Database basics

Number

Number is used for data that may be calculated, sorted, or filtered

Text

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

Yes/No

Yes/No is 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.

Database use and purpose

a database is a tool used to organize, store, retrieve, and communication groups of related information

Field

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

Table

a table is an arrangement of columns and rows. it is the fundamental building block of all databases

Entry

an entry is a single piece of data in a database table

Record

A record is a complete description of all of the fields related to one item in a table

Auto number

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

Caption

Caption is 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

Currency

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

Data types

Data types are used to control how data in a particular field will be searched, sorted, or used in calculations. The default format is text

Data/ time

Data/time is a datatype used to arrange and sort data chronologically, often used with the input mask field property

Editing and printing

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

Field properties

Field properties are used to control how data is entered in a field

Field size

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

Format

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

Input mask

Input mask is 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.

Look up wizard

Look up wizard is 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

Memo

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