Tables v Queries Foreign Keys - Microsoft Access Expert 1


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Tables v Queries Foreign Keys

Peter Golemme

8 months ago

Hello I'm going through Expert 1 for the 3rd time, and learning something new each time. I'm wondering: what is the difference between putting a Key from Table A into your Table B (where it becomes a Foreign Key), vs. using a Query to pick up a key from Table A and put it (via a form) into Table B? It seems you end up in the same place, i.e., with a foreign Key in Table B. Have I got that right? So you use the Query/Form procedure in order to avoid having to work directly with Tables? Do you accomplish anything else by using the Queries/Forms rather than inputting directly into the table?

	Sami Shamma 8 months ago
Peter Show you table layout. And the design view of the query. Rule of thumb, user FK

Peter Golemme OP

8 months ago

I don't have specific tables to show. I'm just trying to understand the concepts. I have a database that I created by trial and error before I discovered this learning zone. I'm trying to correct it and enhance with the things I'm learning in Richard's courses. Often I'm stumped as to whether to use a new Table or a Form or a Query instead.

My database is a combined Contact Manager / To Do List. I have Tables for People/Clients, Projects and Tasks. I associate Clients with the Projects and Projects with the Tasks. I have about 5000 people in my People Table, but only about 200 are clients. I put a Combo Box for Client in the Projects table, but I'd like be able to scroll through a short list of 200 Clients rather than 5000 People. So: I'm trying to figure out whether to create a separate Table just for Clients, or whether instead to use a Query to pull the Clients out of the People table and then have the Project table look to the Query for Clients.

	Sami Shamma 8 months ago
You need to watch this very important video that will help you clarify some of the things your with struggling with Relationships

	Peter Golemme OP 7 months ago
Will do that. I'm committed to going through Richard's Lessons in order, and having reached "Expert 1" I find that I get a lot more out of the videos devoted to specific topics. Thanks again for the great feedback and suggestions. I'd be working in a vacuum if it weren't for this site!

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