What are Field Dependencies? How can you Create it in Salesforce?

Multiple times, you must keep scrolling to choose an option from a drop-down list to get your desired preferences. Generally, nearly everything is on that list, which is why it becomes too long to check out.

So, the above procedure not only consumes time but may be stressful for you. That's why Salesforce developed the concept of field dependency. It can refine your searches by using different filters from the drop-down list. Moreover, it helps users to select the best option more easily and quickly.

In this article, we'll guide you through step-by-step information about field dependencies lightning creation and how it works in Salesforce. But first, let's discuss what are field dependencies in Salesforce.

What are Field Dependencies in Salesforce?

What are field dependencies in Salesforce? 

Field dependencies are generally particular types of filters that enable the content update of a picklist depending on the value of a different field. For example, Salesforce always feels good to display the options based on the significance of other elements like the State rather than showing all potential alternatives for a nation in a single picklist.

It is a fantastic method for choosing the right option conveniently.

Another example is food products, where choosing from a giant list is typically tedious and time-consuming. You may narrow your search by using keywords like lunch, dinner, breakfast, etc. 

Besides, there are two possible classifications for picklist values, namely Dependent fields and Controlling fields, that we have discussed below: 

Controlling Fields

It can regulate the values that are available in one or more associated dependent fields.

Dependent Fields

It can display values dependent on the decisions made for the corresponding controlling fields. Further, the Dependent Fields are constantly a picklist, while the Controlling Fields are a checkbox.

Additional Important Points About Dependent Fields

• The values chosen for the controlling fields directly affect the dependent field.

• The filtration of values works in combination with both controlling fields and dependent fields.

• It is possible to define custom picklists as controlling fields or dependent fields.

• Standard picklists typically only include controlling fields. So, we can’t declare them as dependent fields.

• Only controlling fields can have default values set.

• In contrast to the dependent fields, the checkbox can be referred to as a controlling field.

• The multi-select picklist is considered the dependent field, not the controlling field.

So, with an understanding of these crucial elements, you have gained a clear concept of the dependent field and control fields, as well as how you can explain them for Field Dependencies in Salesforce.

How to Generate Field Dependencies in Salesforce?

The following are some of the steps that help you teach how to make field dependencies in Salesforce.

So, we’ll guide you with an example of healthcare products for the Salesforce field dependency. Let’s get started!

Step#1

Firstly, log in to your Salesforce account and go to the Setup option, click Build → Create → Objects → Healthcare Product → Create/Generate Fields and Relationships, and lastly, select the Field Dependency.

Step#2

After clicking the Field Dependency option, you might not find any field dependencies, so simply select the New button.

Step#3

When you click the New button, a screen will appear asking you to choose which field is the controlling field and which is the dependent field.

You carefully describe the healthcare product for the dependent and controlling fields. Moreover, there are multiple sub-categories for the dependent field, and only one category is for the controlling field.

Step#4

Now, scroll down and select the Continue button. Additionally, you can see its visibility by clicking on the Preview button.

Step#5

Lastly, select the Save button.

Congratulations! The field dependencies for healthcare products have been created successfully. Similarly, you may generate other product field dependencies following the above steps.

Field Dependency’s Salesforce Lightning Data Types 

1. Auto-number

It’s a System-dependent sequence number that uses a display format. If you want to use this data type, the number will increase automatically by 1 when a new record is created.

Formula

The value of this read-only field is derived from the formulaic expression. As soon as the source field's value is changed, the formula field's value will also change automatically.

Besides, you may find customized summaries depending on the computed values and reported data. Further, these formulas might also be used in the report as columns by a formula field.

Relationship

This field established the connection that allows two objects to be connected. With this relationship, you may always pick the lookup symbol to choose the pop-up list values. 

Roll-up Summary

It is a read-only field that allows you to display values such as sums of numbers, the maximum and minimum values from a list, the total number of entries, and much more.

2. Checkbox

You can only choose true or false object values by using this field. Further, the checkbox values might be referred to as controlling fields.

Currency

With a currency field, you might enter the price in several currencies, such as Dollars, Euros, Pounds, or more. It is also helpful for exporting data to spreadsheets like Excel.

Date / Time

The Day/Time field allows you to select a date or an hour from a pop-up calendar. It is the second most common data type.

Besides, choosing this field depends on your project requirements, whether you want to employ only the date field or want to add the date and time.

Email

You can input an email address in this field and have the data validated in the correct format. The address would be taken automatically on a record basis if the field is designated as a lead or contact. 

Final Notes

This article provided you with complete information about what field dependencies are in Salesforce, how to make them, and their different types, etc. Once you've carefully read each part of this guide, you may smoothly go right into applying them practically. Just remember to verify the values first.