ANS-0928 · CUSTOM FIELDS, RECORDS & FORMS
What happens to child records when a parent record is deleted in NetSuite?
NetSuite's behavior during parent record deletion impacts child record links, system notes, and script execution.
Short answer
When a parent record is deleted in NetSuite, child records may lose their direct link, with the linking field becoming blank. NetSuite logs deletions and changes in System Notes, and SuiteScript can be configured to react to these record deletions and changes, including those affecting child records.
Scenario
In NetSuite, users may encounter situations where a parent record is deleted, raising questions about the fate of its associated child records. This scenario often leads to inquiries regarding how NetSuite handles the links between these records and what system processes, such as scripting and logging, are engaged during such an event.
Solution
In certain cases, NetSuite allows the deletion of a parent record even if it has associated child records. When this occurs, the child record typically loses its link to the parent, resulting in the linking field being blanked out. It is important to note that NetSuite logs deletions and changes in System Notes, and SuiteScript can be configured to manage and react to record deletions and changes, including those affecting child records. An example of this behavior is observed when a custom record has a field of type List/Record Transaction, and that transaction is subsequently deleted.
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