Data Types and Field Properties

Database Management

The effectiveness of a database can be measured by the user's ability to retrieve useful information.

Editing and Printing

Procedures to add and delete records and fields, edit field names, rearrange fields in a database and print.

Field Properties

Used to control how data is entered in a field

Record

a complete description of all of the fields related to one item in a table.

Yes/No

a data type in toggle format that allows a user to select a yes or no value in a database cell. The default setting is No.

Memo

a data type used for lengthy entries that allows combinations of text and numbers

Lookup Wizard

a data type used to define preset values for database entries. This feature increases productivity and accuracy by reducing the amount of data entry required.

Caption

a field property used for column naming that allows a more user-friendly and properly formatted field name than the field name stored in the database design

Input Mask

a template-like field property that regulates how data is entered in a cell. For example, if the phone number input mask is used, the user will be prompted to input data in a specific format, such as (919) 555-5555.

Sorts

allow for information to be arranged in a specific order such as alphabetical, chronological, ascending, or descending.

Filters

allow for the retrieval of information that meets specific criteria

Table

an arrangement of columns and rows. It is the fundamental building block of all databases.

Currency

data type used to format numbers as decimal values with a dollar sign. The default format for currency is two decimal places.

Date/Time

data type used to arrange and sort data chronologically, often used with the input mask field property

Filter by Selection

filters for information related to an active cell

Field

is a grouping or category of similar information contained in a table; a unique identifier for a category of information

Entry

is a single piece of data in a database table.

database

is a tool used to organize, store, retrieve, and communicate groups of related information.

Number

used for data that may be calculated, sorted, or filtered.

Text

used for data that will be sorted in alphabetical order or listed randomly, but will not be used in mathematical calculations.

Auto Number

used to automatically assign a number to each record and to assist in preventing duplication of data.

Data Types

used to control how data in a particular field will be searched, sorted, or used in calculations. Default format is text.

Format

used to control the layout of the field, such as one or two decimal places

Field Size

used to control the size of the field, measured in characters

Filter/Advanced Filter Sort

used to define specific search criteria