Why two tables - Consolidate Tables with Helper Data in Microsoft Access


	Back to Helper Data Comments List

Upload Images @Reply Bookmark Link Email

Why two tables

Matt Hall

2 years ago

Why did you use two tables here instead of one? I understand normalization but I thought the point of this was to reduce the quantity of small tables.

I got the concept for the helper table from you, in another video, but I implemented it before watching this video. I put a "Type" field in the helper table instead of creating a "HelperTypeT" table and it seems to be working. I just wanted to make sure I am not missing something or setting myself for some future pain.

Thanks for your help.

Scott Axton @Reply

2 years ago

This is actually a One to Many relationship. If you didn't have two tables you could only have one "category: with one "item".

By having the two tables you get a list of categories in the HelperTypeT (the One side) to lots of different items in the HelperT (the Many side).

By putting the Type in the same table you run the risk of typos and repeating data. Which goes against the rules of normalization.
The whole Normalizing Data subject can be pretty confusing but this video goes more in-depth than I could here.

	Matt Hall OP @Reply 2 years ago
OK, Thanks.

	Richard Rost @Reply 2 years ago
I'll talk about this in the next Quick Queries video.

This thread is now CLOSED. If you wish to comment, start a NEW discussion in Helper Data.