Dictionary Override concept

[shivasaiman]

I have a table that extends another table.
If I create a new field on the child table, I can mark it as mandatory in the dictionary and it works as expected.

But if the field already exists on the parent table, I understand that I cannot modify the parent dictionary directly. In that case, does ServiceNow automatically create a Dictionary Override when I set the field as mandatory on the child table?

Is Dictionary Override the only correct way to change dictionary-level properties for inherited fields?

[adityahubli]

Hello @shivasaiman ,

When a field is inherited from a parent table, ServiceNow does not allow direct modification of the parent dictionary record from the child table. To change dictionary-level properties such as mandatory, read-only, or default value for only the child table, a Dictionary Override must be used. ServiceNow may create or utilize an override when you configure these properties on the child table, but the parent dictionary remains unchanged. Dictionary Override is the correct and recommended approach for modifying inherited field behavior at the schema level without impacting other tables that extend the same parent.

Dictionary Overrides are the recommended best practice in ServiceNow when you want to apply changes at the child table level without impacting other tables that inherit the same parent field. They provide a controlled way to customize inherited fields while maintaining platform consistency and avoiding unintended global changes.

If this helps you then mark it as helpful and accept a solutions.

Regards,

Aditya,

Technical Consultant

[PoonkodiS]

Hi @shivasaiman 

Yes,

Dictionary Override the only correct way to change dictionary-level properties for inherited fields.

For example: Parent field of the incident is inherited from the task table.I make this field as mandatory in incident table, all the remaining child tables(problem,change) and parent table(task) the field will be mandatory.

And, I made the dictionary override on the incident table . It is changed without affecting the other child tables and parent table

 Regards,

Poonkodi