Most users find forms much easier to use for data entry than tabular format, especially when many fields are involved. A form lets you, rather than the application, control how the data is presented. Data entry and editing require design and implementation of data viewing, entry, and editing forms as an alternative to tabular presentation.Expressions are used to calculate values from data (for example, you can calculate an extended amount by multiplying unit price and quantity) and to display the calculated values as though they were a field in one of the tables. Table joining and data extraction use queries to connect multiple tables by data relationships and create virtual (temporary) tables, called Recordsets, stored in your computer's RAM or temporary disk files.→ For an explanation of the benefits of referential integrity, see "Maintaining Data Integrity and Accuracy," p.
SharePoint lists behave similarly to Access tables, but don't maintain referential integrity with foreign key constraints.
The following sections describe Access's basic functions and operating modes. In contrast, Access consists of a multitude of related tools for generating, organizing, segregating, displaying, printing, and publishing data. Most spreadsheet applications use the row-column metaphor for all their functions. You perform all word processing operations with views that represent a sheet of paper. The primary functions and supporting features of all word processing applications are directed to these ends. Although word processing applications, for example, have many sophisticated capabilities, their basic purpose is to support text entry, page layout, and formatted printing.