2006-09-08 19:59:52 · 5 answers · asked by drvb1983 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
easy to learn and play around with
2006-09-08 20:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by blued79 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many people keep their data in an Excel spreadsheet because Excel is more accessible to most non-programmers. Most of what is done in Excel should really be in a Relational database, like Access, so it can be available for much more robust analysis by the people that need to make decisions on data results.
If it's MS Access or SQL or whatever, it is important to put a screw in with a screw driver instead of a hammer. Use the hammer on nails. What I mean is Excel will keep your data and give your totals, etc, but Access does it better when you factor in multiple sets of similar data and time period considerations, etc. It is best to use the proper tool for what the job requires.
Access puts the power of SQL in the hands of people who like to drag and drop items onto forms and reports. The Query builder in Access is a front end that users can easier use. It is just writing SQL statements to do the job.
So, what kind of data are you working on?
What kind of users will be designing the database,
What kind will be using the database?
These are the questions you need to ask before you decide what program to use.
If you have more savvy end-users, your programmers don't have to be experts. If you have novice users, or you are writing something for public use, you are better of with more expert programmers and maybe a more expert program.
A true expert can take any program, Access, SQL, Oracle, whatever and make a bulletproof application that even trained monkeys can use without errors coming up.
I like MS Access because it is user- helpful, if not friendly, and it is as powerful as SQL can be. (Given you learn or know SQL and go and modify the code that Access generates.)
2006-09-11 14:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by Ken C. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not as universal or multiplatform as SQL. But for beginners wanting to learn database theory it's great. If you don't already have access don't run out and buy it. Just start with MySql, which is a free database program.
I've tought college classes in Access and found it very easy to teach people databse design on, but like I said, If you don't already have it it's not something you need to learn databases.
2006-09-09 03:03:08 · answer #3 · answered by Gehan G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cute toy to introduce you to database access.
get mysql or the like to really learn how professionals do it!
2006-09-09 03:31:01 · answer #4 · answered by jake cigar™ is retired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sucks.
2006-09-09 03:01:22 · answer #5 · answered by koolbreeze 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋