Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Glossary
Access Database Executable (.accde) file
An
Access database file that has been com-
piled and compacted for distribution. The
ACCDE format allows users to view forms
and reports, update information, and run
queries, but prevents them from changing
database objects.
Access Deployment (.accdc) file
An Access
database file that has been compressed
and digitally signed for distribution.
action query
A type of query that performs an
action on matched records, such as updat-
ing fields or deleting the records. See also
select query
.
add-ins
Utilities that provide specialized func-
tionality to a program but aren't full-
fledged programs themselves.
aggregate function
A function that performs a
calculation, such as Sum or Avg (average),
on multiple values and returns a single
summary value.
append query
A query that adds, or appends,
records from one or more tables to the
end of one or more tables.
application parts
Predefined database objects
that you can add to an existing database.
arithmetic operator
An operator that is used
with numerals: + (addition), - (subtraction),
* (multiplication), or / (division).
back-end database
The portion of a split data-
base that contains the tables that store all
the data. The back-end database is kept
on a central computer. See also
front-end
database
and
split database
.
binary file
A file that contains encoded infor-
mation that is interpreted by a computer
according to the application that created
it. In general, a binary file can be edited
only by the application in which it was cre-
ated. A binary file is not encrypted and is
therefore not secure.
boolean
A Yes/No data type used for fields that
can have only two possible mutually exclu-
sive values, such as True or False. This data
type is named after George Boole, an early
mathematician and logistician.
bound
Linked, as when a text box control is
linked to a specific field in a table. See also
unbound
.
Cascade Delete
A deletion of data that is also
implemented in related records.
combo box
A control that combines a text
box with a list box. With a combo box, the
user can type an entry or choose one from
a list.
comma-delimited text file
A text file in which
each field is separated from the next by a
comma.
command button
Any button with which users
initiate an immediate action. You can add
command button controls to forms and
reports.
comparison operator
An operator that com-
pares two expressions, expressed as >
(greater than), < (less than), = (equal to),
>= (greater than or equal to), <= (less
than or equal to), <> (not equal to), or
like (pattern matching).
