Microsoft Access for Windows

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Microsoft Access is a database management system developed by Microsoft that’s used to store information for reference, reporting, and analysis. It has been used by software developers, data architects, and power users to create applications as it’s supported by Visual Basic for Application. Support for the object-based programming language helps them refer to an array of objects including legacy Data Access Objects, ActiveX Data Objects, and other components from ActiveX.  

What is Microsoft Access used for?

Microsoft Access is a database storage file that can be used for front-end and back-end programs such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase. This is because the tables and queries available in the Microsoft Access database format supports various standard field types, indices, and referential integrity. Query interface, forms to display and enter data, and reports for printing are also available in the Jet database. They’re good to multi-user and record-locking purposes. 

Note that Microsoft Access’ role in web development is limited. Forms and reports related to the user interface is only compatible with the Windows operating system and other Microsoft programs. You can publish and create web applications from Access to Microsoft Sharepoint, including a compiled version of .MDE or.ADE files. This will allow you to prevent other users from modifying code, forms, and reports. 

Repetitive actions can be automated through macros and point-and-click options so you can place a database on a network where multiple users can share and update data while avoiding overlapping each other’s work. For those that are familiar with Microsoft Excel, this program can lock a certain piece of data rather than locking the entire spreadsheet. Template databases are also supported by the program. You can find them built in the software or download free templates from the Microsoft website.

What are the four objects in Microsoft Access?

All data stored in this program are organized into tables made up of columns and rows. Columns are referred to as fields, while rows are called records. Forms, queries, and reports are used to segment the data from the tables. Forms are used for entering, modifying, and viewing records. It is often used to guide you and other users to enter information correctly. Data can be entered into multiple tables at once, and in one place. 

Queries, on the other hand, help you search and compile data from tables. It’s similar to asking a detailed question as you are defining specific search conditions. Lastly, Reports enable you to present data in print or present parts of your database that any user can read. Its appearance can also be customized to follow a certain aesthetic. Reports can be created from any table or query. 

Flexible and convenient database manager 

You can use Microsoft Access to quickly process small-scale database solutions for developers and other research-dependent businesses. You will find the tools you need to build a database for your company, department, or a series of projects. In addition, the program doubles as a graphical user interface toolkit. Its capabilities can be used as a front-end to other database programs, resulting in a new, complex application that’s accessible to application budgets and simple databases.