Data Management :: Microsoft Access

Microsoft AccessBefore you use Microsoft Access to actually build the put backs, forms, and other objects that will prove up your database, it is important to take time to design your database. A good database design is the keystone to creating a database that foes what you want it to do effectively, accurately, and efficiently.The first step in designing a Microsoft Access database is to determine the purpose of the database and how its to be used. You request to know what information you want from the database. Form that, you can determine what subjects you need to store facts most (the tables) and what facts you need to store about each subject (the fields in the tables).Talk to people who will use the database. Brainstorm about the questions youd like the database to answer. Sketch out the reports youd like it to produce. Gather the forms you currently use to record your data. Examine well-designed databases similar to the one you are designing. find out the tables can be the trickiest step in the database the reports you want to print, the forms you was to use, the questions you want answered dont necessarily provide clues about the structure of the tables that produce them.You dont need to design your tables using Microsoft Access. In fact, it may be better to sketch out and rework your design on paper first. A table should not contain duplicate information, and information should not be duplicated between tables.After you have designed the tables, fields, and relationships you need, its time to study the design and light upon any flaws that might remain. It is easier to change your database design now, rather than after you have filled the tables with data. (see figure 1-2 on page 4)Use Microsoft Access to create your tables, cook relationships between the tables, and enter a few records of data in each table. See if you can use the database to get the answers you want.