| | Databases : Data Entry | 
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When the database structure has been created you will want to put data into the files in your database. You may also want to change data that is stored in your database. There are three important operations that you may carry out on data in a database :
| Add a Record | Put a new record into the database. |
| Ammend a Record | Change the contents of a record that already exists. |
| Delete a Record | Remove a record from the database. |
In a simple database package you will probably have to type the data directly into the files. More sophisticated database packages let you develop your own user interface through which data can be entered and manipulated. This is done by the creation of forms (or views) that let the user enter and view data simply. Here are two example forms that are part of a library system :
The buttons on the forms (Add, Cancel and Go) will cause the database to carry out specific actions when they are pressed. The user may be able to define these instructions with macros.
Sophisticated database packages will also let you specify rules that can be used to check data as it is entered. These rules can check that entered data is sensible but not that is correct. They are known as validation rules.
GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004