microsoft.com/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/developer/properties/devenv-validatetablerelation-property) and [TestTableRelation property](https://learn.microsoft.com/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/developer/properties/devenv-testtablerelation-property): both default to `true`, and setting `ValidateTableRelation` to `false` should be paired with `TestTableRelation = false`.
- Deliberately longer filter fields with `ValidateTableRelation = false` in BCApps W1 Base Application:
- [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Warehouse/Request/WarehouseSourceFilter.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Warehouse/Request/WarehouseSourceFilter.Table.al) lines 44-49: "Variant Code Filter" `Code[100]` relates to "Item Variant".Code (`Code[10]`).
- [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/Analysis/AnalysisViewFilter.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/Analysis/AnalysisViewFilter.Table.al) lines 49-54: "Dimension Value Filter" `Code[250]` relates to "Dimension Value".Code (`Code[20]`).
- [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Projects/Project/Job/JobTask.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Projects/Project/Job/JobTask.Table.al) lines 290-295: Totaling `Text[250]` relates to "Job Task"."Job Task No." (`Code[20]`).
- BCApps [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/FinancialReports/FinancialReportSchedule.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/FinancialReports/FinancialReportSchedule.Table.al) lines 48-51: "Excel Template Code" `Code[20]` relates to [`FinReportExcelTemplate.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/FinancialReports/FinReportExcelTemplate.Table.al) field Code (`Code[50]`, line 33), an instance of the shorter-field anti-pattern.
- BCApps [`src/Apps/W1/Subcontracting/Test/Tests/SubcCommentsAttachmentTest.Codeunit.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Apps/W1/Subcontracting/Test/Tests/SubcCommentsAttachmentTest.Codeunit.al) line 295 asserts the runtime text "The length of the string is 101".

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// Test-library-style helper (uses "Library - Utility"); not a Subtype = Test codeunit.
codeunit 50150 "Sample Payment Terms Codes"
{
procedure GenerateUnusedPaymentTermsCode(): Code[10]
var
PaymentTerms: Record "Payment Terms";
LibraryUtility: Codeunit "Library - Utility";
RecRef: RecordRef;
FieldRef: FieldRef;
NewCode: Code[10];
begin
// Temp = true: RecRef is an empty temporary instance, so IsEmpty()
// is true on the first pass and existing Payment Terms are never seen.
RecRef.Open(Database::"Payment Terms", true, CompanyName());
FieldRef := RecRef.Field(PaymentTerms.FieldNo(Code));
repeat
NewCode := CopyStr(LibraryUtility.GenerateRandomXMLText(MaxStrLen(NewCode)), 1, MaxStrLen(NewCode));
FieldRef.SetRange(NewCode);
until RecRef.IsEmpty();
exit(NewCode);
end;
}

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// Test-library-style helper (uses "Library - Utility"); not a Subtype = Test codeunit.
codeunit 50150 "Sample Payment Terms Codes"
{
procedure GenerateUnusedPaymentTermsCode(): Code[10]
var
PaymentTerms: Record "Payment Terms";
LibraryUtility: Codeunit "Library - Utility";
RecRef: RecordRef;
FieldRef: FieldRef;
NewCode: Code[10];
begin
// Temp = false: the loop checks the persisted Payment Terms rows.
RecRef.Open(Database::"Payment Terms", false, CompanyName());
FieldRef := RecRef.Field(PaymentTerms.FieldNo(Code));
repeat
NewCode := CopyStr(LibraryUtility.GenerateRandomXMLText(MaxStrLen(NewCode)), 1, MaxStrLen(NewCode));
FieldRef.SetRange(NewCode);
until RecRef.IsEmpty();
exit(NewCode);
end;
procedure GetFieldFilterFromView(TableNo: Integer; TableView: Text; FieldNo: Integer): Text
var
RecRef: RecordRef;
FieldRef: FieldRef;
begin
// Temp = true is correct here: the RecordRef only parses a view and
// never reads rows.
RecRef.Open(TableNo, true);
RecRef.SetView(TableView);
FieldRef := RecRef.Field(FieldNo);
exit(FieldRef.GetFilter());
end;
}

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---
bc-version: [all]
domain: testing
keywords: [recordref, open, temporary, isempty, existence-check, uniqueness]
technologies: [al]
countries: [w1]
application-area: [all]
---
# RecordRef.Open with Temp = true cannot check the real table
## Description
`RecordRef.Open(No: Integer [, Temp: Boolean] [, CompanyName: Text])` always takes a real table number. When `Temp` is `true`, though, the `RecordRef` refers to a temporary instance of that table. That instance starts empty and never contains the persisted rows. Microsoft Learn's example opens table 27 temporarily and notes that `Find('-')` "returns false" because "there are no records in a temporary table". So `IsEmpty`, `Find*`, `Next`, `Get` or `Count` on a temp-opened `RecordRef` only sees rows the same code inserted into it. These calls can't answer "does this value already exist in the table?"
The defect is easy to miss at the call site. `Temp` is a positional, unnamed Boolean, the table number is genuine, and the code compiles without a diagnostic. The usual shape is a generate-until-unused loop: the code sets a range on a field and repeats `until RecRef.IsEmpty()`. That loop exits on its first pass and returns a value that may already exist. The defect then shows up later as a duplicate-key error or a wrong lookup, often only once the table holds data.
The shape occurs wherever `RecordRef` is used. This article sits in the testing domain because generic test-library helpers, which work on any table number, are where it typically appears. For how specific `LibraryUtility` helpers behave, including `GenerateRandomCode`'s temporary open, see [`use-generateguid-for-unique-test-fixture-values.md`](use-generateguid-for-unique-test-fixture-values.md). That article owns guidance on which helper to call.
## Best Practice
When the code that follows has to see persisted rows, open with `Temp = false` or omit the parameter. Learn's first example omits it so the table "will not be open as temporary table".
`Temp = true` is correct when the `RecordRef` is deliberately a scratch instance that never answers existence questions about the real table, for example:
- A field-validation sandbox: insert a temporary row, then `Validate` a field on it.
- Parsing a table view with `SetView` and reading `GetFilter`.
- Reading table metadata such as `SystemIdNo`.
See sample: [`recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks.good.al`](recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks.good.al).
## Anti Pattern
`RecRef.Open(<table>, true[, ...])` followed, on the same `RecordRef` and with no `Insert` into it, by `IsEmpty`, `Find`, `FindFirst`, `FindLast`, `FindSet`, `Next`, `Get` or `Count` whose result decides whether a value already exists in the table. The classic case is a uniqueness loop ending `until RecRef.IsEmpty()`.
See sample: [`recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks.bad.al`](recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks.bad.al).
## Source
- [RecordRef.Open method](https://learn.microsoft.com/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/developer/methods-auto/recordref/recordref-open-method): the syntax, Example 1 (parameters omitted, not temporary) and Example 2 (temporary open is empty, `Find('-')` returns false).
- BCApps [`src/Layers/W1/Tests/ApplicationTestLibrary/LibraryUtility.Codeunit.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/Tests/ApplicationTestLibrary/LibraryUtility.Codeunit.al): `GenerateRandomCode` opens with `true` at line 288 and loops `until RecRef.IsEmpty()`. `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength` opens with `false` at line 309.
- Legitimate `Temp = true` uses in BCApps W1:
- [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Inventory/Item/ItemTempl.Table.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Inventory/Item/ItemTempl.Table.al) line 1255: temporary `Item` insert plus `Validate`.
- [`src/Apps/W1/Quality Management/app/src/Utilities/QltyFilterHelpers.Codeunit.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Apps/W1/Quality%20Management/app/src/Utilities/QltyFilterHelpers.Codeunit.al) line 942: `SetView` plus `GetFilter`.
- [`src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Integration/SynchEngine/IntegrationRecordSynch.Codeunit.al`](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/main/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Integration/SynchEngine/IntegrationRecordSynch.Codeunit.al) line 221: `SplitLocalTableFilter` splits a table filter, reading only `SystemIdNo` from the temporary open.

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@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ application-area: [all]
Reviews AL source changes against the `data-modeling` knowledge domain in BCQuality and emits a findings report. This is a leaf action skill: it invokes no sub-skills. It is one of the skills composed by `al-code-review`. Reviews AL source changes against the `data-modeling` knowledge domain in BCQuality and emits a findings report. This is a leaf action skill: it invokes no sub-skills. It is one of the skills composed by `al-code-review`.
An orchestrator invokes this skill with a `pr-diff`, `file-path`, or `folder-path`. Data-modeling findings are narrow by design — they apply when the review scope contains setup or master tables, their card pages, primary keys, number-series assignment, block enforcement, audit fields, document print/email/Post-and-Send actions, `Navigate` page subscribers, Report Selection registration or dispatch, price-calculation/price-source extensibility, code that reads or writes sales/purchase/service line price and amount fields, `TransferFields`-based posting-cascade field mirroring, barcode/report-layout font-provider usage, dimension wiring, journal-based posting-routine structure, or Item Ledger Entry document-number lookups after a combined sales post. The skill returns `not-applicable` when none of those apply. An orchestrator invokes this skill with a `pr-diff`, `file-path`, or `folder-path`. Data-modeling findings are narrow by design — they apply when the review scope contains setup or master tables, their card pages, primary keys, number-series assignment, block enforcement, audit fields, document print/email/Post-and-Send actions, `Navigate` page subscribers, Report Selection registration or dispatch, price-calculation/price-source extensibility, code that reads or writes sales/purchase/service line price and amount fields, `TransferFields`-based posting-cascade field mirroring, `TableRelation` field-length design, barcode/report-layout font-provider usage, dimension wiring, journal-based posting-routine structure, or Item Ledger Entry document-number lookups after a combined sales post. The skill returns `not-applicable` when none of those apply.
## Source ## Source
@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ Narrow the relevant files to the subset that applies to the changes under review
- The changed AL object names and types — especially `* Setup` singleton tables and Card pages, custom master tables, tableextensions that add master-data fields, document or journal lines that reference a master, document pages/codeunits exposing print/email/Post-and-Send actions, codeunits subscribing to `Navigate`, enumextensions to `"Report Selection Usage"`/`"Price Calculation Handler"`/`"Price Source Type"`, and report objects that render barcodes. - The changed AL object names and types — especially `* Setup` singleton tables and Card pages, custom master tables, tableextensions that add master-data fields, document or journal lines that reference a master, document pages/codeunits exposing print/email/Post-and-Send actions, codeunits subscribing to `Navigate`, enumextensions to `"Report Selection Usage"`/`"Price Calculation Handler"`/`"Price Source Type"`, and report objects that render barcodes.
- The changed fields, keys, triggers, and procedures, weighted toward `Primary Key`, `No.`, `No. Series`, `Blocked`, `Last Date Modified`, `OnInsert`, `OnModify`, `OnRename`, reference-field `OnValidate`, posting validation, and posting-cascade `TransferFields` calls. - The changed fields, keys, triggers, and procedures, weighted toward `Primary Key`, `No.`, `No. Series`, `Blocked`, `Last Date Modified`, `OnInsert`, `OnModify`, `OnRename`, reference-field `OnValidate`, posting validation, and posting-cascade `TransferFields` calls.
- Tokens extracted from the diff that relate to data modeling (`setup`, `master`, `Primary Key`, `Code[10]`, `Code[20]`, `AutoIncrement`, `SystemId`, `No.`, `No. Series`, `NoSeriesManagement`, `Codeunit "No. Series"`, `GetNextNo`, `IsManual`, `TestManual`, `Blocked`, `TestField`, `Last Date Modified`, `Today`, `WorkDate`, `InsertAllowed`, `DeleteAllowed`, `PageType = Card`, `OnOpenPage`, `GetRecordOnce`, `OnInsert`, `OnModify`, `OnRename`, `InitRecord`, `Round`, `Precision`, `Direction`, `TableRelation`, `tableextension`, `enumextension`, `Media`, `MediaSet`, `Item`, `Count`, `TransferFields`, `Navigate`, `OnAfterFindRecords`, `OnBeforeShowRecords`, `Report Selections`, `Report Selection Usage`, `InsertRecord`, `Document Sending Profile`, `PrintForCust`, `PrintWithDialogForCust`, `PrintWithDialogForVend`, `SendEmailToCust`, `SendEmailToVendor`, `Report.RunModal`, `Report.Run`, `Price Calculation Handler`, `Price Calculation`, `OnFindSupportedSetup`, `Price Calculation Setup`, `Price Source Type`, `PriceSourceList`, `OnAfterAddSources`, `UpdateUnitPrice`, `PlanPriceCalcByField`, `UpdateUnitPriceByField`, `Prices Including VAT`, `Unit Price`, `Direct Unit Cost`, `Line Amount`, `Prepmt. Line Amount`, `Amount Including VAT`, `CalculateOutstandingAmountExclTax`, `Barcode Font Provider`, `Barcode Font Provider 2D`, `EncodeFont`, `ValidateInput`). - Tokens extracted from the diff that relate to data modeling (`setup`, `master`, `Primary Key`, `Code[10]`, `Code[20]`, `AutoIncrement`, `SystemId`, `No.`, `No. Series`, `NoSeriesManagement`, `Codeunit "No. Series"`, `GetNextNo`, `IsManual`, `TestManual`, `Blocked`, `TestField`, `Last Date Modified`, `Today`, `WorkDate`, `InsertAllowed`, `DeleteAllowed`, `PageType = Card`, `OnOpenPage`, `GetRecordOnce`, `OnInsert`, `OnModify`, `OnRename`, `InitRecord`, `Round`, `Precision`, `Direction`, `TableRelation`, `ValidateTableRelation`, `TestTableRelation`, `Text[`, `tableextension`, `enumextension`, `Media`, `MediaSet`, `Item`, `Count`, `TransferFields`, `Navigate`, `OnAfterFindRecords`, `OnBeforeShowRecords`, `Report Selections`, `Report Selection Usage`, `InsertRecord`, `Document Sending Profile`, `PrintForCust`, `PrintWithDialogForCust`, `PrintWithDialogForVend`, `SendEmailToCust`, `SendEmailToVendor`, `Report.RunModal`, `Report.Run`, `Price Calculation Handler`, `Price Calculation`, `OnFindSupportedSetup`, `Price Calculation Setup`, `Price Source Type`, `PriceSourceList`, `OnAfterAddSources`, `UpdateUnitPrice`, `PlanPriceCalcByField`, `UpdateUnitPriceByField`, `Prices Including VAT`, `Unit Price`, `Direct Unit Cost`, `Line Amount`, `Prepmt. Line Amount`, `Amount Including VAT`, `CalculateOutstandingAmountExclTax`, `Barcode Font Provider`, `Barcode Font Provider 2D`, `EncodeFont`, `ValidateInput`).
A file enters the candidate worklist when its `keywords` intersect the extracted tokens or its topic (derived from the index entry's `path`, `title`, and `description`) matches a changed object type. Read an article's full file — its `## Best Practice` / `## Anti Pattern` bodies — only after it makes the worklist; candidate selection uses the index alone. When the diff contains no data-modeling changes by any of the above signals, return `outcome: "not-applicable"` without evaluating files. A file enters the candidate worklist when its `keywords` intersect the extracted tokens or its topic (derived from the index entry's `path`, `title`, and `description`) matches a changed object type. Read an article's full file — its `## Best Practice` / `## Anti Pattern` bodies — only after it makes the worklist; candidate selection uses the index alone. When the diff contains no data-modeling changes by any of the above signals, return `outcome: "not-applicable"` without evaluating files.
@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ The following targeted checks cover every current `data-modeling` article. Treat
- A master gains or changes `Blocked`, or a document line, journal line, reference-field `OnValidate`, or posting routine uses that master without `TestField(Blocked, false)` at the point of use; also cue when the check is placed only in the master's own triggers — `check-blocked-in-referencing-code-not-in-master`. - A master gains or changes `Blocked`, or a document line, journal line, reference-field `OnValidate`, or posting routine uses that master without `TestField(Blocked, false)` at the point of use; also cue when the check is placed only in the master's own triggers — `check-blocked-in-referencing-code-not-in-master`.
- A master table adds or changes `Last Date Modified`, `OnModify`, or `OnRename`, but the non-editable field is not assigned `Today()` in both triggers — `set-last-date-modified-in-onmodify-and-onrename`. - A master table adds or changes `Last Date Modified`, `OnModify`, or `OnRename`, but the non-editable field is not assigned `Today()` in both triggers — `set-last-date-modified-in-onmodify-and-onrename`.
- A `tableextension` appends a conditional `TableRelation` as if it overrides an earlier unconditional relation, or relation branches are otherwise designed without accounting for additive top-down evaluation — `table-relation-extensions-are-additive-and-top-down`. - A `tableextension` appends a conditional `TableRelation` as if it overrides an earlier unconditional relation, or relation branches are otherwise designed without accounting for additive top-down evaluation — `table-relation-extensions-are-additive-and-top-down`.
- A field declares a `TableRelation` (or a `tableextension` `modify` adds a relation branch) and the field's declared `Code`/`Text` length is shorter than the related field, or, when any relation on the field is unconditional, differs from it — `tablerelation-field-length-must-match-related-field`. Read the related field's declared length from its table definition rather than assuming one. A field shorter than the related field is a finding in all cases, including when it sets `ValidateTableRelation = false` or `TestTableRelation = false`. Do not flag a field for being longer than its related field when its relations are all conditional, or when it sets `ValidateTableRelation = false` or `TestTableRelation = false` (filter/totaling fields).
- A `Media` or `MediaSet` field is assigned directly between different table types or different field IDs instead of registering each shared item with `MediaSet.Insert` — `share-mediaset-items-with-insert-not-field-assignment`. - A `Media` or `MediaSet` field is assigned directly between different table types or different field IDs instead of registering each shared item with `MediaSet.Insert` — `share-mediaset-items-with-insert-not-field-assignment`.
- A custom document header assigns defaults outside an `InitRecord` boundary, calls `InitRecord` before assigning its number, or places UI-independent defaults only in a page trigger — `initialize-document-defaults-in-initrecord`. - A custom document header assigns defaults outside an `InitRecord` boundary, calls `InitRecord` before assigning its number, or places UI-independent defaults only in a page trigger — `initialize-document-defaults-in-initrecord`.
- Directed `Round` calls use `'<'` as mathematical floor or `'>'` as mathematical ceiling, especially where negative amounts are possible — `round-direction-symbols-use-magnitude`. - Directed `Round` calls use `'<'` as mathematical floor or `'>'` as mathematical ceiling, especially where negative amounts are possible — `round-direction-symbols-use-magnitude`.
@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ Outcome selection:
- `completed` — the skill evaluated every worklist item. - `completed` — the skill evaluated every worklist item.
- `no-knowledge` — no applicable data-modeling knowledge survived filtering. - `no-knowledge` — no applicable data-modeling knowledge survived filtering.
- `not-applicable` — the diff touches no setup/master table, page, key, numbering, block-check, or audit-field surface, and no document print/email/Post-and-Send action, `Navigate` subscriber, Report Selection registration/dispatch, price-calculation/price-source extensibility point, sales/purchase/service line price or amount read/write, posting-cascade `TransferFields` mirroring, barcode/report-font-provider usage, dimension wiring, posting-routine structure, or Item-Ledger-Entry-document-number surface. - `not-applicable` — the diff touches no setup/master table, page, key, numbering, block-check, or audit-field surface, and no document print/email/Post-and-Send action, `Navigate` subscriber, Report Selection registration/dispatch, price-calculation/price-source extensibility point, sales/purchase/service line price or amount read/write, posting-cascade `TransferFields` mirroring, `TableRelation` field length, barcode/report-font-provider usage, dimension wiring, posting-routine structure, or Item-Ledger-Entry-document-number surface.
- `partial` — a budget was hit before the worklist was exhausted. - `partial` — a budget was hit before the worklist was exhausted.
- `failed` — an unrecoverable error occurred. - `failed` — an unrecoverable error occurred.

View file

@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ application-area: [all]
Reviews AL source changes against the `testing` knowledge domain in BCQuality and emits a findings report. This is a leaf action skill: it invokes no sub-skills. It is one of the skills composed by `al-code-review`. Reviews AL source changes against the `testing` knowledge domain in BCQuality and emits a findings report. This is a leaf action skill: it invokes no sub-skills. It is one of the skills composed by `al-code-review`.
An orchestrator invokes this skill with a `pr-diff`, `file-path`, or `folder-path`. Testing findings are narrow by design — they apply when the review scope contains test codeunits, test runners, test methods, handlers, assertions, or fixture construction. The skill returns `not-applicable` when none of those apply. An orchestrator invokes this skill with a `pr-diff`, `file-path`, or `folder-path`. Testing findings are narrow by design — they apply when the review scope contains test codeunits, test runners, test methods, handlers, assertions, fixture construction, or test-library helpers such as `RecordRef`-based uniqueness checks. The skill returns `not-applicable` when none of those apply.
## Source ## Source
@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ Narrow the relevant files to the subset that applies to the changes under review
- The changed AL object names and types — especially codeunits with `Subtype = Test`, test runner codeunits with `TestIsolation`, test libraries, and codeunits that define UI handlers. - The changed AL object names and types — especially codeunits with `Subtype = Test`, test runner codeunits with `TestIsolation`, test libraries, and codeunits that define UI handlers.
- The changed methods and attributes, weighted toward `[Test]`, `[TransactionModel(...)]`, `[TestPermissions(...)]`, `[HandlerFunctions(...)]`, handler attributes, `asserterror`, `ExpectedError`, `ExpectedErrorCode`, fixture initialization, and test-library calls. - The changed methods and attributes, weighted toward `[Test]`, `[TransactionModel(...)]`, `[TestPermissions(...)]`, `[HandlerFunctions(...)]`, handler attributes, `asserterror`, `ExpectedError`, `ExpectedErrorCode`, fixture initialization, and test-library calls.
- Tokens extracted from the diff that relate to testing (`Subtype = Test`, `Subtype = TestRunner`, `TestIsolation`, `TestPermissions`, `Restrictive`, `NonRestrictive`, `Disabled`, `Permissions Mock`, `Library - Lower Permissions`, `TransactionModel`, `AutoRollback`, `AutoCommit`, `Commit`, `asserterror`, `ExpectedError`, `ExpectedErrorCode`, `HandlerFunctions`, `ConfirmHandler`, `MessageHandler`, `StrMenuHandler`, `ModalPageHandler`, `SendNotificationHandler`, `RecallNotificationHandler`, `Enqueue`, `Dequeue`, `AssertEmpty`, `Initialize`, `IsInitialized`, `OnTestInitialize`, `LibrarySetupStorage`, `Library Assert`, `LibraryVariableStorage`, `LibrarySales`, `LibraryPurchase`, `LibraryERM`, `LibraryInventory`, `LibraryRandom`, `Library - Utility`, `LibraryUtility`, `GenerateGUID`, `GenerateRandomCode`, `TestPage`, `.Visible(`, `.Enabled(`, `.Editable(`, `OpenNew`, `OpenView`, `OpenEdit`, `Init`, `Insert`). - Tokens extracted from the diff that relate to testing (`Subtype = Test`, `Subtype = TestRunner`, `TestIsolation`, `TestPermissions`, `Restrictive`, `NonRestrictive`, `Disabled`, `Permissions Mock`, `Library - Lower Permissions`, `TransactionModel`, `AutoRollback`, `AutoCommit`, `Commit`, `asserterror`, `ExpectedError`, `ExpectedErrorCode`, `HandlerFunctions`, `ConfirmHandler`, `MessageHandler`, `StrMenuHandler`, `ModalPageHandler`, `SendNotificationHandler`, `RecallNotificationHandler`, `Enqueue`, `Dequeue`, `AssertEmpty`, `Initialize`, `IsInitialized`, `OnTestInitialize`, `LibrarySetupStorage`, `Library Assert`, `LibraryVariableStorage`, `LibrarySales`, `LibraryPurchase`, `LibraryERM`, `LibraryInventory`, `LibraryRandom`, `Library - Utility`, `LibraryUtility`, `GenerateGUID`, `GenerateRandomCode`, `RecordRef`, `RecRef.Open`, `IsEmpty`, `TestPage`, `.Visible(`, `.Enabled(`, `.Editable(`, `OpenNew`, `OpenView`, `OpenEdit`, `Init`, `Insert`).
A file enters the candidate worklist when its `keywords` intersect the extracted tokens or its topic (derived from the index entry's `path`, `title`, and `description`) matches a changed object type. Read an article's full file — its `## Best Practice` / `## Anti Pattern` bodies — only after it makes the worklist; candidate selection uses the index alone. When the diff contains no testing-related changes by any of the above signals, return `outcome: "not-applicable"` without evaluating files. A file enters the candidate worklist when its `keywords` intersect the extracted tokens or its topic (derived from the index entry's `path`, `title`, and `description`) matches a changed object type. Read an article's full file — its `## Best Practice` / `## Anti Pattern` bodies — only after it makes the worklist; candidate selection uses the index alone. When the diff contains no testing-related changes by any of the above signals, return `outcome: "not-applicable"` without evaluating files.
@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ The following targeted checks cover every current `testing` article. Treat each
- A shared/lazy `Initialize()`-style fixture helper creates fixture data without a following `Commit()`, in a test method whose body later forces its own rollback (for example `asserterror Error(...)` used for end-of-test cleanup) — `commit-shared-test-fixture-inside-lazy-initialize`. The presence of `Commit()` after the fixture is the compliant shape, not the signal to look for; the missing-`Commit()` shape combined with a later deliberate rollback is the anti-pattern. Require runner/repository context for the `TestIsolation` value: a standalone test file cannot prove which runner executes it, and under `Function`-level isolation this whole pattern is moot regardless of `Commit()` — do not raise the finding when the executing runner's `TestIsolation` is known to be `Function`. - A shared/lazy `Initialize()`-style fixture helper creates fixture data without a following `Commit()`, in a test method whose body later forces its own rollback (for example `asserterror Error(...)` used for end-of-test cleanup) — `commit-shared-test-fixture-inside-lazy-initialize`. The presence of `Commit()` after the fixture is the compliant shape, not the signal to look for; the missing-`Commit()` shape combined with a later deliberate rollback is the anti-pattern. Require runner/repository context for the `TestIsolation` value: a standalone test file cannot prove which runner executes it, and under `Function`-level isolation this whole pattern is moot regardless of `Commit()` — do not raise the finding when the executing runner's `TestIsolation` is known to be `Function`.
- Changed code subscribes to `OnAfterRemoveTableRelation`, calls `RemoveTableRelation`, or references `Codeunit "Table Relation Test"`/134926 — `table-relation-test-exclude-known-invalid-relations-via-event`. - Changed code subscribes to `OnAfterRemoveTableRelation`, calls `RemoveTableRelation`, or references `Codeunit "Table Relation Test"`/134926 — `table-relation-test-exclude-known-invalid-relations-via-event`.
- Test fixture code assigns a hardcoded literal to a primary-key field or a field the test relies on as a unique lookup identifier, hand-builds a "unique" value for such a field (string concatenation, a counter, `Format(CurrentDateTime)`), or truncates `LibraryUtility.GenerateGUID()`'s result with `CopyStr` for such a field shorter than 10 characters — `use-generateguid-for-unique-test-fixture-values`. Calling `GenerateGUID()` untruncated into a full-length field, `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength` for a shorter field needing real verified uniqueness, or `GenerateRandomCode20` specifically for a `Code[20]` field, is the compliant shape, not the signal to flag. `GenerateRandomCode20` is not a substitute for `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength` on a shorter field — it truncates `GenerateGUID()`'s sequential value down to the field's length by keeping the *leftmost* characters, which change the slowest, so retries against a short field can churn through the same truncated prefix far longer than `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength`'s equivalent. A hardcoded or deterministic value in an ordinary descriptive field is not this anti-pattern — that field carries no uniqueness constraint. Do not claim `GenerateRandomCode` (without `WithLength`/`20`) or `GenerateRandomXMLText` verify uniqueness against the real table, or that `GenerateRandomCode` is collision-free even within one test run for a short field — none of that is true. - Test fixture code assigns a hardcoded literal to a primary-key field or a field the test relies on as a unique lookup identifier, hand-builds a "unique" value for such a field (string concatenation, a counter, `Format(CurrentDateTime)`), or truncates `LibraryUtility.GenerateGUID()`'s result with `CopyStr` for such a field shorter than 10 characters — `use-generateguid-for-unique-test-fixture-values`. Calling `GenerateGUID()` untruncated into a full-length field, `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength` for a shorter field needing real verified uniqueness, or `GenerateRandomCode20` specifically for a `Code[20]` field, is the compliant shape, not the signal to flag. `GenerateRandomCode20` is not a substitute for `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength` on a shorter field — it truncates `GenerateGUID()`'s sequential value down to the field's length by keeping the *leftmost* characters, which change the slowest, so retries against a short field can churn through the same truncated prefix far longer than `GenerateRandomCodeWithLength`'s equivalent. A hardcoded or deterministic value in an ordinary descriptive field is not this anti-pattern — that field carries no uniqueness constraint. Do not claim `GenerateRandomCode` (without `WithLength`/`20`) or `GenerateRandomXMLText` verify uniqueness against the real table, or that `GenerateRandomCode` is collision-free even within one test run for a short field — none of that is true.
- Changed code calls `RecordRef.Open(<table>, true[, ...])` with a literal `true` and then, on that same `RecordRef` with no `Insert` into it, uses `IsEmpty`, `Find`, `FindFirst`, `FindLast`, `FindSet`, `Next`, `Get`, or `Count` to decide whether a value already exists in the table (typically a generate-until-unused loop ending `until RecRef.IsEmpty()`) — `recordref-open-temp-parameter-defeats-real-table-checks`. A temporary open used only as a validation sandbox (`Insert` then `Validate`), to parse a view via `SetView`/`GetFilter`, or to read metadata such as `SystemIdNo` is not this anti-pattern; neither is a non-literal `Temp` argument. A call to `LibraryUtility.GenerateRandomCode` itself is owned by `use-generateguid-for-unique-test-fixture-values`, not this cue.
- A test asserts against a `TestPage` field's `.Visible()` or `.Enabled()` — `use-testpage-visible-enabled-to-verify-field-ui-state`. When the assertion is against `.Editable()`, or the page is opened with `OpenEdit()` specifically to check editability — `use-testpage-editable-to-verify-field-editability`. - A test asserts against a `TestPage` field's `.Visible()` or `.Enabled()` — `use-testpage-visible-enabled-to-verify-field-ui-state`. When the assertion is against `.Editable()`, or the page is opened with `OpenEdit()` specifically to check editability — `use-testpage-editable-to-verify-field-editability`.
- A test path raises UI and `[HandlerFunctions(...)]` does not match the invoked handlers, or the test has no meaningful evidence of the UI result (for example, it treats a Boolean set before the action as proof of success) — `ui-handlers-in-tests`. A capture/reset/assert-after-`RunModal` pattern is valid. Enqueue/dequeue and `AssertEmpty` are required only when order, count, text, replies, or a scripted sequence is part of the contract. Only nonoptional handlers have to execute: a listed handler declared `[SendNotificationHandler(true)]` or `[RecallNotificationHandler(true)]` is optional by design, so do not treat it as unmatched when the run never raises the notification. - A test path raises UI and `[HandlerFunctions(...)]` does not match the invoked handlers, or the test has no meaningful evidence of the UI result (for example, it treats a Boolean set before the action as proof of success) — `ui-handlers-in-tests`. A capture/reset/assert-after-`RunModal` pattern is valid. Enqueue/dequeue and `AssertEmpty` are required only when order, count, text, replies, or a scripted sequence is part of the contract. Only nonoptional handlers have to execute: a listed handler declared `[SendNotificationHandler(true)]` or `[RecallNotificationHandler(true)]` is optional by design, so do not treat it as unmatched when the run never raises the notification.
- A test's `[GIVEN]`/setup looks up a hardcoded code/number/name assumed to already exist instead of creating it, leaves a mandatory field on a created record empty, uses a value that doesn't satisfy the scenario's own explicit length/format requirement (for example a truncation test whose value never exceeds the field), or a scenario-defining value (amount, quantity, percentage, date, threshold, rounding precision) is generated/randomized instead of an explicit chosen value — `test-data-must-be-random-and-complete`. Generating incidental fixture values (identifiers, names, descriptions) via the standard library codeunits is the compliant shape, not the signal to flag, and neither is a short-but-valid value in an otherwise-unremarkable field. - A test's `[GIVEN]`/setup looks up a hardcoded code/number/name assumed to already exist instead of creating it, leaves a mandatory field on a created record empty, uses a value that doesn't satisfy the scenario's own explicit length/format requirement (for example a truncation test whose value never exceeds the field), or a scenario-defining value (amount, quantity, percentage, date, threshold, rounding precision) is generated/randomized instead of an explicit chosen value — `test-data-must-be-random-and-complete`. Generating incidental fixture values (identifiers, names, descriptions) via the standard library codeunits is the compliant shape, not the signal to flag, and neither is a short-but-valid value in an otherwise-unremarkable field.