Database

Structuring Data!

• Data is structured into records and Fields. Each field has a data type: numeric- data takes on a numeric value and can be used in calculations. Text- data can be made up of letters and numbers. Date- data takes on a value which is formatted as date. Boolean- data can take only two values, normally yes and no.

Validating Data

• Validation ensures that data is present, in the correct range, in the correct format.
• most database packages provide a feature that allows you to enter a validation rule for data. you can include different validation checks before data is entered into a table.

working with relational data.

• a relationship is a link between two tables. the links are made using a common field (a field that is containing in both tables)
• Using a wizard
• a wizard is software that helps the user to complete a task, step by step. the user clicks buttons and makes selections about data but does not have to know how the wizard works.
• an information handling package usually provides wizards for complex tasks, such as creating reports, queries and forms.

Selecting, sorting and searching using criteria