Microsoft Access it’s a database management system designed by Microsoft in 1992. It is the successor to Embedded Basic and through it you can collect all kinds of information related to a certain matter or purpose.
A clear example of this is when you need track customer orders. Since its launch, there have been multiple updates.
Throughout this post, we will talk about what it is, what it is for, its main advantages and a list of the best alternative database tools to Access.
What is Microsoft Access and what is this Office tool for?
Microsoft Access is nothing more than a simple tool with which you can create different business applications from pre-built templates, or also from scratch. In this way, it is possible to design very attractive, intuitive applications with a very complete design in a short time.
Can be used by both beginners and advanced users. This means that it can be adapted to the needs of people. In case you require do a small projectyou will be able to do it without any problem and if you are an advanced user, you will also be able to run your project and enjoy its more features. professionals.
As we mentioned earlier, in Access offers a series of templates with which you can put your database into operation with a few clicks. If you have a more complex project and you are an expert on the subject, you can also enjoy the assistants that it includes or take advantage of its tools programation advance.
For example, you can program in Visual Basicwhich is included in Microsoft Access and with which you can give freedom to your imagination. Without a doubt, you will be able to scale your learning until you become an expert. In this program you will get a very useful set of tools for your database.
Below, we mention the most relevant:
- Boards: you can store data from structured way.
- Queries: are used to extract filtered information from tables according to your needs.
- Forms: is it so linked to tables and are considered the friendliest part of a database. You can include texts, buttons, images and much more.
- Reports: you may configure them according to your needs. In addition, you can incorporate colors, graphics, modify the positions, etc.
What are the advantages of using Microsoft Access to manage your databases?
Access is a excellent tool to create your databases and manage them quickly and safely. One of the most interesting aspects is that adapts to the needs of each userno matter if you are an expert or not.
However, we want to summarize the main advantages that you will obtain when using it:
- Is very Easy to use.
- It allows you manage databases.
- Business apps you design can be customized according to the needs of your company.
- Includes Visual Basic for Applicationsa tool with which you can automate business processes, create reports and forms, among others.
- You may integrate data between Access and line-of-business applications with your library of connectors Access.
- Provides different tools to update existing recordsincluding data sheets, inquiries, forms, etc.
- Have a error help system highly effective.
List of Best Access Alternative Database Tools
Apart from Microsoft Accessthere are many other database tools which you can get the most out of. But not all of them are safe, so it is important to know all those that really be trustworthy.
Therefore, we will talk about the 3 best alternative database tools to Access:
LibreOffice Base
LibreOffice Basehas become known for imitating the programs from the microsoftoffice but freely. Base is part of the LibreOffice suiteinside which is Write (text processor), Calc (spreadsheet), print (presentations), Draw (graphics), math (formulas) Y charts (creation of graphics).
With LibreOffice so much is possible import how to export data towards other applications suite room so you can create reports, graphs and much more.
You should keep in mind that this tool It’s a bit more complicated than Office and it does not contain so many additional functions. Nevertheless, it’s 100% free and is compatible with computers Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
In summary, it has advantages such as:
- Available for different operating systems.
- Supports standard database interfaces JDBC and ODBC. Through them, it is possible to establish a connection with other databases.
- Also supports many database systemssuch as MySQL, MS Access, Adabas D, etc.
kexi
Kexi is an integrated tool of Calligra Suite. In general, it can be said that is an office software which has design applications such as a program for editing vector graphics, photo editing and more.
It comes integrated with other applications in the suite, such as stage (presentations), Plan (Projects management), words (text processor) Y sheets (spreadsheet). Despite does not have as complete features as Accesswith kexi you can run different database management tasks with very effective results. We recommend it in case you must create address books, simple tables, product lists, among others.
Among its advantages we can highlight:
- Offers the ability to import files from MS Access and dBase.
- Supports other database servers like dBase, MySQL, MS SQL Server, among others.
glom
Last but not least is glom. It is an open source software which is considered an effective alternative to Microsoft Access. It has a very friendly user interface, so it offers very useful functions. simple.
With the help of it, you can create databases in very short periods of time. One of the biggest advantages of glom is its robustness, because data can be consulted through the search function, as well as establish relationships between them according to a specific series of criteria. We recommend it for small projects such as product lists, contact lists, etc. This is because it is not as complete as MS Access.
Among its main advantages we can mention:
- Has a very friendly user interface.
- Ideal for small projects.
- Free.
Keep in mind that in the database management scope The only one Reliable alternative to Microsoft Access is LibreOffice Base for the benefits it offers. With this tool you can practically perform all the actions included in Microsoft Access.
But in the case of Glom and Kexi, they are much more recommended for small projects. and it is best to use them in conjunction with another database system. The reason is that they solve the basic problems of management systems, but have limitations.
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