Field overview
In undb, a Field is the equivalent of a column in a database. Fields define the structure of your data within a Table, specifying the type of data that can be stored and the rules that govern it. Each Table consists of both system fields and custom fields, allowing for a flexible and structured approach to data management.
Types of Fields
1. System Fields
- Automatically Created: When you create a new Table, several system fields are automatically generated. These fields are essential for tracking and managing data within undb.
- Examples:
- id: A unique identifier for each record.
- autoIncrement: Automatically increments with each new record.
- createdAt: Timestamp when the record was created.
- createdBy: The user who created the record.
- updatedAt: Timestamp when the record was last updated.
- updatedBy: The user who last updated the record.
2. Custom Fields
- User-Defined: In addition to system fields, you can create custom fields when setting up or modifying a Table. Custom fields allow you to tailor the Table’s schema to fit the specific needs of your data.
- Field Types: Custom fields can be of various types, such as text, number, date, and more, depending on the nature of the data.
Field Constraints
Fields in undb can have constraints to ensure data integrity and consistency:
- Unique Name: Field names inside a table is unique.
- Required: A field can be marked as required, meaning that it must have a value for each record in the Table.
- Maximum and Minimum Values: For fields like numbers or dates, you can set maximum and minimum values to restrict the range of acceptable data.
- Other Constraints: Depending on the field type, other constraints like length (for text fields) or format (for email fields) can be applied.
Updatable Fields
Some fields in undb are designed to be updated by users, and these fields offer additional customization options:
- Default Values: You can set default values for updatable fields, ensuring that new records have a pre-defined starting point.
- Display Fields: Fields can be configured as display fields, which means they are prominently shown in views and summaries of the data. This helps in identifying and categorizing records at a glance.
Field Management
- Adding and Modifying Fields: During the creation of a Table or later on, you can add or modify fields to adjust the data structure as needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt your Tables as your project evolves.
- Updating Constraints: Constraints can be updated as your data requirements change, ensuring that your Table always enforces the correct rules for data entry and management.
By understanding and effectively using Fields in undb, you can create robust and structured Tables that accurately reflect and manage your data, providing a solid foundation for all your application needs.