Datasheet

 You can create queries that combine data from several tables to produce

information that is a composite of the information from those tables.

You might want to use this data to create form letters that include new

product information for products similar to those ordered in the past by

specific customers.

 You can easily create a query that includes only the orders placed by a

specific customer. This is a great tool if the customer wants a record of

all its orders in the several months or years.

Because queries are so important, I put information about them throughout

the book. In fact, Chapter 2 digs right in to give you a solid basis in queries so

that, when you create forms or reports, you know what your options are.

Queries, Forms, and Reports

Basics You Need to Know

In Access, all of your data is stored in tables. You can create totally self-

contained tables or relate multiple tables so that you can consolidate data

efficiently. Databases that work from a single, self-contained table are often

called

flat file databases. Databases that include two or more related tables

are called

relational databases. Fortunately, you use the same tools in Access

no matter which type of database you use.

As I mention earlier in this chapter, forms and reports are based on either a

table or a query. Queries can be based on tables or even on other queries —

although queries based on queries can be kind of confusing to work with.

Access provides two primary methods of creating queries, forms, and reports.

You can start with a wizard, as shown in Figure 1-7, or you can create the

query, form, or report from scratch by using

design mode.

Whether you start with a wizard or in design mode, you begin the process of

creating a query, form, or report by choosing the table (or tables) you want

to use, and then you choose which fields to include. Remember that you can

also choose an existing query in place of a table.

In most cases, you can choose as many or as few fields as you like. You are

likely to find that some fields in a table (or query) are simply unnecessary.

For example, if you want to create a report that summarizes the values of the

items in your collection, you don’t need to include the field that tracks when

you received each item.

Part I: Accessing Both Ends: Getting Data In and Info Out

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