Choice

What it is

A Choice column lets the user pick exactly one option from a list that the maker defines. Each option has a Label and a number Value. The form shows a drop-down. An option can also have a colour, which appears in model-driven app charts. In the demo, the Type field is a choice.

When to use it

Use it for a short, stable list such as type or priority. If people may pick several options, use Choices (multi-select). If the list is large or changes often, or you need more data about each item, use a lookup to a table instead. For a yes or no answer, Yes/No is simpler.

Licensing and configuration

No extra licence. In the table designer, add a column with the Choice data type and enter the options, or reuse a global choice that several columns share. Use the colour picker next to a label to set a chart colour. Under Additional properties an option can be marked Hidden.

Pitfalls

• Hidden hides an option in app components only. Users with other access can still read and set it, for example through the Web API. Use column security to protect data.
• The Value is generated with the publisher prefix. Leave it alone so options from different solutions do not collide.
• Changing a global choice changes every column that uses it.
• Colours show in charts, not in the drop-down itself.

Try it in the demo

1. Open the first accelerator and find the Type field in the Choices section.
2. Open the drop-down and pick another option.
3. Open the Charts view on the Accelerators grid and look for the option colours.