Assignment # 3 - Creating a Database and its Tables
Objectives:
- Discover the basic concepts behind a data base
- Learn to set up a database using Access.
- Build tables and learn how to define field properties.
- Modify the table design by adding, deleting, and moving records and
fields.
- Establish a primary key.
- Set controls that help to maintain data integrity.
- Set up relationships among tables.
Preparation:
- Read Chapters 1- 3 from Access 2000 Guidebook by Maggie Trigg and
Phyllis Dobson. Chapter 1 is an overview of the components of a
database. Focus your energies on understanding the technical details of
chapters 2 and 3 for this exercise. We will return to some of the issues
that might initially be confusing in Chapter 1.
- Insert your Student CD that accompanies your text. Run the Setup
program to install the files for each chapter on your hard drive. The
Setup program will create a folder named AccessGB. If you access the
practice files directly from the StudentCD you will discover that they are
read-only files. It is necessary to do through the Setup program so that
you can modify the practice files.
- Master the terms in the Data Dictionary sections in Chapters 1 -3.
- After reading each chapter, review what you have learned by going through
the Fast Track sections of these chapters.
Tasks:
- Create preliminary tables for your data base application. Be sure
that each table represents a single entity.
- Select the primary key(s) for each table.
- Break down any complex fields into their simplest components. For
example, the field name should be broken down into firstname and lastname.
- Make sure the data type is correct for each field.
- Modify the field properties to control the validity and accuracy of data
input and data output.
- Set and remove relationships between tables in the database.
- After receiving feedback from the instructor on your preliminary design,
enter sample data so you can practice creating queries in the next assignment.
Getting Help:
While working on your assignment, you may get stuck. When
this happens, do not spend an hour spinning your wheels and getting
frustrated. Instead, go to the the class bulletin board and ask your
colleagues what keystrokes will perform the desired function(s). Post your
question under the topic
Questions on Assignment # 3.
Skip over the problem area and work on another part of the
assignment. Later, return to the bulletin board to see if a colleague has
answered your question.
You may also receive help from me or my graduate assistant.
You may contact us by calling the department office at 618-650-3762 or
e-mail us at dhostet@siue.edu or jburrou@siue.edu. We will also ask him
to periodically check the questions posted on the bulletin board.
last revised January 6, 2002 by dhostet@siue.edu