Kamis, 11 Februari 2016

Re: [MS_AccessPros] Designing a new database

 

Hi Jan,

When I first started designing databases, I got 11x17 paper and sketched the tables, fields, and relationships with pencil (and erased a lot, lol!).  Now that I have built hundreds, maybe thousands, of different databases, I start by designing the tables and relationships in Access.  As I go, the relationships diagram is laid out and documented with screen shots and annotated in PowerPoint.   Very important to also fill field descriptions, in my opinion.

video Tip: Enforce Referential Integrity on Access Relationships (cc) closed-caption
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zxxc9jzWEg

It is helpful to create a separate directory for each project.  That is how I keep my notes about a project organized.  Glenn likes OneNote, as do many others.  I prefer keeping notes in files  and organizing the files.

Everything is an essential free tool in my kit
 
Download Everything
http://www.voidtools.com/download.php
 
Everything is amazingly fast for finding files once it builds the initial database.  In fact, I can usually find a file faster with Everything than I can navigating to where it is when I know the exact location.   So, for instance, if you are looking for a Word file with daily and sales in the name, you can type:
doc daily sales
 
as you type, separate things with spaces.  You can also use wildcards.
 
To Copy Path to Clipboard, or the Copy Full Name to Clipboard, right-click the file in Everything, and choose from the shortcut menu to copy and then paste wherever you like.  Double-click on a file to open it, or right-click and Open With.  You can also drag files, or ctrl-drag (to make a copy) from Everything to a folder.
 
Everything is in the system tray when it is running (it loads automatically, which is one of the few things I let do that).
 
I make a hotkey of Ctrl-Alt-Shift-\  to launch Everything anytime -- and I use it several times a day.
Tools, Options, Keyboard

When Everything installs, check box for context-senstive menus so you can right-click on a folder in Windows Explorer or My Computer and limit Everything to searching below a folder.

Hope Everything can help you too.

warm regards,
crystal

~ have an awesome day ~

On 2/11/2016 12:16 PM, 'Glenn Lloyd' argeedblu@gmail.com [MS_Access_Professionals] wrote:

I use OneNote a lot to organize my notes and diagrams. One trick I use when thinking and writing about my specifications is to state everything as if the project were complete. Some years ago I developed a couple of templates for guiding my discussions with clients in the early planning stages. I'd be happy to share them with you if you think they might be helpful.

 

Glenn

 

From: MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2016 1:35 PM
To: MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [MS_AccessPros] Designing a new database

 

 

 

You and I seem to be in agreement. Now, how to accomplish this feat of daring?   

 

There are a lot of Word and Visio templates out there to document what you did and why but they are after the fact.   Do you just use a greaseboard to write everything out or is there something more structured? 

 

Thanks


---In MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com, <argeedblu@...> wrote :

In my not so humble opinion, proper planning and designing is far more important than the actual construction (tables, etc.) of the database itself. Jumping in and starting to create the tables before having a comprehensive design based on a detailed needs analysis, is an open invitation to a time consuming exercise in frustration. A colleague of mine at UA has a signature line that goes something like this, shortcuts lead to long delays.

 

The 80/20 rule is as relevant here as it is elsewhere. Development should be roughly 80% planning, and 20% implementation. The planning component include needs analysis and data analysis. With thorough planning, data definition virtually becomes child's play.

 

The same goes to developing the user interface (frontend).

 

Glenn

 

From: MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2016 10:04 AM
To: MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MS_AccessPros] Designing a new database

 

 

I know Crystal has a killer tool for documenting a database that already exists but this is about a green field database. ....starting from scratch. 

 

When one of you pros start designing a new database for a client, do you start by writing up the design (tables, fields, field properties, FKS and relationships to other tables, field comments, etc) or do you just start setting up a dummy set of tables?  

 

Same question for queries, forms, and reports.  

 

Thanks

 

Jan 


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