Dictionary Entries in ServiceNow are fundamental components that define the structure and properties of every field within the platform's database tables. As a System Administrator, understanding Dictionary Entries is essential for effective database management and customization.
Each Dictionary E…Dictionary Entries in ServiceNow are fundamental components that define the structure and properties of every field within the platform's database tables. As a System Administrator, understanding Dictionary Entries is essential for effective database management and customization.
Each Dictionary Entry represents a single field definition and contains critical metadata that controls how data is stored, displayed, and validated. When you create or modify a table field, you are essentially working with its corresponding Dictionary Entry.
Key attributes stored in Dictionary Entries include:
1. **Column Name**: The internal database name used for the field.
2. **Column Label**: The user-friendly display name shown on forms and lists.
3. **Type**: Defines the data type such as String, Integer, Reference, Date/Time, Choice, or Boolean.
4. **Max Length**: Specifies the maximum character limit for text fields.
5. **Default Value**: Sets an automatic value when new records are created.
6. **Reference**: For reference fields, identifies which table the field points to.
7. **Mandatory**: Determines whether the field requires a value before saving.
8. **Read Only**: Controls whether users can edit the field.
9. **Active**: Enables or disables the field.
Administrators access Dictionary Entries through System Definition > Dictionary or by right-clicking on any field and selecting Configure Dictionary. This allows for granular control over field behavior across the platform.
Dictionary Entries also support advanced configurations including calculated values, dependent fields, and field-level security through Access Control Lists. Changes to Dictionary Entries affect all forms, lists, and reports that display the associated field.
Best practices include documenting custom Dictionary Entries, using meaningful naming conventions, and testing changes in non-production environments first. Understanding Dictionary Entries empowers administrators to tailor ServiceNow tables to meet specific organizational requirements while maintaining data integrity throughout the system.
Dictionary Entries in ServiceNow
What are Dictionary Entries?
Dictionary Entries in ServiceNow define the attributes and properties of fields within tables. Each field in a ServiceNow table has a corresponding dictionary entry that controls its behavior, data type, length, default values, and other characteristics. The dictionary is essentially the metadata layer that describes how data is stored and managed across the platform.
Why Dictionary Entries are Important
Dictionary entries are fundamental to ServiceNow administration because they:
• Control field-level behavior across the entire platform • Define data types, ensuring data integrity and consistency • Set field attributes like mandatory, read-only, and display values • Enable field inheritance through table extensions • Manage field-level security and access controls • Configure default values and calculated fields
How Dictionary Entries Work
Dictionary entries are stored in the sys_dictionary table. When you create or modify a field, ServiceNow automatically creates or updates the corresponding dictionary entry. Key attributes include:
• Column name: The internal name of the field • Column label: The display name users see • Type: The data type (string, integer, reference, choice, etc.) • Max length: Maximum characters allowed for the field • Default value: Pre-populated value when creating new records • Active: Whether the field is enabled • Read only: Prevents users from editing the field • Mandatory: Requires a value before saving • Display: Determines if the field appears as the display value for the record
Accessing Dictionary Entries
You can access dictionary entries through:
• Right-clicking a field label and selecting Configure Dictionary • Navigating to System Definition > Dictionary • Using the Table Schema view in Studio • Accessing the sys_dictionary table with a filter
Dictionary Overrides
Dictionary overrides allow you to modify field behavior on extended tables differently from the parent table. This is useful when you need a field to behave differently in a child table while maintaining the original configuration in the parent.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Dictionary Entries
1. Know the sys_dictionary table: Questions often reference where dictionary entries are stored. Remember it is the sys_dictionary table.
2. Understand inheritance: Fields defined on parent tables are inherited by child tables. Dictionary overrides modify inherited field behavior.
3. Distinguish between dictionary entry attributes: Be clear on the difference between mandatory, read-only, display, and active attributes.
4. Remember access methods: Know that right-clicking a field label provides quick access to configure dictionary settings.
5. Data types matter: Understand common field types like String, Integer, Reference, Choice, Date/Time, and True/False.
6. Default values vs. calculated fields: Know that default values are set at record creation, while calculated fields can update dynamically.
7. Look for keywords: When exam questions mention field properties, metadata, or field-level configuration, think dictionary entries.
8. Consider scope: In scoped applications, dictionary entries follow application scope rules and may have different access restrictions.
9. Practice navigation: Be familiar with navigating to System Definition > Dictionary and using the personalize dictionary feature.
10. Review common scenarios: Questions may present scenarios where you need to identify the correct approach to modify field behavior, such as making a field required or changing its display value.