The application I will design is simple but demonstrates techniques that will apply to any type of information you want to store in Access. I will be creating a database to store information on a CD/DVD/Vinyl collection, holding details on artists, recordings and tracks. After the tutorial you'll have learned enough to expand the database to store, for example, genres or band members.
I'm keeping the tutorial simple as formal database design can be long winded but I will point out information you should investigate further if necessary. Feel free to post a comment regarding the tutorial or if you're stuck at any point and need further explanation then leave your email address and I'll get back to you.
We'll start at the beginning and design some tables that will be the basis for the entire application. Fire up MS Access 2010 and we'll begin creating our database after which we will look at Tables.
Upon starting Access you will see a screen where you define the name and location of your database. Highlight 'Blank Database' from the Available Templates and in the File Name box towards the bottom right of the screen, enter 'MusicDB' and click Create. Leave the path where the database will be created at the default setting.
I have been using Access in its various incarnations since Access 2.0 and I'm happier when using overlapping windows when designing objects. There is a setting you might like to alter by going to File and Options. In Current Database you will see an option for 'Document Window Options'. Go ahead and click the radio button next to 'Overlapping Windows'. After you alter that setting you will need to close and reopen the database. You are now ready to start designing some tables so click on the Tables link and we'll get creating.
