Linking tables

[Warren]

Which datatype is best to use for the fields used in linking tables? I know
Long integer is a good one. Will a text type of 10 characters work okay?
Thanks.

 

[Allen Browne]

All field types are valid for linked tables. Long Integer and Text are
probably the most common field types in general (though 10 is too short for
many things.)

There seems to be an underlying question here? Perhaps you are trying to
link across a Wide Area Network (WAN) rather than a wired LAN? If so, this
might help:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Wan/Wans.html

 

[John W. Vinson]

Which datatype is best to use for the fields used in linking tables? I know
Long integer is a good one. Will a text type of 10 characters work okay?
Thanks.

Any field type except Memo and OLE Object will work. Large text fields can
cause indexes to be larger than need be, and may impact performance; but I've
got several applications with 8-12 byte Text primary/foreign keys, and they
work just fine.

I'd probably avoid using Float, Double, or Date/TIme fields as keys, inasmuch
as they are subject to roundoff error. You might have a primary key value
3.1416 and a foreign key value that LOOKS like 3.1416 but is actually
3.14159999999997 and woulnd't link.