Access 2013 Bible

Chapter 6: Importing and Exporting Data

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding external data

Selecting the import and export options that are right for you

Creating import specifications

Exporting to external tables and files

In this chapter, I show you how to bring data into your Access database from an outside source by importing. I also show you how to create external files from the data by exporting. An import process adds data to an Access database from some external source, such as an XML file. An export from Access means you create something outside the Access database, like an XML or Excel file containing data stored in Access.

On the Web

This chapter uses various files for importing, plus two Access databases: Chapter06_1.accdb and Chapter06_2.accdb. Both databases are used for importing and exporting examples. If you haven't already downloaded these files onto your machine from this book's website, you'll need to do so now. The website contains the two databases and a number of auxiliary files in different formats (XLS, XML, TXT, and so on). Be sure to copy these files to your computer.

How Access Works with External Data

Exchanging information between Access and another program is an essential capability in today's database world. Information is usually stored in a wide variety of application programs and data formats. Access, like many other products, has its own native file format, designed to support referential integrity and provide support for rich data types, such as ...