Relationships

[Pam]

I designed a database that has 3 tables. One table will
be a log for minor errors (Table1) and the other tracks
major errors (Table2) - The only other table I have is the
table for departments. Table1 & Table2 do not contain the
same fields - some are similar, but not all. Both tables
1 & 2 contain a department field.

I noticed that when I open the relationship window and add
the 3 tables and then close that window and open it again,
Access creates a relationship automatically. It just
creates a straight line. I haven't used Access for
several months and I'm just getting back into it. I can't
remember what that straight line indicates. Although when
I double-click on the line, it indicates a one-to-many
relationship. Isn't a one-to-many a one and an infinity
symbol? Also what should be the relationship between
these 3 tables?

Thank you for your help and previous help

 

[Tim Ferguson]

Isn't a one-to-many a one and an infinity
symbol?

It certainly should be if you have RI set up between (a) a field and (b) a
uniquely-indexed (usually the PK) field on the other side.

If you don't set up relational integrity, you just end up with a hint for
the query designer, although somewhat unhelpfully Access shows these up in
the relationships window too.

Also what should be the relationship between
these 3 tables?

From the information given, I have absolutely no idea. At a guess, each
department could have several errors, but each error would belong to
exactly one department. In that case, there's a one-to-many relationship
between Departments.DepCode and MajorErrors.DepCode; and the same between
Departments.DepCode and MinorErrors.DepCode.

HTH


Tim F