Set Fields and Types for Database

Now you will need to set the types and formats for your selected fields. In the left column are the fields you selected and on the right are three options. The first is Filed Type. If you used a sample Database like Customers, you will see that a recommended Field is already supplied, for example Address is a Text (VARCHAR). VARCHAR stands for variable characters. So you know that this field can have a wide selection of text and numbers. When it comes to Field type, unless you are familiar with these types you cannot go wrong by accepting the defaults. The next option you see is if this entry is required. If you have a Customer Database you will certainly want to require an Address. However, there may be fields that you will not require for example if there is a cell phone number. The final option is the Length of the text. By default an Address can have up to 200 characters. This setting can be changed if you like to reflect special circumstances.

Notice the directional arrows so that you may select a field and then move that field up or down in the list. In addition, you can also add fields that were not added that you need by selecting the +. Fields may be deleted by selecting the field and choosing -.

You must set a primary key for your Database. This unique identifier will make each record unique and can be used to link separate tables for better access to data research.

In the example the CustomerID has been chosen for the unique identifier.