Microsoft® Access® Small Business Solutions: State-of-the-Art Database Models for Sales, Marketing, Customer Management, and More Key Business Activities

Appendix BA. Database and Business Terms

This appendix defines database and business terms as used in this book. Our goal is to help you understand the terminology in the context in which it is used, so the definitions will not necessarily mirror those found in other reference material.

• account number—The number assigned to an account.

• action query—A query that inserts, updates, or deletes data. Specific types of action queries can modify database structures—for example, a make table query will create a table.

• aggregate query—A query that returns averages, minimums, maximums, totals, or other values derived from grouped data. Also called a totals query. Several types of queries can used as an aggregate query; including select, append and make table queries.

• alias—A name that is given to an expression (i.e., a calculation in a query) or object that is not the actual name of the item. In other words, a nickname.

• amortization—A chart of payments over time; often a loan repayment schedule.

• append query—An action query that will insert records (rows of data) into a table.

• application fields—Fields that are typically manipulated by an application and not by users of the application. They often contain data that is not directly related to the subject of a table.

• archive table—A table used to store records that are no longer needed for the day-to-day operation of an application.

• argument(s)—A value that a function or method or other type of action can receive when called.

• attachment data—Various ...