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QMCS 200. Lecture. Today’s Class. Homework Questions on previous Next ones rescheduled MS Access – building a table “Three Rules” Data types Ch 2 HOE #1 Forms Ch 2 HOE #2 Ch 2 HOE #3. Questions on Homework. Due today – Access basics and GIGO Lab time yesterday?
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QMCS 200 Lecture R. Smith - qmcs 200
Today’s Class • Homework • Questions on previous • Next ones rescheduled • MS Access – building a table • “Three Rules” • Data types • Ch 2 HOE #1 • Forms • Ch 2 HOE #2 • Ch 2 HOE #3 R. Smith - qmcs 200
Questions on Homework • Due today – Access basics and GIGO • Lab time yesterday? • Rescheduled “last” homeworks R. Smith - qmcs 200
What to learn about Access? • How to create a table • Picking the fields, picking the data types • How to use relationships • Building tables to use them, setting them up • Creating forms • Normal fields, restricted fields, drop down selections • How to build multi-table queries • Using relationships to string things together • How to do grouped reports • Reporting on grouped tables or multi-table queries R. Smith - qmcs 200
Three Rules • Include the necessary data • Lesson: figure out everything you want to do with the database • Include the fields you need • But... don‘t overdo it • Store 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 fields • Birthdate example • Grading example R. Smith - qmcs 200
Data Types • Most things should be “Text” • Allows comparing, sorting, matching (case matters!) • If you do arithmetic, use something else • Date type • Currency type • Number type(s) • Different sizes and formats for different purposes • Using 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 R. Smith - qmcs 200
Wizard vs Designer • Always a question in Access – which to use? • For tables, I use the Designer • I usually know what fields I 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 R. Smith - qmcs 200
Chapter 2 HOE 1 Pp 702-710Don’t print anything, just create the database R. Smith - qmcs 200
Forms • We saw these yesterday • Focus the data entry task • Improve accuracy by testing the inputs • Improve accuracy with drop downs R. Smith - qmcs 200
Forms: Wizard Vs Designer? • I start with the Wizard and adjust with Designer • Wizard 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 out • Can’t do drop downs • Doesn’t put in control buttons • What if you add a field to the table later? R. Smith - qmcs 200
Chapter 2 HOE 2 Pp 716-723Print ONE sample form with your name entered into it R. Smith - qmcs 200
Chapter 2 HOE 3 Pp 725-733Print ONE sample form with your name entered into it R. Smith - qmcs 200