Objects within a database

Objects within a database

1. Tables

   • Store the data itself

2. Queries

   • Used to answer questions about the data. Can extract and display records which match certain criteria
   • Queries answer questions about your data
   • Can be used to view, alter or analyse data from one or more tables in a database
   • Can be used as the source of records in forms or reports
   • Only the required data is displayed
   • Can be saved for future use
   • Criteria
     • Wildcard symbols and maths operators can be used
       • Examples: And, Or, >Greater than, <Less than, Between...and... (can be numbers or dates)
       • Criteria can be combined, E.G >25 and <50
       • Wildcards can be used, "*" matches any numbers, characters or none. "?" matches exactly one character

3. Reports

   • Used to format the output of data from tables or queries in a user friendly way-mainly for printing

4. Forms

   • Used to input and/or output data in a user friendly way-for on screen use
   • Easily created using "Wizards"
   • Forms can be used to both input and output data records
   • Allow records to be presented in a user friendly way
   • Text can be enhanced and additional text added
   • Allow command buttons to be added
   • Can be edited using a form editor
   • Best approach is to create a basic form using Wizard and then modify it as it is needed
   • You can view your data in a form and you can also add, modify and delete the records.
     • When you move off the record, the changes are made automatically to the table