Introduction to Microsoft Access

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a desktop relational database application. It stores data in tables and gives you forms for entry, queries for questions and reports for output - all without writing much code.

The Four Objects You Will Use

• Tables - where the data lives (rows = records, columns = fields).
• Queries - ask questions of the tables; they produce answers or make changes.
• Forms - friendly windows for entering and viewing one record at a time.
• Reports - formatted, printable summaries.

Relational Thinking

Instead of repeating every customer address on every invoice, store customers once and reference them with an ID. Access enforces this with relationships - that is the relational model.

When Access Is the Right Choice

• Small-to-medium data (thousands to a few hundred thousand records).
• Single user or a small workgroup (20 users or fewer).
• Fast application building without a server or coding team.

When It Is Not

For heavy concurrency, web apps or massive data, use SQL Server/MySQL instead and keep Access as a front-end only.

Key Points

• Access = Tables + Queries + Forms + Reports, tied together by relationships.
• One file (.accdb) holds an entire application - database, code and UI.
• Plan tables first; forms and reports come later.