The Database Journal
The Database Journal is a collection of articles, videos, ideas and advice pertaining to the world of databases and database design. In here, you'll find how-to articles, information about database technology, and plenty about relational database design. Whether you're novice, intermediate or expert, you can peruse the frequently-updated database journal and get your database design fix!
Feel free to use this information to help your own projects, to get a better understanding of databases in general, or just for pure entertainment value.
Archive
03/10/2006
Adjusting Autonumber Increments
Autonumbering records in Microsoft Access is fundamental to having properly designed tables. But what if you want to autonumber records by multiples of 10 instead of 1?
03/10/2006
Moving Access Data to Microsoft Excel
This article explores the most common - and easiest - way of exporting Access data to Microsoft Excel.
03/10/2006
Exporting Access Data with TransferSpreadsheet
Another way of exporting Microsoft Access data - this time with the help of a macro and the "TransferSpreadsheet" action.
03/10/2006
Export Access Data with VBA
Sometimes macros and menu options just aren't enough when you need to export Microsoft Access data. For those cases - and for the more adventurous database fans - VBA does the trick.
03/13/2006
Data Layout in Microsoft Excel
If you've ever had trouble importing a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet to Microsoft Access, bad data layout is usually the culprit. This article covers how it should be done.
03/17/2006
Excel Text to Number Conversion
Ever come across a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that didn't sort numbers properly? They could have been stored as text. Here's a nifty obscure technique to convert everything quickly and easily.
03/21/2006
Transposing Excel Ranges
Moving data around in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet can get tricky. Lucky for us, Excel provides some excellent data handling tools for just this task.
03/25/2006
Access VBA Timer Event
If you use the Access VBA Timer Event, be sure you pay attention to some of the problems you could have with your database.
03/29/2006
What is MySQL?
So what is MySQL? This is a general overview of MySQL - the excellent open-source web-based relational database system you can use for all of your website's database needs.
04/02/2006
Microsoft Access Parameter Query Tutorial Video
Access parameter queries can be quite tricky, particularly when working with dates. In this video, we show exactly how to declare your parameters to do some great date-range queries!
04/06/2006
How does PHP Work?
PHP allows website pages to interact with the data in back-end MySQL databases. This powerful online language is easy to learn and integrates seamlessly with HTML.
04/10/2006
Microsoft Access VBA Tools - References
Clicking Tools, then References in a module window in Microsoft Access allows you to "plug in" a reference to another program so you can have access to the objects in that program through VBA!
04/14/2006
Microsoft Access VBA SetWarnings Tutorial Video
The SetWarnings action in Microsoft Access VBA allows you to turn off and turn on standard warnings that appear when you launch action queries and more. When SetWarnings is turned off, life for your database users becomes more pleasant!
04/18/2006
Using Relationships in Microsoft Access
The relationships window in Microsoft Access allows you to establish all table relationships for your database. Before you go drawing relationship lines everywhere - think about them. Do you really need to establish all of these relationships for your database?
04/22/2006
Microsoft Excel IF Function
Learning to use Microsoft Excel's IF function opens up a world of possibilities with your spreadsheets. This IF function tutorial will show you how it's done!
04/26/2006
Microsoft Access Random Number Tutorial Video
Using the "Rnd" function to create Random Numbers in Microsoft Access can come in hand when you're working with statistics, or attempting to work with any statistic that involves randomization. This video will show you how it's done.
04/30/2006
Microsoft Excel AND Function
The "AND" function in Microsoft Excel lets you combine criteria in IF functions. The AND function helps you avoid nesting a bunch of IF functions by consolidating their criteria.
05/04/2006
Microsoft Excel OR Function
The OR function in Microsoft Excel lets you add a twist to your existing IF formulas. By using OR, you can specify one of two conditions for any formula without having to nest further IF functions.
05/08/2006
Microsoft Excel Function Combinations - IF, AND, OR
Using IF, AND, and OR in Microsoft Excel allows you to create a virtually unlimited combination of conditions when working with your data. These are three functions you absolutely must know inside and out!
05/15/2006
Concatenation Tutorial Video
Concatenation in Microsoft Access or Excel is the process of mashing together two bits of data to make one. Separate first and last names are the perfect candidate for concatenating, but you can use the technique in this video anywhere.
05/18/2006
Microsoft Access Union Queries (Part 1)
Using Union Queries is a powerful way to add a lot to your existing databases. If you archive records, Union Queries are a fast and easy way to combine all of your archived tables into one huge dataset.
05/21/2006
Microsoft Access Union Queries (Part 2)
In Part 2 of the Microsoft Access Union Queries article, we'll give you the SQL code to create quick Union queries that are powerful ways to crunch data!
05/24/2006
Microsoft Access Form Templates Tutorial Video
Microsoft Access Form Templates can help speed up the development time of your databases, this video shows you how.
05/28/2006
Microsoft Access BeforeUpdate and AfterUpdate Events
BeforeUpdate and AfterUpdate events in Microsoft Access allow you to create all kinds of form-level record validation. This can let users know if certain fields should or shouldn't be filled out with a custom message, instead of generic Access errors.
06/01/2006
Microsoft Access: Removing Duplicates
Duplicate records in Microsoft Access are the bane of every database admin. There are a few easy ways to remove duplicates from a Microsoft Access database that requires no VBA or formulas …
06/05/2006
Microsoft Access DateDiff Function Tutorial Video
Learning how to use the DateDiff function in Microsoft Access helps you determine any time difference between two dates. This video shows you how to write a datediff function in an Access query.
06/09/2006
Microsoft Access Shortcuts
Everyone can use some handy Microsoft Access shortcuts. This is a quick list of useful shortcuts for anyone working in Microsoft Access.
06/13/2006
Easy Data Entry in Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel has a Data Form that remains somewhat hidden. If you continually add records in an Excel spreadsheet, the Excel Data Form can save you a bit of time and make navigating and finding rows much easier.
06/17/2006
Microsoft Excel Prime Numbers
Microsoft Excel is capable of some impressive calculations utilizing Visual Basic for Applications. Here, we examine code to calculate prime numbers in Microsoft Excel.
06/21/2006
Access System Tables Using Usys
Users often like to poke around databases and sometimes end up playing in an area they shouldn't be in. This video will show you how to use Usys system tables in Microsoft Access to deter the casually curious.
06/26/2006
Converting MS Access to MySQL
Microsoft Access is a fantastic program for desktop-based database systems, but when it comes to transporting that information to online form, you need to consider converting your Microsoft Access database to MySQL.
06/29/2006
Separating First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel
Many Excel spreadsheets track contacts or members. Often, full names are placed into one cell - sometimes with middle initials, prefixes, and suffixes. Separating those names can be tricky, but with some crafty techniques and formulas, separating first and last names is a breeze!
07/04/2006
Access VBA Shell Tutorial Video
The VBA Shell command in Microsoft Access allows you to open up or invoke other programs from within the Access environment.
07/07/2006
Changing Cases in Microsoft Excel
Often you may need to take a block of text that is formatted as proper case and change it to upper or lower case. This article shows you how to do it with formulas!
07/11/2006
Microsoft Access Database Optimization
Keeping a smooth-running database is the key for any business that wants to maintain a good handle on their information. To avoid problems, an optimized database is key. In many cases, redesigning is more desirable than patching a busted database.
07/14/2006
Fixing Blank Pages in Access Reports Tutorial Video
One of the more common problems in Microsoft Access Reports are blank pages appearing on every other page. This video will show you how to remove blank pages from your Microsoft Access Reports.
07/19/2006
Microsoft Excel INFO Functions
The INFO functions in Microsoft Excel can tell you a lot of information about your workbook, cells, and other functions. This article covers the Microsoft Excel CELL function.
07/23/2006
Using Microsoft Access Wizards
Microsoft Access Wizards are meant to provide and easy way to accomplish basic tasks in Access. Sometimes, they cause more trouble than they're worth. This article explores when, where, and why you should or shouldn't use Access Wizards.
07/27/2006
Restore a Deleted Microsoft Access Table with VBA
So you've just accidentally deleted a table in Microsoft Access and you need to restore it? Restoring a deleted table can be done with just a little bit of VBA Code. Don't close that database! Read this article before you lose that data for good!
08/02/2006
Access DLookup Function
The DLookup function in Microsoft Access allows you to look up a specific field in a recordset depending on your specified criteria. This tutorial video will help you learn how to create an Access DLookup!
08/03/2006
Relational Database Design
Relational Database Design in Microsoft Access or any database system is the most fundamental aspect of creating databases. Proper database design makes the difference between a database that works well, and one that causes problem after problem.
08/08/2006
7 Ways to Make Database Administration a Nightmare
Database Administration can be a gruesome undertaking if your data isn't quite right. This article explores how to make managing a database a frightening affair!
08/12/2006
Excel SumIF Function
Microsoft Excel SumIF allows you to sum a range of cells in Microsoft Excel depending on values in a corresponding range. This Excel function tutorial video shows you how to do it!
08/16/2006
Database Design Interviewing
When you're ready to design a database for someone, there's no better first step than a quick interview to find out what the project is all about!
08/20/2006
Search Engine Optimization with PHP and MySQL
PHP and MySQL are great for database-driven websites, but did you know they can also be used to help a website run efficiently while enabling it to draw search engine traffic?
08/24/2006
Excel Data Validation
Microsoft Excel Data Validation is a great tool that allows you to do some really excellent work in Excel spreadsheets. This video shows you how easy it is to create a drop-down box with Excel data validation
08/28/2006
Access DCount Function
The Microsoft Access DCount function allows you to count the number of records that fall into a specific criteria. DCount is a great way to grab quick statistics from any table or query in your database!
09/05/2006
Microsoft Access Macro Conditions
Using conditions in Microsoft Access macros allows you to run a macro depending on certain criteria. This article shows you how to use this easy technique to add some great functionality to your Access forms!
09/11/2006
MS Access DSUM Function
The Access DSUM function allows you to sum a range of values in a table or query depending upon criteria in a different field in the recordset.
09/13/2006
Editing the MS Access MRU List
When you open Microsoft Access, there is a list of "Recently Used Files" to help you open databases you're frequently in. That has to be stored somewhere, so how do you remove an entry?
09/18/2006
Selecting the Right Primary Key in Microsoft Access
You can use just about any field or combination of fields as a primary key in Microsoft Access. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should, however. This article details the logic behind handling MS
Access primary keys properly!
09/25/2006
Taming the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Beast
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets can be effective, flexible ways to manage mountains of data. However, just a few mistakes can create a spreadsheet that chews up processor power, and never cooperates!
10/10/2006
Select Queries in Microsoft Access
Select Queries in Microsoft Access are the backbone of database usability. This video tutorial covers the basics of creating a simple query.
10/12/2006
Access Yes/No Fields
In Microsoft Access tables, you can select the "Yes/No" data type, making that field a checkbox field. But what's the value of a check or lack thereof? This video explores how to determine checkbox values.
10/16/2006
Microsoft Access Parameter Query "Like *" Criteria
Using "Like *" in a Microsoft Access Parameter Query allows you to create very flexible parameter queries. Parameter queries are semi-dynamic queries, allowing a user to input a value when the query is run. This video will show you how to create them!
10/18/2006
Delete Queries in Microsoft Access
Delete Queries in Microsoft Access allow you to remove records from an Access table. You can also use criteria within delete queries to determine a small set of records, or just one record to be deleted. This video shows you how!
10/20/2006
Update Queries in Microsoft Access
Update Queries are generally the least understood of all action queries in Microsoft Access. In this video, you'll learn a couple of great tips to help you create update queries in a snap!