3) Database Structure
The database was designed using Microsoft Access 2007, as this program is widely available to agencies, students, researchers, and NGOs. Further, users are able to build additional queries and reports, and make other modifications to the design.
The database is divided into two files, referred to as the Front End and the Back End. The Front End provides the interface—the user-friendly forms, queries, and reports that the user interacts with. The Back End contains the data, the more than 50 tables that are related to each other in some way. This file is unwieldy for anyone not familiar with relational databases.
The database may be used on a network by more than one user. However, it is extremely important that they not use the same Front End file to access the Back End file. The Front End interface must be loaded onto any computer that will be using the database.
When a user opens the database for the first time, it may be necessary to link these two files. If this is not necessary, you already know how, or your interest is simply too fragile, you can move onto the next section.