Data Types and Field Properties Data types and

Data Types and Field Properties Ø Data types and field properties are used to format data so that it can be used and managed Ø The data type defines the value of a cell and the field property defines the format of the data within the cell Ø For example: the data type for a zip code field is number and the field property is used to limit the size of the entry to 5 characters 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 1

Why are data types important? To control data. Ø In the example on the right, the Ø In the example on Adoption data was the left, the Age data correctly sorted in was sorted in ascending order descending order, because the data but because the data type for Date was type was not set as used. Number, the field cannot be sorted correctly. Ø 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 2

Example of a Data Type Ø The data type for the adoption date field is date/time 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 3

What data types are available? Ø Text Ø Currency Ø Memo Ø Auto. Number Ø Yes/No Ø Date/time Ø Lookup Wizard Note: OLE Object and Hyperlink data types are not addressed in this objective. 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 4

When to use data types: Ø Think of data types Ø Use a different data and field properties as tools that increase the power of the database. Ø The default format for all data types is text. type if you need to control how the data in a particular field will be searched, sorted, or used in calculations. 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 5

Why are field properties important? Ø To control how data is entered in a field Ø Requiring the same format for all of the phone numbers is a way to ensure accuracy In this example, an Input Mask field property was used to force the user to enter the telephone number in a specific format. 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 6

Example of a Field Property Actual Data 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Ø An input mask field property is used for the Adoption Date field to make sure the date is entered correctly Side 7

Field Properties: l l Field Size Format Input mask Caption Note: Only 4 field properties are mentioned and addressed in this objective. 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 8

When to set field properties: Ø Use a field property if you want to specify how the data is entered, what data can be entered, and how the data will appear. 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 9

Steps in Creating a Database 1. Plan the structure of the database (sketch on paper) a) b) c) How will the data be grouped? What will the field names be? What will you name the database? Open and save a new database 3. Create a table 4. Enter the field names 2. a) b) 5. Set the data types Set the field properties Enter the data 5. 01 Understand database tables used in business. Side 10