Field type question - should we change post creation?

[PaulaaO]

Hi Community,

I have created 2 custom fields with choices via Form Design and I missed changing the field type from String to Choice. The fields behave as expected, very similar to how a choice field type would but I am concerned I didn't follow the best practice to select the correct field type.

I would like to understand if there are any serious implications of leaving the fields as they are, of String type. I found some OOTB fields setup in the same manner, but I would like to get another opinion as I haven't deployed anything in Production yet.

I gave it a try and the system allowed me to change the field type from String to Choice so basically I just want to get some advice on how I should proceed:

a. leave the String type fields as they are with their defined choices

b. re-create the fields and ensure they are of Choice type and re-create the choices

c. change the field type from String to Choice

Thank you :),

Paula

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @PaulaaO 

a. Leave the String type fields as they are with their defined choices. -- Once you move to a new field, and there is no data in the old field, then delete. don't keep unnesscary

b. re-create the fields and ensure they are of Choice type and re-create the choices --> Recommended approach to avoid any issue later on.

c. Change the field type from String to Choice -  -> If there is no data, try to change the data type if that allows.

[Ankur Bawiskar · Accepted solution]

@PaulaaO 

Should be fine. Don't make any changes. There are many string fields with choices associated to it.

the  string type field behaves as  choice option if dropdown with None is selected

refer below link for better explanation

String type field vs Choice type field 

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.