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