Introduction to Access Database Management

Introduction to Access

• Access database objects include tables, forms, queries, reports, macros, and modules.
• Understanding the difference between working in storage (data on disk) and memory (data currently being processed) is crucial.
• Database saving, compacting, and backing up procedures are essential.
• Filters and sorting are valuable tools for data management.
• Access is useful when Excel's capabilities are inadequate.
• Creating, editing, and deleting records are fundamental database tasks.

Tables and Queries

• Table design and creation are key.
• Data types and their appropriate usage (page 139) need attention.
• Primary and foreign keys define relationships between tables; this is vital to data integrity.
• Understanding field properties is essential.
• Importing data from Excel and CSV files is a practical skill.
• Relationships between tables (refer to database design notes).
• Referential integrity ensures data consistency across related tables.
• Creating single-table and multi-table select queries are important.
• Query criteria for various data types (page 169) apply to query construction.

Using Queries

• Creating calculated fields and expressions using the appropriate formulas is necessary.
• Formatting calculated results for clarity.
• Using the Totals Row and Totals Queries is efficient for summarization.
• Understanding functions and the Expression Builder is essential.

Professional Forms and Reports

• Designing and creating forms, including split and multiple-item forms is a crucial skill.
• Creating reports including grouping, sorting, and calculated fields.
• Different views of data (forms, reports, and queries) are essential to understand.

Data Validation and Analysis

• Enriching data validation using field properties.
• Utilizing input masks for data entry control.
• Applying parameter queries.
• Date arithmetic and handling null values are important.

Action and Specialized Queries

• Understanding update, append, make table, and delete queries.
• Using find duplicates and find unmatched records queries to identify and fix issues in data.

Advanced Forms and Reports

• Working with forms featuring subforms.
• Utilizing advanced form controls for complex tasks.
• Understanding different report and form sections in an Access database is essential.

Fine-tuning the Database

• Normalization principles enhance database structure efficiency.
• Understanding the Database Documenter and Database Splitter.
• Understanding how to create an executable form of the database.
• Encrypting and password protecting a database is a security imperative.

Additional Notes

• Database planning and design are critical.
• Prepare to design tables detailing fields, data types, sizes, and relationships.
• Be prepared to answer questions about database design and relationships.
• Refer to additional notes and resources on Blackboard.