Microsoft Access database table design


The video is part 2 of the how to create a Microsoft Access database series, Access database table design. The information covered in this video is available as part of the Introduction Access course, details can be found at https://www.itseasy.co.uk/courses/access-training/ Online training courses are also available at http://www.itseasytraining.co.uk We can deliver training at your site with our laptops or you can come to our site in Gateshead. All courses have free after course support for each delegate via email and or video examples.

Calculations

This video explains how to use calculations in a Microsoft Access database table. The tutor covers how to create a calculated field and then use it. I have used many calculated fields in my own database, for example to flag up if an item has vat due or not. Creating an Access database calculation can save a lot of time on data entry and make data entry more accurate. The more automated features you have, such as database calculations and lookups the safer the data.

Data Types

All the data types are explained with examples of how to use them. The short text data type is now the default setting but the date/time data type is used very often. It is important to put an input mask on date field and not just rely on the format feature.

Primary Key

The primary key is a unique identifier and is not duplicated, fields like staff id or payroll number are usually best as a primary field. The primary key is used extensively when you start to join tables and create relationships in Microsoft Access database. You must take care in choosing a primary key, because if you get it wrong it can have a catastrophic effect on your data.

Validation rules

You can add data validation rules to your fields to make sure data entry is correct this video explains how this can be done. The video also covers how to add data validation rules at table level.






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