A family of Microsoft relational database management systems designed for ease of use.
Does the order in which you use access generally go; Table Relationship Structure, Create Forms, Data Entry, Queries then Reports.
Apart from entering dummy test data for debugging purposes, operational data entry should only be undertaken following extensive testing of the application. It will be necessary to write queries before designing forms as forms will almost invariably be based on queries, not base tables.
There is one stage which should precede everything, however, which is the drawing up of an entity relationship diagram. This looks similar to the relationship window, but is done on paper or by means of a diagramming application which has specific provision for relational database design. Building the logical model conceptually in this way allows the developer to mentally test and amend it without the need to amend the actual tables and relationships.
The building of an entity relationship model can be a highly formalized process and complex process in itself, but even in a very simplified form (the conceptual model) can save a lot of wasted effort when it comes to creating the database itself (the physical model). Like the prospect of execution, it concentrates the mind wonderfully.