after normalizing, what then?

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Guest

After a form is normalized as best one can, there are conflicting messages a
new person gets on what to do next. Some text books say enter data directly
into the tables, yet others tell you to ONLY use forms, and/or queries as the
way to enter the data.. which is it?
 
you don't normalize forms, hon. you normalize your data into appropriate
tables/fields, and set the necessary relationships between tables.

once you've created and related your tables correctly, then yes, you should
do your data entry in forms. and creating your forms (and queries, and
reports, and code) will be sooooo much easier after you've accomplished that
first task!

hth
 
Data are stored in tables. You don't have a choice. A query is a way of
combining fields from several tables and/or queries, usually for use in a
form or report. Rather than basing the form on the table, you can base it on
the query. I usually use queries as the source for forms and reports because
it makes sorting and other operations much easier, but tables will work.
Queries may also be used to perform calculations, to combine FirstName and
LastName, and stuff like that. You may enter data directly into a table or
query. In either case the data are stored in the table. A form is just a
convenient way of entering and viewing data. It is usually the best choice
for ease of use. A form allows you to group the fields in a convenient way
instead of needing to scroll back and forth in a table or query. If you
intend to print the data you should use a report. A report is put together
pretty much like a form, but offers options for sorting and grouping. Also,
optimum appearance on screen and on paper are usually not achieved through
the same design.
You can enter, view, and change data any way you want. I often edit tables
directly, but the everyday users add and change data through the use of
forms. You might want to do a newsgroup search for Access books. The
subject comes up frequently, and there are many good suggestions to be found.
 
After a form is normalized as best one can, there are conflicting messages a
new person gets on what to do next. Some text books say enter data directly
into the tables, yet others tell you to ONLY use forms, and/or queries as the
way to enter the data.. which is it?
Click to expand...

Data is stored in Tables, not in Forms: and the Tables should be
normalized. A Form is a tool, a window onto the data - you can't
normalize it, any more than I can hike the Owyhee Mountains by
climbing onto my office windowsill!

Table datasheets are useful for debugging and verifying that the data
is in fact entered correctly. I'd recommend not using them for ANY
other purpose, particularly not data entry or searching; they're much
too limited in capability and control. Instead, use Forms (with
subforms, combo boxes, listboxes, and any other appropriate data
management tools).

John W. Vinson[MVP]
Join the online Access Chats
Tuesday 11am EDT - Thursday 3:30pm EDT
http://community.compuserve.com/msdevapps
 
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