January 20071R. Smith - qmcs 200 QMCS 200 Lecture

January 20072R. Smith - qmcs 200 Today’s Class HomeworkHomework –Questions on previous –Next ones rescheduled MS Access – building a tableMS Access – building a table –“Three Rules” –Data types –Ch 2 HOE #1 FormsForms –Ch 2 HOE #2 –Ch 2 HOE #3

January 20073R. Smith - qmcs 200 Questions on Homework Due today – Access basics and GIGODue today – Access basics and GIGO –Lab time yesterday? Rescheduled “last” homeworksRescheduled “last” homeworks

January 20074R. Smith - qmcs 200 What to learn about Access? How to create a tableHow to create a table –Picking the fields, picking the data types How to use relationshipsHow to use relationships –Building tables to use them, setting them up Creating formsCreating forms –Normal fields, restricted fields, drop down selections How to build multi-table queriesHow to build multi-table queries –Using relationships to string things together How to do grouped reportsHow to do grouped reports –Reporting on grouped tables or multi-table queries

January 20075R. Smith - qmcs 200 Three Rules Include the necessary dataInclude the necessary data –Lesson: figure out everything you want to do with the database Include the fields you needInclude the fields you need –But... don‘t overdo it Store data in smallest partsStore data in smallest parts –“Smallest parts” you will use, that is (what’s the data for?) –Some are useful, some get in the way Avoid calculated fieldsAvoid calculated fields –Birthdate example –Grading example

January 20076R. Smith - qmcs 200 Data Types Most things should be “Text”Most things should be “Text” –Allows comparing, sorting, matching (case matters!) If you do arithmetic, use something elseIf you do arithmetic, use something else –Date type –Currency type –Number type(s) Different sizes and formats for different purposesDifferent sizes and formats for different purposes Using the smallest sizeUsing the smallest size –Database records add up –Each new record increases the file size –If you’re wasting space in the record, the database will get huge

January 20077R. Smith - qmcs 200 Wizard vs Designer Always a question in Access – which to use?Always a question in Access – which to use? For tables, I use the DesignerFor tables, I use the Designer –I usually know what fields I want If you don’t know what you want...If you don’t know what you want... –Table Wizard has built-in example tables –Business examples and personal examples –You pick an example table and customize it –Fields already have data types associated with them

January 20078R. Smith - qmcs 200 Chapter 2 HOE 1 Pp Don’t print anything, just create the database

January 20079R. Smith - qmcs 200 Forms We saw these yesterdayWe saw these yesterday Focus the data entry taskFocus the data entry task Improve accuracy by testing the inputsImprove accuracy by testing the inputs Improve accuracy with drop downsImprove accuracy with drop downs

January R. Smith - qmcs 200 Forms: Wizard Vs Designer? I start with the Wizard and adjust with DesignerI start with the Wizard and adjust with Designer Wizard gives you a great first stepWizard gives you a great first step –Puts everything in a generally OK place –Assigns types and labels –Form is almost instantly usable Wizard leaves things outWizard leaves things out –Can’t do drop downs –Doesn’t put in control buttons –What if you add a field to the table later?

January R. Smith - qmcs 200 Chapter 2 HOE 2 Pp Print ONE sample form with your name entered into it

January R. Smith - qmcs 200 Chapter 2 HOE 3 Pp Print ONE sample form with your name entered into it