Microsoft Access Interview Questions and Answers

This section covers frequently asked Microsoft Access interview questions, focusing on its features, data manipulation, security, and comparison with other database systems.

What is a Microsoft Access Database?

A Microsoft Access database is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that combines a graphical user interface (GUI) with the Microsoft Jet Database Engine. It allows you to create and manage databases, and import and export data from various sources. Access is often used for smaller-scale database applications.

Linking External Data to Access

1. Go to the "External Data" tab (in the "Import & Link" group).
2. Select the data source (file).
3. Follow the wizard's instructions to link the data.

MS Access File Extensions

• .accdb (Access database)
• .mdb (older Access database format)
• .adp (Access project)
• .accde (Access runtime database)
• .adn (Access blank project template)
• .mdw (Access workgroup file)

Maximum Access Database Size

The maximum size of an Access 2.0 database is 1 gigabyte (GB).

Increasing Database Size

Database replication is a technique to manage very large databases by distributing the data across multiple databases.

Uses of MS Access

• Frontend for ODBC-compliant backends.
• Small-scale web applications (using ASP.NET).
• Desktop applications for smaller businesses and departments within larger organizations.
• Rapid application development (RAD) and prototyping.

Super Key vs. Candidate Key

A super key uniquely identifies a row in a table. A candidate key is a minimal super key; it contains only the necessary attributes for unique identification. A table can have multiple candidate keys.

Types of Data Relationships

• One-to-one: One record in a table is related to only one record in another table.
• One-to-many: One record in a table can be related to multiple records in another table.
• Many-to-many: Multiple records in one table can be related to multiple records in another table.

MS Access Security Features

MS Access allows you to protect databases by converting them to .MDE (locked, code hidden) files. While this approach provides some protection, dedicated tools can unlock and decompile the code.

Maintaining Relationships Between Databases

Relationships between databases involve using a primary key in one database and a foreign key in another to link related records. This allows you to manage data across multiple database files.

Queries in MS Access

Queries allow retrieving, sorting, filtering, inserting, updating, and deleting data in Access.

Creating a Simple Query in MS Access 2013

1. Open the database.
2. Go to the "Create" tab.
3. Use the Query Wizard to create your query, selecting the table and fields you need.
4. Specify the query criteria.
5. Name the query and click "Finish".

Exporting Data to Excel

1. Go to the "External Data" tab.
2. Select "Excel" in the "Export" group.
3. Specify the file name and location.
4. Click "OK".

Creating a Table Using the Microsoft Access Object Library (MAOL)

[Explain how to programmatically create a table in Access using the MAOL. This involves using the CreateTableDef() method and setting properties of the table.]

Creating a Form in MS Access 2013

1. Open the table.
2. Go to the "Create" tab.
3. Select "Form" from the "Forms" group.
4. Save the form.

Pivot Tables

Pivot tables provide a way to summarize and analyze data from different perspectives, allowing you to see trends and patterns more easily.

Entering Data in MS Access 2013

• Datasheet view
• Forms
• SQL queries

Automating MS Access with Menus

Create forms with buttons linked to macros or use the built-in "Switchboard Manager" to create a menu-driven interface.

The WHERE Clause in MS Access

The WHERE clause is used in SELECT statements to filter records based on specified criteria.

MS Access vs. MS SQL Server