Chapter1.Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting Started

This short introductory chapter has limited but important objectives.

First, it presents basic database terminology, which lays the groundwork for the detailed discussion on database design in Chapters 2, "Database Design"; 3, "Understanding Relationships"; and 4, "Establishing Relationships." The most important of these terms are table, field, record, value, and relational database.

Second, the chapter offers a brief overview of data types, which gives you some idea of the kinds of itemsnames, numbers, dates, pictures, hyperlinks, and so onyou can enter in an Access database.

Third, it explores two important areasprimary keys and null valuesthat often give new users trouble. Ideally, I'd like to delay discussing these topics until I give you a broader understanding of database theory. Unfortunately, it's hard to avoid these thorny subjects early in your Access work, and a lack of understanding of these crucial concepts can become a roadblock to learning the program.