Designing a Relational Database

13.4Page 13-4

A database should be created based on a design Three steps

Determine what information should be stored Know the purpose of your database

Divide information into named tables Grouping the related information

Define fields and determine the primary key Field names (p 13-2) Primary key given to fields that cannot be

duplicated (p 13-4)

Creating a new relational database You MUST name the database

BEFORE you save it. Start Programs, Microsoft Office Access Create new file, blank database Navigate to YOUR folder Give the database a name Create

Database Window (13-6)

Parts of the screen Toolbar – contains buttons that represent

different actions Database Window – used to display and

create objects for the open database Buttons – used to display database objects

and icons Window toolbar – buttons that represent

different actionsSee picture 13-6

Creating tables Click tables Double-Click create

table in design view

Create tables

Type in a field name

Select the field typeType a description IF NECESSARY

Field Properties

Once you have entered a field name, field properties options are available

Primary Key To complete a table, a primary key

must be designated. Put your insertion point inside the

field name Click the primary key button on the

toolbar That field is now the primary key

Save and Close the table Click the Save button on the toolbar Name the table Close the table (little X)

Table is now ready for you to open and input data

Assignment Complete Practice 1 on page 13-4

Yes, you must write down and plan the database

Sample database planning sheets are on the center tables

Complete Practice 2 on page 13-8-11 Read each step carefully Save with correct names