Database A collection of related information stored on a computer and organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data.

Data Hierarchy field - a single fact or data item record - a collection of fields that hold related information table - a collection of related records database - a collection of related tables, forms, reports, and queries

Example: Customer Table: Order Table:

Relational Database allows you to connect records from different tables records are connected through a common field that appears in both tables primary key - a field whose values uniquely identifies each record in a table

Table Creation Process identify the individual fields group the fields for each table common field primary key set up the record structure in the table design view field names field (data) types field length other field properties enter the data

Set up a database to store information about freelance writers and articles sent to the magazine you work for. writer’s name (first and last) title of the article, subject issue, page number, length writer’s address writer’s phone number per article payment writer’s id (social security number) writer’s address

Group fields Writers Table last name first name address address phone number per article payment writer’s social security number Article Table title subject issue page numbers length writer’s social security number

Setting up the Record Structure Naming fields - be descriptive Choose field types: text, memo, number, currency, date/time, autonumber, Yes/No, OLE object, hyperlink Set other field properties such as field size format data validation

Other Database Terminology design view datasheet view forms reports queries macros modules