Size of Database

[Tommy2326]

I've created a database for use with multiple users. Just now the front end
is 34mb and the back end is 500kb. How will the size of the database grow?
I was thinking it would only be the back end that grew now as this is where
the data is stored, is this correct?? Thanks

Tommy

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

After compacting, the front-end typically grows only by as much as it takes
to compile the queries and SQL statements. If you have any temporary tables,
the front-end will also grow. Compacting decompiles all the SQL statements
and queries, and cleans out any temporary data.

 

[John W. Vinson]

I've created a database for use with multiple users. Just now the front end
is 34mb and the back end is 500kb. How will the size of the database grow?
I was thinking it would only be the back end that grew now as this is where
the data is stored, is this correct?? Thanks

Tommy

The backend will grow proportionally to the amount of data added. Sometimes it
will grow faster - "bloat" - depending on how you use the database; running
large Append queries can cause rapid bloating. Compacting the backend
periodically is a good idea, both to recover waste space and to improve query
performance.

The frontend can bloat too, sometimes; temporary tables automatically created
by Access are one reason. But it's not necessary to compact the frontend! It
doesn't contain any data, so if it gets out of shape, you can just junk it and
replace it with a fresh .MDE copy. Some developers routinely download a new
frontend every time the user logs on (a bit of overkill in my opinion but it
won't hurt).

Just to be clear - if you have all the users sharing the same copy of the
frontend, you're not done!! *Each user* should have their own copy of the
frontend, running on their own computer if you're on a good LAN, or in their
own private folder if users are connecting using a terminal server. See Tony's
outline of best practices at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp.htm


John W. Vinson [MVP]

 

[Tony Toews [MVP]]

I've created a database for use with multiple users. Just now the front end
is 34mb and the back end is 500kb. How will the size of the database grow?
I was thinking it would only be the back end that grew now as this is where
the data is stored, is this correct?? Thanks

34 Mb is quite large for a front end. I would assume you have some
graphics or logos embedded in several forms or reports. If you'd like
to shrink that down create one form and one report with the embedded
graphic. Then reference that form or report in the other forms or
reports as a subform/subreport.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm
Tony's Microsoft Access Blog - http://msmvps.com/blogs/access/