What’s a Table?
Tables constitute the framework of a database. A table is further divided into rows and columns called records and fields respectively. Every database contains at least one table and a separate table is created for each category or topic. This ensures that data isn’t duplicated and is accessed efficiently through defined sources. A record gives a detailed piece of information about a particular individual, object or other articles corresponding to multiple fields which give information about a single area of concern. For instance, a member’s name, phone number, marital status are distinct fields in a table and Mr. Smith, a particular member and his corresponding details to these fields all constitute a single record.
Additional features of a table consist of data type, primary key and properties. These are optional attributes of a table but can make it more controllable and specific. Data type defines and restricts data entry in the fields to certain criteria like text, number, date/time, currency etc. A primary key is a unique number, text etc. designated to a record for easy identification and used as a convenient base for forming relationship between different tables. As a separate primary key is used for each record, similar records can easily be distinguished from each other. Field Properties are additional command settings that govern such things as a default value or a fixed character length, validation criteria etc. for data entry in the fields.
What’s a Query?
A query is created within a database to analyze and retrieve data through a set of questions. In response to questions, queries sift through data, analyze and assemble relevant data. Queries can link and collect data from various tables for useful information and calculations.
What’s a Form?
A form is like an outline of a table where data is presented in a simple format to make it easy for the users to enter and remove data efficiently with no need to deal with the complexities of a large table. A change in a form automatically gets reflected in its corresponding table. Forms provide good-looking and convenient designs for an uncomplicated and fast understanding of data. |