table linking/lookup

[ash]

i have a reference table called Factors, and one of the
fields is called "Table_Name".

for each of the items in "Table_Name", there is a
corresponding table with that name containing information
specific to that table.

based on the "Table_Name" field from the "Factors" table,
i want to be able to look up information from the proper
table.

what's the best way to do this?

also, how do you set up a table so that you can expand
another table inside a table? you know how to the left of
the first field in the data view of a table, there's a
small column with either a triangle or a pencil? when you
can expand a table inside, you see a "+" symbol? how do
you do that...i've forgotten.


thanks.

 

[Tim Ferguson]

for each of the items in "Table_Name", there is a
corresponding table with that name containing information
specific to that table.

Ouch -- this sounds like a really nasty solution. Rule one is that all
information should be stored in field values, not in column names or table
names. Suggest a hard look at your schema design.

HTH


Tim F

 

[Ayelet]

This seems like a tricky, even dangerous solution, but if
you're sure you want to keep it, i'd keep Table_ID As well
as Table_Name, and use that to find data i want.
thoght i can't think of an example when i'd need something
like this, so i can't be sure as to what solution you need.
as for your second question, link the table in a one-to-
many relationship, and then the "+" will appear on
the "one" side. if there's only one relationship of this
kind, it will know what to do, and if not it will ask you
which table to show the first time you click the plus.
HTH,
Ayelet