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Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived)

lookup vs optionset

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Posted on by

Ok folks I am just trying to get a clear understanding or a general rule of thumb

Lookup vs optionset 

when is it best to use either one

my understanding is along with relationship it is best  to use lookup if the lookup values change   and optionset if values never change   and I understand if you remove values from either one you may ruin the link to the record

so clearly I am not sure in which type of situation to use either a optionset or lookup 

can someone give me some golden nuggets to remember for future here :)

Thanks

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  • Verified answer
    Community Member Profile Picture
    on at

    Lookup  - only for entity, you can deactivate instead of delete, you can't delete if it related records.

    optionset  - only for attribute (you can use it global or particular entity), no option to show and hide (unless if you write custom code for the form). when you removed the value from the list, you will loose the data from the records. you can delete even if it related record

    if your are using heavily on option sets(means change the values often), better to use lookup fields & unmanageable for the users.

    The option set is limited to one value, if option set is more (like 100),then the drop down list long.

  • Verified answer
    Community Member Profile Picture
    on at

    I struggled with the question as well, but Gonzalo Ruiz has done a great blog post on the considerations:

    gonzaloruizcrm.blogspot.nl/.../optionset-vs-lookup-for-implementing.html

    Another consideration applicable to his point 3, you can throw additional fields in the 'Quick find' view. For a lookup to countries, this means that users only have to type 'UK' (if you include ISO codes) and the country will automatically fill with 'United Kingdom', which I find to be a useful feature as well.

  • Verified answer
    Abhishek_Sinha Profile Picture
    665 on at

    Hi ,

    Please  find below  url.

    It has a very good explanation.

    http://www.develop1.net/public/

    2870.optionset.png

    Thanks,

    Abhishek

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