Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Understanding database concepts
Simple databases store information in only one table. These simple databases are often
called
flat file databases
, or just
flat databases
. More complex database programs, such as
Access, store information in multiple related tables, thereby creating what are referred to as
relational databases
. If the information in a relational database is organized correctly, you
can treat these multiple tables as a single storage area and pull information electronically
from different tables in whatever order meets your needs.
Tables are one of the types of database objects you work with in Access. Other types include
forms, queries, reports, macros, and modules. Of these object types, only tables are used to
store information. The others are used to enter, manage, manipulate, analyze, retrieve, or
display the information stored in tables—in other words, to make the information as acces-
sible and therefore as useful as possible.
In its most basic form, a database is the electronic equivalent of an organized list of infor-
mation. Typically, this information has a common subject or purpose, such as the list of em-
ployees shown in the following table.
ID
First name
Last name
Title
Hire date
1
Karen
Berg
Owner
May 1, 2008
2
Kim
Akers
Head Buyer
June 1, 2008
3
Tom
O'Neill
Assistant
November 2, 2008
4
Naoki
Sato
Sales Manager
August 14, 2009
5
Molly
Dempsey
Gardener
October 17, 2009
6
Nancy
Anderson
Sales Rep
May 1, 2010
7
Michael
Entin
Sales Rep
April 1, 2011
8
Kari
Furse
Buyer
May 3, 2011
9
Chase
Carpenter
Gardener
November 15, 2012
