Defining relationships in Access

[Jan]

I have just started using access and read that relationships between tables
should be defined.

I also have a database that was created for me that has no relationships
defined yet works perfectly. I have forms and queries that use more than one
table and they work perfectly.

Therefore what is the advantage of defining relationships?

Thanks
Jan

 

[Allen Browne]

Creating relationships lets you use the power of the JET engine to manage
the referential integrity of your data.

Details in:
Referential Integrity can't be that easy!
at:
http://allenbrowne.com/xbase-07.html

 

[Piet Linden]

I have just started using access and read that relationships between tables
should be defined.

I also have a database that was created for me that has no relationships
defined yet works perfectly. I have forms and queries that use more than one
table and they work perfectly.

Therefore what is the advantage of defining relationships?

Thanks
Jan

Basically the database engine takes care of cascading updates and
deletes if you define the relationships. It also enforces referential
integrity for you. Some people use it, some people don't. I think
Tony Toews has posted his opinion on his website...
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/cascadeupdatedelete.htm