How To Create Optional Entity In Schema Design?

[Dal]

Would the attached be the way to go about structuring the schema to make the MainHeaders & tHeaders optional?

Any feedback is welcomed, it seems to violate the 1st rule of normalization as a lot of redundant data but I cannot see another way to make them optional.

[June7]

I have no idea what you are trying to accomplish. What do you mean by "optional" - exactly what is optional?

[moke123]

Is this an inner join/ left join issue?

[madpiet]

how about showing us some data? Fake is fine. Just representative. I'm not sure what you're claiming is repeating or whatever. And not pictures. actual text. Or create a small table and add a minimal number of records. (like 2-3) Enough to show what you're talking about.

[madpiet]

how about showing us some data? Fake is fine. Just representative. I'm not sure what you're claiming is repeating or whatever. And not pictures. actual text. Or create a small table and add a minimal number of records. (like 2-3) Enough to show what you're talking about.

I'm with June. I don't really understand what you mean about optional in this case. Are you talking about something like "if this column has a value, then several other columns would be required"? (Then you just follow her example. Create a 1:1 relationship between the two tables
But is that what you mean? Please give an example or two.

[orange]

Dal,
As others have said, your requirement is unclear. Please give us the 30,000 foot overview description of the process(es) involved with enough info to understand WHAT you are trying to accomplish.

[Dal]

Sorry for the ambiguity - new to db's.

make the MainHeaders & tHeaders optional?

"if this column has a value, then several other columns would be required"? (Then you just follow her example. Create a 1:1 relationship between the two tables
But is that what you mean? Please give an example or two.

Thanks madpiet - yes you have interpreted entirely correctly. Say:

Main Heading 1
Bill Item 1

General Heading 1
Bill Item 2
Bill Item 3

Main Heading 2
Bill Item 4 - has no General Heading

Would this be a problem for queries/ reporting later...?

[June7]

If you want to organize records under different categories (headings), that would be an output procedure and that's what reports are for.

Perhaps you should provide db for analysis. Have you even started building db?

Have you studied any Access tutorials? Could possibly benefit from a solid week with an introductory book.

[mike60smart]

Hi
Can you upload a screenshot of your Access Relationship Window?