What is the Input Mask Wizard in Microsoft Access?

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The Input Mask Wizard is a feature of Microsoft Access that helps you create an input mask.

An input mask allows you to specify exactly how data should be entered into the database. It’s an expression that specifies certain rules about how the data should be formatted as it is entered into the system.

Here’s an example of an input mask:

(999) 000-0000

This specifies the format that a phone number must be entered. The number 9 indicates an optional character. The number 0 specifies a mandatory one. So in this example, the area code is optional.

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What is a Database Schema?

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In database terms, a schema (pronounced “skee-muh” or “skee-mah”) is the organisation and structure of a database. Both schemas and schemata can be used as plural forms.

A schema contains schema objects, which could be tables, columns, data types, views, stored procedures, relationships, primary keys, foreign keys, etc.

A database schema can be represented in a visual diagram, which shows the database objects and their relationship with each other.

Screenshot of a database schema.
A basic schema diagram representing a small three-table database.

Above is a simple example of a schema diagram. It shows three tables, along with their data types, relationships between the tables, as well as their primary keys and foreign keys.

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Is it Pronounced “S-Q-L” or “Sequel”?

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Ever since its early days, there’s confusion over how to pronounce SQL. If you’ve ever worked in a large team of SQL developers, you might’ve heard some developers pronouncing it as “S-Q-L” or “ess-que-ell” [ ˈɛs kjuː ˈɛl ] and others using “sequel” [ ˈsiːkwəl ].

And the confusion extends itself to commercial and open source products too. Any mispronunciation will extend itself to products such as SQL Server and MySQL, not to mention product tools and features such as MySQL Workbench, mysqladmin, mysqldump, and Access’s SQL view, to name a few.

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A Technical Comparison: Microsoft Access 2016 vs SQL Server 2016

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Microsoft Access and SQL Server are two relational database management systems from Microsoft. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. There are many cases where Access is the ideal tool for the job. There are other times where a more sophisticated solution like SQL Server is more appropriate.

When trying to decide which one to use, a side-by-side comparison of the technical specifications of each system can help greatly. Below is a side-by-side comparison of some of the technical limitations of each system.

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What is MySQL?

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MySQL is an open source relational database management system (RDBMS). It is the world’s most popular open source RDBMS and is currently ranked as the second most popular RDBMS in the world (behind Oracle Database).

MySQL is available as a free download, however, several paid editions are also available which offer additional functionality.

As the name suggests, MySQL is based on SQL. The “My” part is named after co-founder Michael Widenius’ daughter, My.

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What is Microsoft Access?

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Microsoft Access is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It’s part of the Microsoft Office suite, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately.

Microsoft Access provides a quick and easy way to develop databases and is particularly well suited for individuals and small business. Access is the most popular desktop database on the market.

Screenshot of the Access welcome screen
The Microsoft Access welcome screen allows you to create a database from scratch. You can also search through thousands of templates for a prebuilt database that you can use to get started.

In Access, most tasks can be performed via the graphical user interface (GUI), but more advanced users can also develop applications using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code. Advanced users can also use SQL code to write or modify queries.

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What is SQL Server?

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SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is Microsoft’s enterprise level RDBMS offering, and is a more sophisticated and robust system than Access, which has traditionally been a desktop system.

SQL Server’s main competitors are Oracle Database, MySQL (now owned by Oracle), PostgreSQL, and IBM’s DB2.

SQL Server is a client-server based system, which means that it operates as a server, typically containing many databases, with multiple clients accessing the databases from across a network. These clients are often other applications (such as a website or CRM system). This is in contrast to desktop systems, where the database will often (but not necessarily) reside on the user’s computer.

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