How to make a certain field

[ct2013]

Hi there,

i have a table called students with the following field:
Name
Surname
Address
Class

I want to create another field in the table called summary where i can create a default for that field to place the [Name] & [Surname] & [address] & [Class].

How would i do this.

I have now done it in expression prob being it wont let me add a number field or lookup field

Thanks alot

 

[Alansidman]

Why would you need this calculated field in a table. You can recreate it anytime you need the information in a query. What you are attempting to do is not normal to RDBMS.

 

[ct2013]

reason being as i need to create many 1 too many realationships based on this multi field, and you cant create 1 too many on a query!

 

[Alansidman]

The only way I can think to do this is to create a query with the concatenation in a new field. Then change the select query to a make table query and create a new table. Now what happens when one of the values (perhaps the address changes)? You have a table with incorrect concatenated data. If you add data you will have to continually do this make table. This is very inefficient. Perhaps you need to rethink joining on something other than concatenated fields. Are there no other unique identifiers?

 

[Royce]

You can join on multiple fields, so you don't need a "summary" field for the query. Access won't automatically create the join, but in Design view just drag and drop multiple fields. However, as was stated before, you should consider a separate primary key field, like an AutoNumber. For example, if you miss type a name, a student gets married,or moves to a different address, it can be a bear to correct the associated records in the secondary tables.

 

[jdraw]

You seem to be dealing with3 things (entities)
Student
Class
StudentTakesClass (which is a junction table and probably needs more info involving classDate or Semester or some field to show when the Student takes This Class).

I would not recommend the use of a multivalued field.
Good luck with your project