Lesson 1

An MS Access developer can still create Access databases using the Table Wizard, although it's not the most common approach for experienced developers. Here's a breakdown:
Using the Table Wizard:

• Pros:
  1. Quick and Easy: The wizard simplifies the process, especially for basic tables.
  2. User-friendly: Good for beginners or unfamiliar with the technical aspects of table design.
  3. Predefined Templates: Offers templates for common scenarios like contacts, assets, etc.
• Cons:
  1. Limited Customization: Lacks the flexibility of manual design for complex data structures.
  2. Potential for Redundancy: Predefined templates might not fit specific needs, leading to redundant data.
  3. Less Control: Users might miss optimization opportunities for data integrity and performance.

More Common Approach for Developers:

• Manual Table Design: Developers often prefer manual design for greater control and optimization.
• Normalization: They typically follow data normalization principles for efficient storage and retrieval.
• Data Types and Relationships: They carefully define data types and set up relationships between tables.
• Queries and Forms: They build queries and forms tailored to specific business needs.

While the Table Wizard can be a helpful tool for beginners or quick tasks, experienced developers typically favor manual design for its flexibility and control in building robust and optimized databases. They might use the wizard for simple tables or as a starting point for customization. Ultimately, the choice depends on the developer's experience, project requirements, and desired level of control over the database structure.

You have learned about designing your database by creating multiple tables. We will now discusses how to create those tables, enter and edit data. You will learn how to use the Table Wizard to create a table, as well as how to create a table from scratch. We will also cover some of the fine-tuning your tables will need: renaming fields, defining field properties, and choosing a primary key
After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Use the Table Wizard to create a table
2. Use the Table Datasheet view to create a new table
3. Navigate the datasheet
4. Enter and edit data in a datasheet
5. Cut, copy and paste to enter similar data more quickly
6. Import data from another application such as Excel
7. Import data from another Access database

Question: How do I use the Table Wizard to create a table in MS Access 2021?
Creating a table in Microsoft Access 2021 using the Table Wizard involves the following steps:

1. Launch Microsoft Access and open the appropriate database: Start Microsoft Access and open the database in which you want to create a table. If you do not have a database, you can create a new one by navigating to "File" > "New" > "Blank Database". Name your database and select a location to save it.
2. Access the Table Wizard: Once you have your database open, go to the "Create" tab in the Ribbon, which is the toolbar at the top of the Access window. Within the "Tables" group, select "Table Wizard".
3. Choose a sample table: In the Table Wizard dialog box that appears, you'll first select a table category from the options listed on the left. Then, select a sample table from the options listed on the right that best suits your needs. Once you've made your selection, click "Next".
4. Select your fields: The next dialog box presents a list of available fields. Choose the fields you want to include in your table from the "Available Fields" list on the left, then use the ">" button to move them to the "Selected Fields" list on the right. To select multiple fields simultaneously, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the field names. Once you've selected all necessary fields, click "Next".
5. Determine your primary key: Access will suggest a primary key for your table. This is a unique identifier for each record in your table. You can either accept the suggested primary key or choose another field. After you've set your primary key, click "Next".
6. Name your table: In the following dialog box, input a name for your table. It's advisable to avoid using spaces or special characters in your table name.
7. Decide on next steps: Lastly, you'll be prompted to choose whether you want to start entering data into your table immediately, or if you'd like to set up another table. Make your selection and click "Finish".

The Table Wizard will then create your table according to the specifications you've made during this process. You can now begin populating your table with data or continue setting up other components of your database, such as additional tables or forms. Keep in mind that this procedure outlines the basic process for setting up a table. Depending on your specific requirements, you may need to revisit and modify your table to better cater to your data needs. Proper planning of your database design prior to setup can aid in optimizing both data integrity and performance.

Tables are the backbone of any database. Tables store all of the data in an Access database application and designing them correctly the first time can save a lot of time and effort in the future, as any changes made to a table once it is already in use may also require substantial changes to all objects that depend on that table. Tables have columns, called Fields, and rows, called Records. The type of data you need to store in any given table field is dictated by its purpose in the application. For example, if you need to store the date on which some event occurred, you would use a Date/Time field data type. You could use a Text field type to store a date and there may be cases where that makes sense, but most of the time, the Date/Time type will be more beneficial because it enables you to leverage the comparison operations provided by the ACE (Access Connectivity Engine) database engine, which could not be done with the Text field type.
Creating tables through the Access 2010 UI is accomplished by choosing any of the options in the Tables group on the Create Ribbon. The Tables group contains three primary options for creating tables: a Table, a Table Design, and a SharePoint Lists option. The Table option opens a new table in the Table Layout designer. The Table Design option opens a new table in the standard Access Table designer. And the SharePoint Lists option enables you to create a new SharePoint Linked-Table from a selection of common list types or by selecting from an existing SharePoint list. Clicking on any of these Ribbon options will create the new table in the currently open Access database and open it in the main Access window.