Chapter 33
An Introduction to Database Development
IN THIS CHAPTER
Examining the differences between databases, tables, records, fields, and values
Discovering why multiple tables are used in a database
Exploring Access database objects
Designing a database system
Database development is unlike most other ways you work with computers. Unlike Microsoft Word or Excel, where the approach to working with the application is relatively intuitive, good database development requires prior knowledge. You have to learn a handful of fundamentals, including database terminology, basic database concepts, and database best practices.
Throughout this chapter, we cover the fundamentals of database development, especially as they pertain to Access 2013. If your goal is to get right into working with a database, you might want to skip to Chapter 34 and read about building tables.
The Database Terminology of Access
Access follows most, but not all, traditional database terminology. The terms database, table, record, field, and value indicate a hierarchy from largest to smallest. These same terms are used with virtually all database systems.
Databases
Generally, the word database is a computer term for a collection of information concerning a certain topic or business application. Databases help you organize this related information in a logical fashion for easy access and retrieval.
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