Field Dependencies in Salesforce

In Salesforce, field dependencies refer to a feature that allows you to establish a relationship between two fields on a Salesforce object. These dependencies help control the values that users can select in one field based on the value they choose in another field. Field dependencies are commonly used in picklist fields to create a filtered picklist.

Here's how field dependencies work:

Controlling Field:

This is the field that controls the values available in another field. It's usually a picklist field, and its values determine the options available in the dependent field.

Dependent Field:

This is the field whose values are dependent on the controlling field. The options available in the dependent field are filtered based on the selection made in the controlling field.

For example, consider a custom object that tracks products, and it has two picklist fields: Category and Subcategory. The Category field is the controlling field, and the Subcategory field is the dependent field. If the user selects "Electronics" in the Category field, the Subcategory field might only show options related to electronic products.

To set up field dependencies in Salesforce:

Go to Setup:

Navigate to Setup in your Salesforce instance.

Object Manager:

Locate and select the object for which you want to create field dependencies in the Object Manager.

Fields & Relationships:

Under the selected object, find and click on "Fields & Relationships."

New Field Dependency:

Look for the Field Dependencies section and click "New Field Dependency."

    

Define Controlling and Dependent Fields:

Choose the controlling field and the dependent field.

Define Values:

For each controlling field value, specify the dependent field values that should be available when that controlling value is selected.

Save:

Save the field dependency.

Field dependencies help to streamline data entry by presenting users with relevant options based on their previous selections, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.

Keep in mind that field dependencies are often used in conjunction with page layouts and record types to create a more tailored user experience in Salesforce.