Need Help with database...

[Jenni]

Hello. Thank you in advance for all your help. I need help designing a database for horse pedigrees. There will be duplicate names so I cannot limit that, and there are some that have only year of birth or non at all. I need auto-fill of names into the database as well ie: Sire: Bask Dam: Bint Fatma...When I enter in a baby that is born in different years or by different dams I would like to just be able to enter in the same sire or same dam by either a drop down menu or a letter key that will auto fill the field with the proper name. Also I am wondering how to create a pedigree chart that autofills as information is it is entered. I am getting frustrated and am trying to design something that has everything I need. If you need the names of the fields I can give those...there are alot. I would like to have my information all in one area. If there is a template that I can change please let me know. I really appreciate all your help.

[Stingaway]

I love the innocence of the question. What you are asking is akin to "I need help designing a car for driving enthusiasts. There will be many places I want to go, so I cannot limit where it can go, and there are some towns that have only been around for a while and a few that aren't even created yet..."

There is a great chart that was put out by Data Base Programming and Design on the 5 rules of Data Normalization. It did something very similar with Puppies. Chances are there is a database template out there already for this particular interest - might try google to see if there is one available.

For a beginner it is a huge task, but take it a piece at a time, start with the fundamentals of database design before you start creating field names, etc. It will save you a lot of heartburn later. I would start by attempting to normalize all of your data - and then figure out what your field names and tables should be.

[alansidman]

Here are two links that should help you get started.

This is a site that has many schema. This one is about dog breeding. http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_...ding/index.htm

Here is a site on normalization and relationships. http://www.deeptraining.com/litwin/d...aseDesign.aspx

Good luck with your project. Post back with specific questions you may have.

[Jenni]

Yes...I am new to this...I have found numerous databases...but wanted to create one in Access. Thank you for your help and input.

[Jenni]

I thought I could modify a contact database or student database to fit my needs. Would this be possible?

[Jenni]

Thank you...these links are very helpful.

[alansidman]

You really need to think out your tables and relationships. Modifying another database may be possible, but unless it is very close to what you are trying to do, it may be very cumbersome.

[ssanfu]

I thought I could modify a contact database or student database to fit my needs. Would this be possible?

Maybe..... but not really. Pedigree dBs are special because they self link. I got into Genealogy years ago and got side tracked learning about Pedigree databases. Whether it is dogs (see the link Alan gave you), horses or people, it can get very complicated. Study hard.... have fun!