Split Database needing modifications

[Database Challenged]

Hi. As my name indicates, I am database challenged. I created a very simple database nearly two years ago, which my department never used. We decided to use it last summer so we hired someone to pump it up a little. He did some VBA coding and moved around my tables and the information ON the tables. Also, he split the database for me. So, I have one file that is the "application" (for lack of a better term) and one file that is all the data.

So, fast forward another year. Budget is having issues. The software we were supposed to buy to replace this interim database has been put on hold. As a result, we need to use this simple database a lot longer than anyone imagined. And I need to make some changes to it!

However, I'm not sure which of the database files to make changes to. Do I make the changes to the Data file or the "application" file which is linked to the tables in the Data file?

Thanks in advance for your help. I will likely have more questions as I work on updating this thing.

 

[pbaldy]

If you need to make design changes to a table (new field, change data type, etc) you'd change it in the data file (typically called a back end). Then you'd relink the tables in the front end (that may not be necessary with an Access back end; it is with SQL Server).

If you need to make changes to a form, report, etc, you make it to the application file (typically called a front end).

 

[Database Challenged]

If I make changes to tables that are used in the creation of forms, would those changes apply to the forms automatically? Or do I need to update forms as well?




*Sorry for dumb questions.*

 

[Database Challenged]

Also, if I need to make changes to both the tables in the back end and forms in the front end, is there an order I should use?

For example, I'm changing options completely one one table that is used to create a form, which will then need to be changed as well. Does it matter if I change the table first or the form first?

 

[ghudson]

You need to update the table first if it is bound to your form, otherwise your form will not be able to bind the new fields in your form if they do not exist in your table.

 

[pbaldy]

If I make changes to tables that are used in the creation of forms, would those changes apply to the forms automatically? Or do I need to update forms as well?

*Sorry for dumb questions.*

No such thing as a dumb question. The form will not automatically update. You would make the table changes first, then the form.

 

[Database Challenged]

Thanks to everyone for your help! I'm sure I'll have more questions as I start this process of updating the database.

 

[pbaldy]

No problem, and welcome to the site by the way!