Linked tables

[elico]

Hi all

I am new to access .

My question is about linked tables in relational database .

Is the reason of linking tables to enable reports that are based on fields of two or more tables ?

If yes is this the only reason ?

Thanks
Elico

[John_G]

Are you referring to tables with defined relationships between them? The term "linked tables" usually refers to tables in one database that are connected, or linked, to another database. This is a very common and often recommended practice.

So, I'm assuming you mean refined relationships, or tables which are joined in queries. While joining tables in queries certainly does make the designing of reports easier, there are many other times when it is done, e.g. combo or list box row source.

The setting up of defined relationships in your database is one way to maintain the integrity of your data. With defined relationships in place, MS Access can prevent deletion or addition of records where doing so would violate the relationship definition.

To use the proverbial customers and orders example, defined relationships can prevent the deletion of a customer record if there are orders for that customer, or it can prvent the addition of new orders for non-existant customers.

That is a very simplistic explanation, I know, but the answer to your question is "No" - there are many reasons for using joined ("linked") tables.

Feel free to ask questions about anything you are unsure of - it's far better to be clear on the concepts now, before you get too far into a database project.

[orange]

elico,

Since you are new to Access, I recommend you watch the youtube series on Database by Dr. Daniel Soper.
It is an 8 part series, but I suggest you watch 1,2 and 4 to begin. The first video starts here.

Good luck.

[elico]

Thanks
I am talking about relational database with tables have one to many or many to many relations , in the same database .

Thanks
Elico

[orange]

Yes, so am I. The videos deal with relational database concepts, theory and examples.

The purpose of relationships in relational database is to provide referential integrity.
The videos will help with concepts.