Append data

[Guest]

My database is a "master table" with general data including itemcode numbers.
From there I have several subtables for additional data using the "master
itemcode numbers" as the primary key in all tables. I want to be able to
type in a new itemcode number into the "master table" and have it add that
piece of data to the subtables. Is there a way to automate this? Append
query? Is it possible to write one large append query for 5 subtables?

 

[tina]

standard procedure is to *not* enter dummy records in child tables - why
would you want a table record (in any table) that has no data except the
primary key? if you use a mainform/subform setup to enter data (you
shouldn't be entering data directly in tables), then the master itemcode
number will automatically be entered in a subform (bound to a child table)
when you enter data in a new record in the subform.

hth

 

[Guest]

They are not dummy records they keep the tables in sync. One master set of
record numbers with detail data in subtables. I want to be able to enter a
new item number and have only the item number create a new data line in all
tables.

Does this make sense. Cascade update only alters existing records but does
not add a new "client" line to all...???

 

[Jeff Boyce]

If the detail data applies to EVERY new record (i.e., you did say adding a
new data line in all tables), why do you have five "sub" tables to hold it?
This sounds like the data structure is more like a spreadsheet than a
normalized relational database.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[tina]

i don't really know what you mean by "keep the tables in sync". if you think
that each child table must have the same number of records as the parent
table, you're mistaken. suggest you read up on relational design principles,
to get a better grasp of the role of parent (master) tables and related
child (sub) tables. for more information, see
http://www.accessmvp.com/JConrad/accessjunkie/resources.html#DatabaseDesign101.

hth