ACCESS 2010 BOOK (pages 25-35 Essay)

Essay

Creating a database

Creating a blank database

If you have existing data, you may decide that it is easier to create a blank database rather than using a template, because it would require a lot of work to adapt your existing data to the template's defined data structure. With the insertion point in the first empty cell of you new, blank database, you can begin keying to add data.

Creating a table from another table

Another way to create a table is to copy the structure of an existing table using the copy an paste commands. When you create a copy of a table by copying and pasting, you have the option of re-creating just the table's structure, or both it's structure and data.

Work whit tables and database records

Navigating among records

Navigating using the keyboard

Access users who prefer using the keyboard to navigate records can press keys sand key combinations to move among in datasheet view.

Using navigation buttons

Access users who prefer to use the mouse can move among records by clicking the navigation buttons.

Software orientation

Records group, record selector box, and record shortcut menu

There are few ways you can enter record data, delete data from individual fields of records, and insert and delete entire records, using the records group, record selector box, and commands in the record shortcut menu.

Entering, inserting, editing, and deliting records

To enter new data, in datasheet view, position the insertion point in the first empty cell of a record and begin keying the data. After you enter data and move to a new field, Access automatically saves the data in the table. Each field in a table is formatted with a specific data type, so you must enter that kind of data in the field.

Defining and modifying a multifield primary key

In some cases, you may want to use two or more fields that, together, provide the primary key of a table.

Attaching and detaching documents

Before you can start attaching documents, you, must create a field in a table and format it with the Attachment data type.

Removing a filter

After applying a filter, you may need to return to records not displayed by the filter. The Toggle Filter button lets you switch between viewing the filtered records and viewing the table without the filter.

Printing table relationships

You may want to print a table relationship to save for your records or to discuss with a colleague. When you choose to print the relationship report, the Print Preview tab will appear with options for viewing and printing the report.

Modify tables and fields

Modifying a database table

Modifying table properties

You can set properties that control the appearance or behavior characteristics for an entire table in the table's property sheet.

Defining input masks

You us an input mask whenever you want users to enter data in a specific way.

Allowing zero-length strings in a field

When the Zero Length field property is set to Yes, you can enter zero-length strings in a field. A zero-length string contains no characters.

Setting memo fields as append only

A field's data type determines the properties you can set.

Validation Setting data rules

Validation rules help to ensure that your database users enter the proper types or amounts of data. Is an expression that limits the values that can be entered in the field.

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