Desk List view shows no records when title_field references a system or invalid field

Frappe Framework Bug
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When a DocType’s title_field is set to an invalid fieldname (e.g., "name" which is a system field), the List View throws a console JavaScript error and renders zero records instead of displaying a user-friendly error or falling back gracefully.

This is confusing because:

  • Records exist in the database.

  • No error message is shown to the user.

  • The DocType form also fails to save with “Title field must be a valid fieldname” but this message only shows up when trying to edit the DocType.

Likely Cause:

ListView.get_header_html() looks up title_field in the fields array. When the field doesn’t exist, it returns undefined, then crashes trying to access fieldname.

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Create a DocType with some records

  2. In the DocType JSON, set “title_field”: “name” (or any non-existent fieldname)

  3. Navigate to /app/{doctype-name}

  4. Observe: Empty list, error in console

Console Error:

list_view.js:696 Uncaught (in promise) TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'fieldname')
    at ListView.get_header_html (list_view.js:696:59)
    at ListView.render_header (list_view.js:603:30)
    at ListView.setup_view (list_view.js:327:8)

Expected Behavior:

  • Validate title_field on save, or

  • Fall back gracefully if field doesn’t exist, or

  • Show user-facing error message

Workaround:

I set "title_field": "" and I was able to then see the records in the DocType

Frappe Version: v15.93.0