question about table placement in split database

[dan dungan]

Hi,

I'm using Access 2000 on Windows 2000 professional to create a simple
reporting application. I split the database so I could put the mde
file on a couple users' computers.

Over the last year, I added more table to meet added requirements. But
I didn't add them to the _be file. Now I have some linked tables to
the _be file and some tables residing in the mdb file.

How might this impact the database function?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Daniel Pineault]

The basic idea of splitting the db into a front-end & back-end is to issue
each user with their own copy of the front-end. Amongst other things, this
means that when they open forms, report,... the code is run locally and
reduces network traffic and response time. With this in mind, in some cases
it can actually be preferable to add tables within the front-end to once
again speed up processes and reduce useless network traffic. These tables
however need to be static, meaning their content must not need to ever be
updated or the changes need not be distributed to other users.

A concrete example.
If I were to build a table for a list of cities my business works in, I
would never put it in the front-end, as over time I would need to add new
values for all of my staff to use.

If on the other hand I had a table containing a listing customer
'salutations' (ie:Mr, Mrs,...), I could place it in the front-end as this
table copuld easily be populated and would not need updates (unlikely at
least).

If implemented improperly, what could go wrong...
If you placed a table in the front-end that needs updating for all your
users, it will only update the local copy and as such will not be 'pushed' to
the other users. This can result in each user having their own set of
data...thus causing issues in the back-end (data not standardized...).

It is not a black or white question. It depends on your situation and needs.
--
Hope this helps,

Daniel Pineault
http://www.cardaconsultants.com/
For Access Tips and Examples: http://www.devhut.net
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[dan dungan]

Thanks Daniel.

I'll consider what you've said.

Dan