Building Access Database

Microsoft (MS) Access database is ideally suitable for small to medium-sized database projects. If you are new to the world of IT, it is important you learn to develop custom database solutions, which are efficient and easy to use as well. Like there is a right method for doing everything, there is also a wrong method as well. For building access database or any other database for that matter, it is important you do your groundwork properly. Very often, it is observed, that eager beginners jump right into building database, which causes the database to be jumbled and a royal mess ensues. It is recommended to plan the project on paper, so that, it will save you a lot of frustration and disappointment in the long run. Planning the project will also ensure you have the right data in the right place.

How to Build an Access Database

When you want to build access database, the whole process will have to be divided into three major steps. The first step is to build access database, the next is to create tables within the database and the last is to add data to the tables.

Step - 1
We will first start off by building the database. The steps of which include

• Open MS Access, upon which a box will pop up.
• There will be a number of options on the pop up.
• Choose the option "Blank Access Database". Then click on "OK".
• Now save your database. Then a file box will pop up, which will ask you for a file name.
• You will have to choose the location, where you want to save the database. For example, "My Documents", "Desktop", etc.
• Give the file a name and then click on "Create".
• Once you click on "Create", you will see the database window open within the Access program.

Step - 2
After you have created the database, you will have to create the tables within the database. The steps are as follows:

• Within the database window, you will see "Create Table in Design View". Double click on this option. This is the easiest way of creating a table.
• Since you have already done your groundwork, you will now very easily be able to define the fields, you need in the table. Type in the name of the column, under the field name column.
• Move over to the next column and define the data type for the field's input. You can select the right data type from the various options available.
• Then comes the description column. Give description for the column you have just created.
• Then you will again move back to the first column and create the remaining fields.
• After you have created the table, you will choose a primary key for the table. Often the first field in the table is the primary key of the table. Click on the field, which is to be set as the primary key and you will see an arrow to the left of the row.
• Find an icon, which is the yellow key in the tool bar and click on it. Once you click on the icon, that field will be set as the primary key for that table.
• Save the table you have just created.

Step - 3
The last of the steps is to add data to the table.

• Go back to the main Access screen and select the database, in which you want to add the data.
• You will see a list of tables, that you have created under that database.
• Open the table to enter the data, by double clicking on the name of the table in the database.
• Start entering the data, with the first field.
• You can use the tab key to move to the next column as you enter the data.
• After you have entered the data, save the data and close the file.

If you have been using Excel to store your data, but you are finding it very cumbersome to remember the details, you can build an access database from excel. This will enable you to work hassle free and you will not have to remember the intricate details of your database. For building access database from excel, you will have to wait for another post from my end. Till then, I hope you become a master at creating access databases.