Keys

A key is a field or combination of fields in a table that is used to sort and locate specific rows in the table. Typically, the value of the key field or fields is unique for each row in a table so a specific row can be located. Keys that don't uniquely identify a specific row are used to refer to a range of rows in the table.

The keys for a table are identified by number, beginning with the value 1. When you specify the key you want to use for a table, you will supply the corresponding integer. The Table Descriptions window in Microsoft Dynamics GP lists the keys for each table, and the key segments (fields) that each key contains.

You will use the keys for a table when you retrieve a specific row from the table. This is described in the next section, Retrieving a row. You will also use keys when you want to perform operations on a range of rows in the table. You will learn more about this in Ranges.