Microsoft Access latest documentation

Question

Hello,

Where can i find the latest document on MSFT's Access DB ?

thanks,

Cooper

Answer 1

Refer to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/learn-more-about-access-ae8a2e82-9417-4839-99b7-2459d2f8b2bb

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hth

Marcin

Answer 2

While there are general documents on Access available on the Microsoft websites, actually learning to create viable relational database applications with Access is a far more comprehensive task.

You'll need to find additional resources that guide you to understanding these three major components.

1. The data layer. All relational databases start with tables. Tables are the objects which store the data. There are well established rules about how to create those tables. You should not start working on any of the other components until and unless you have a good understanding about how to create properly Normalized tables. Search for "Database Normalization" because the term "normalization" is also used in other contexts.
   Here's a starter link to one of a set of YouTube videos which are pretty good for beginners, but you'll want to invest time studying other sources as well.
   https://youtu.be/GFQaEYEc8_8?si=zwMsF-9Y8Thk7neV
2. The interface layer. A relational database application also includes the interface objects through which your users interact with the data in the tables. These are primarily Forms and Reports.
   Good interface design is, in my opinion, a combination of sound design and a good eye for presentation. An interface can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.
   Search for resources on designing good interfaces, but keep in mind that Access is a Windows application and the interfaces possible with Access reflect that. They won't look as slick as a web browser, although they can be very sophisticated.
3. The logic layer. A relational database application also includes the logic, i.e. VBA or macros, needed to automate data manipulate and interface interactivity. In some ways automation logic is the most complex and advanced skill you will need. You can keep it simple or make it exceedingly complex. Plan to invest a significant amount of your learning efforts here.

Above all, keep in mind that, unlike other databases, Access is a self-contained development environment in that all three of the components above are found in a single accdb file, with some exceptions for more advanced applications. For starters, though, recognize that the accdb contains three different kinds of objects that must all work together.