Chapter 2. Creating a Database

2. Creating a Database

Chapter at a Glance

In this chapter, you will learn to:
	Create a database from a template.
	Create a table manually or from a template.
	Manipulate table columns and rows.

Creating the structure for a database is easy. But an empty database is no more useful than an empty document or worksheet. It is only when you fill, or populate, a database with data in tables that it starts to serve a purpose. As you add queries, forms, and reports, it becomes easier to use. If you customize it with a switchboard or custom categories and groups, it moves into the realm of being a database application.

Not every database has to be refined to the point that it can be classified as an application. Databases that only you or a few experienced database users will work with can remain fairly rough-hewn. But if you expect an administrative assistant to enter data or your company's executives to generate their own reports, spending a little extra time in the beginning to create a solid database application will save a lot of work later. Otherwise, you'll find yourself continually repairing damaged files or walking people through seemingly easy tasks.

Microsoft Office Access 2007 takes a lot of the difficult and mundane work out of creating and customizing a database by providing database applications in the form of templates that you modify and fill with your own information. Access 2007 also provides templates for common types of tables, and improved ways to import content from other applications to instantly create and populate tables. Using one of these methods to create something that is similar to what you need and then modifying your creation is generally easier than creating the same thing manually. If none of the templates or import methods match your needs, you can create tables manuallyanother process that has been improved in this version of Access.

In this chapter, you will create a database from a template, create a table manually, and create a single table from a template. Then, you'll adjust the display of a data table to fit your needs. By the end of this chapter, you will have a database containing three tables that will serve as the foundation for many of the exercises in this book.

See Also

Do you need only a quick refresher on the topics in this chapter? See the Quick Reference entries on pages xxxixlxv.

Important

Before you can use the practice files in this chapter, you need to install them from the book's companion CD to their default location. See "Using the Book's CD" on page xxv for more information.

Troubleshooting

Graphics and operating systemrelated instructions in this book reflect the Windows Vista user interface. If your computer is running Microsoft Windows XP and you experience trouble following the instructions as written, please refer to the "Information for Readers Running Windows XP" section at the beginning of this book.