I know one can enter data directly into the tables
True, but this should be done only by the developer for
testing/debugging purposes. Never let end users have
direct access to the tables themselves. It's way too
dangerous.
but...logically after creating the table, setting up
relationships, to enter the initial test data --- should
one build queries, or go right into creating a form?
What is the logical progression?
Personally I think the next logical step is to create a
saved query for a form or use a SQL statement as the
form's record source. If you base the form directly on the
table itself the order of records will most likely be "not
user friendly". Data is entered into a table in a type of
unordered "bucket" scenario.
For example, say I have a table of vendors. From the
user's standpoint it is much easier to open the form and
have all the vendor records displayed in alphabetical
order. So I create a query and sort the Vendor Name by
alphabetical order. To make it easier to find later on I
name it exactly like the form I will use, but with the
letters qry in front. So my objects are like this:
qryfrmVendorInputForm
frmVendorInputForm
Then I create my form using the saved query as the form's
record source. Sometimes I use the wizard because it is
quick and I just make whatever formatting changes I need.
Other times I start with a blank form, set the record
source of the form and then start creating everything.
Hope that helps,
