Microsoft Access 2013 Tutorial Level 2: Mastering Data Types and Queries

As a beginner in Microsoft Access 2013, you may be wondering how to effectively store data and create queries to extract valuable insights from your database. In this tutorial level 2, we will explore the different data types available in MS Access and how to use them to store and manipulate data.

One of the most important aspects of working with databases is understanding the different data types used to store information. Microsoft Access uses various data types to store numeric, text, date/time, and other types of data. In this tutorial, we will focus on the following data types:

* Date/Time: This data type is used to store dates and times in the format of mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss. You can use this data type to store dates that range from 100 to 9999.

* Numeric: This data type is used for storing mathematical calculations. It is ideal for storing numbers that require calculations, such as totals, averages, or percentages.

In addition to these data types, Microsoft Access also offers a Text data type that can be used for lengthy text or alphanumeric data. The Text data type is particularly useful when you need to store information that does not require mathematical calculations, such as names, addresses, or descriptions.

Now that we have covered the different data types available in MS Access, let's move on to discussing modules and macros. Modules are procedures (functions) that can be written using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). They allow you to set up commands and processes in your forms, such as searching, moving to another record, or running a formula.

Macros are mini computer programming constructs that can be used to automate repetitive tasks. With macros, you can customize the report's look and feel, create custom menus, and even automate data entry tasks.

Reports are an essential part of any database application, as they provide a way to format, calculate, print, and summarize selected data. In Microsoft Access, reports can be customized to meet your specific needs, making it easy to present data in a clear and concise manner.

Forms are another important aspect of MS Access, as they allow you to display live data from tables. Forms can be used to create a user interface for a database application, making it easy for users to interact with the data. There are several types of forms available in MS Access, including:

* Single-record forms: These forms display information about a single record.

* Multiple-record forms: These forms display information about multiple records.

* Pop-up forms: These forms appear when you click on a button or link.

Queries are an essential tool for extracting data from your database. Queries can be used to select, insert, update, and delete data, as well as to perform calculations and aggregations. There are several types of queries available in MS Access, including:

* SELECT queries: These queries retrieve specific data from a table.

* INSERT queries: These queries add new records to a table.

* UPDATE queries: These queries modify existing records in a table.

* DELETE queries: These queries delete records from a table.

In addition to these basic query types, MS Access also offers more advanced query capabilities, such as the ability to join tables and create subqueries. By combining multiple queries, you can create complex data analysis tasks that would be difficult or impossible to perform manually.

Finally, let's talk about primary keys and tables. A table is an object that stores data in a row-and-column format, with each field having one datatype such as text, number, date, etc. Every field has properties known as datatypes, which determine how the data can be used.

In this tutorial level 2, we have covered the basics of data types and queries in MS Access 2013. By mastering these concepts, you will be able to effectively store and manipulate data, as well as create complex reports and queries to extract valuable insights from your database. In our next tutorial, we will explore more advanced topics such as form design and data validation.

Microsoft access 2013 tutorial level 2