Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Databases

What You Have Learned

In a nutshell, you have seen the most important elements in an Access database, which are as follows:

• Tables

• Relationships

• Queries

• Reports

• Forms

Data is stored in tables, and relationships define how various tables are associated. Queries combine the tables and relationships to make data useful, whereas reports bring the data to life. Finally, forms enable users to interact with the data.

By examining a sample Access database, you get to see the finished product and, hopefully, a glimpse of how it all fits together. This chapter gives you a view of the forest by taking a quick look at the trees. If you understand the big picture, you will have an easier time understanding the details that will come in the remaining chapters. ...