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Introduction to Database Fundamentals

Notes on Microsoft Access

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Haka Afrika
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views3 pages

Introduction to Database Fundamentals

Notes on Microsoft Access

Uploaded by

Haka Afrika
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to databases

A database is an organized collection of structured data.


Database software enables you to organize and store data so that specific items of information can be
retrieved easily and quickly in a structured fashion.
Example of database software:
1. Microsoft access
2. Oracle
3. MySQL

Applications/uses of databases
1. to keep track of students progress in schools
2. to store stock in a supermarket
3. to store employees in an organization
4. to store books in a library

A database is made up of tables, queries and reports. The tables contain the data. The queries
contain instructions on how the information is to be retrieved, and the reports contain layouts to
dictate how the retrieved information will be printed. Each table is made up of records and each
record contains fields that relate to that record.
Each different table, query or report within the database file is called an object. An object that
has been opened is termed an active object.

Key terms
A table-is an organized collection of related records about a specific subject eg. Customers
Record- a group of related fields eg. About one customer
A field- is a data item within a record (eg. The customer’s name)
Primary key- is a field that uniquely identifies each record.
Foreign key – is a field in one table that refers to the primary key in another table.

TYPES OF DATABASES
Databases are usually structured according to one of the following models:
The hierarchical model
The network model
The relational model
The hierarchical model is organised in terms of parent-child relationships.
The hierarchical model is also known as the tree model because it follows an inverted tree-like
structure. This means that you can access several child records from a single parent record. And
child records can be grouped according to parent records.
The network model simply extends the hierarchical model by allowing more flexible linkages
between parent and child objects. For instance, a child record may have more than one parent
record.
The network and hierarchical models are suitable for information that is organised in a
predetermined and fixed structure. These models are used in products such as CD-ROM-based
encyclopaedias.
The relational database model is used when data needs to be organised in a flexible manner.
Records in a relational database can be grouped in many different ways according to specific
needs. In a relational database you can construct queries that retrieve data that is grouped in
meaningful ways.
For instance, you might use a database that has information about turnover and geographical
location. By constructing a query, you can extract turnover statistics for a particular geographical
location from the database.

How to open Ms Access


1. Click on start
2. Click on All programs
3. Click on Microsoft office
4. Click on Microsoft Access
How to create a database
1. Click on Blank database
2. Type the Database name
3. Click on Create

Create a New Blank Table


1. Click the Create tab.
2. Click Table.
3. Click the Click to Add field heading.
A list of data types appears.
4. Select the field type.
5. Type a name for the field.

Entering Data into a Table


Data may be entered into a table either in datasheet view where all other records are visible, or in
design view one record at a time.
After opening a table, the insertion point or blinking cursor will be displayed in the first field.
Start typing the data you want in the field. To move to the next field press the tab key once or
click in the next field.

Save a table
1. Click on File
2. Click Save As
3. Click Save Object As
4. Type the table name
5. Click OK

Create a Form
1. Click the Create tab.
2. Click Form.

Save a Form
1. Click on File
2. Click Save As
3. Click Save Object As
4. Type the form name
5. Click OK
Defining Keys
What Is A Primary Key?
A primary key is a field or fields that uniquely identifies one record from another. It is
characteristically a value that will not be duplicated in two different records. In the database you
have created the first column contains a student file number. This is unique for each student
whereas other fields may contain same information. For example in your table the field Town
contains the same data (Chinhoyi) in Justin's and in Kudzai's records.

To Delete a Table, Form or Query


This can only be done from the Database window.
Select the table or object that you want to delete.
Press the Delete key from the keyboard OR right-click and then select Delete.

Printing a Table
Printing is just the same as with all the other packages. One of the things to highlight is that you
can choose to print certain record.

Common questions

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To create a new database in Microsoft Access, you start by clicking on "Blank Database," enter the database name, and then click "Create." For creating a new table, click the "Create" tab and then click "Table." You can then add fields by clicking the "Click to Add" field heading, choosing a data type, and entering a name for the field .

Queries in relational databases allow users to extract data administered under specific criteria, thus presenting data in a meaningful and actionable manner. Unlike static data storage, queries enable dynamic interaction with the database, allowing users to dissect and analyze data based on current needs or objectives, such as finding turnover statistics for a specific location. This flexibility in data retrieval is crucial for informed decision-making and adaptability to changing business requirements .

Foreign keys in relational databases act as a bridge connecting two tables by referencing the primary key in another table. This relationship enforces data integrity and helps maintain consistent data by ensuring that the foreign key values in one table correspond to valid primary key values in the referenced table. For instance, if you have a 'Student' table and a 'Course Enrollment' table, a foreign key in 'Course Enrollment' referencing the 'Student ID' primary key in 'Student' ensures that every course enrollment entry corresponds to an existing student, preventing orphan records and maintaining relational integrity .

Reports in database systems serve as a tool for summarizing and presenting data in a printable format, allowing for insights and analyses to be shared widely. Reports draw from tables and queries, utilizing the structured data to create layouts that dictate the presentation of information. For example, a report can compile data from sales tables and queries to show monthly sales performance, formatted to highlight key metrics and trends. Thus, reports are instrumental in turning raw data into actionable business intelligence .

Databases offer numerous benefits across sectors by enabling structured data storage and easy retrieval of specific information, thus enhancing efficiency and decision-making. In education, databases track students' progress over time which helps in monitoring performance and areas needing improvement. Retail sectors use databases to manage stock efficiently, preventing overstocking or stockouts. Libraries utilize databases to organize catalogues of books, facilitating easy search and borrowing processes for users. These applications highlight databases' role in improving operation management, data accessibility, and strategic planning in diverse fields .

A primary key is crucial in database management as it uniquely identifies each record within a table, ensuring that there are no duplicate entries for the key field. This uniqueness allows for efficient data retrieval and relationship establishment between tables. For example, in a student database, a student's file number serves as the primary key because it is unique for each student, distinguishing them from others even if other fields such as 'Town' may hold the same data across multiple records .

Hierarchical database models are structured in a parent-child relationship resembling an inverted tree, allowing several child records to be accessed from a single parent. This model is suitable for fixed, predetermined structures. The network model extends this by allowing a child to have multiple parents, offering more flexible linkages, but still within a rigid framework, making it suitable for applications like CD-ROM encyclopedias. The relational database model, however, allows for data to be organized flexibly through tables that can be linked in numerous ways based on queries, thus adapting to varied data organization needs .

To enter data into a table in Microsoft Access, one can use either the datasheet view, where multiple records are visible, or the design view, which allows entry one record at a time. After opening a table, the insertion point appears in the first field where you can type the data. Press the Tab key or click in the next field to continue inputting data. This process facilitates structured data entry and ensures each record is accurately captured within the database .

Hierarchical and network models are inherently rigid due to their structured parent-child relationships, limiting their adaptability to evolving data landscapes typical in modern applications. These models require pre-defined schema, making changes cumbersome and costly as data requirements shift. In contrast, relational models offer flexibility through table relationships and dynamic queries, accommodating complex data interactions and growth. This adaptability is crucial for modern applications that demand real-time data processing and constant updates, something hierarchical and network models struggle with due to their static framework .

Deleting a table, form, or query in Microsoft Access involves selecting the object in the Database window and either pressing the Delete key or right-clicking and selecting Delete. This removes the object permanently from the database. In contrast, saving objects entails clicking ‘File’, then ‘Save As’ and providing a name for saving, which preserves the current state and changes of the object within the database structure. While deletion is irreversible and should be done cautiously to avoid data loss, saving maintains database integrity and allows further modifications .

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