Objects within a database

Objects within a database

1. Tables

   • Stores 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 and 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
   • E.g. someone would be able to find customers from Scotland who purchased something in the last month
   • Wildcard symbols and maths operations can be used
     • E.g. Or, And, >(greater then) and <(less than)
     • Criteria can be combined
       • E.g. >25 and <50
     • Wildcards can be used
       • * matches any number of characters of none
       • ? matches exactly one character
     • Between... and... (can be numbers or dates)

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
     • E.g. Save, cancel, delete
   • Can be edited using a form editor
   • The best approach is to create a basic form using wizard and then modify it
   • You can view your data in a form and you can also: -add records -modify records -delete records