Simple Rule:
Tables are for storage of raw data.
Queries are for presenting data for use in forms and reports.
so...
Store your data in a table
Complete calculations and data modification in queries, then base your
form or report on that query.
You can use an "Unbound" control on a form/report such as a textbox to
do the same calculations on the form or report, but in my experience it
is often easier and quicker (to run/load) to do the calcs in the query
that the form/report is based on, and then add a control based on the
calc into the form/report...
eg
in your table, you will have only one field [FirstName]
in the query based on your table, you will have the field [FirstName],
and then in another new query field type "Initial:
Left([FirstName],1)". so now you have the raw data and the calculated
field. base you table/report on this query and you will have two
controls called [FirstName] and [Initial].
if you wanted to do the calc on a form or report without writing the
query, on a form in design view, in an Unbound (new) text box type
"=Left([FirstName],1)" in the Control Source field of the Data tab of
the properties box.
remember there is always one or two ways of doing almost anything with
data in MS Access
good luck
Jason wrote:
I am trying to create a simple database, but it's proving too complex
for me!!!
I have only just started a new database and am trying to have two
fields in a table:
the first holding the first name of a person (FirstName) and the second
to be the first charactrer of that name.
i am using the default value property for the second field of
"=Left([FirstName],1)", but i am getting error messages when tryign to
save it.
does anyone know what i am doing wrong, i would like it so that the
first could be entered as "Jason" and the second field would
automatically enter "J".
can anyone helps, thanks
Jason
