Creating Tables and Choosing Fields

A table is the object in which a LibreOffice Base database actually stores its data, arranged in rows (records) and columns (fields). Designing a table means deciding what columns (fields) it should have and what kind of value each column will hold.

Base gives three ways to create a table:

• Create Table in Design View — the most common and flexible way. You are shown a grid in which you type each field name, choose its data type, and set its properties. This is the method a Std XII student is expected to know.
• Use Wizard to Create Table — Base offers ready-made sample fields you can pick from and adjust; useful for beginners.
• Create View — an advanced option (a saved query that looks like a table); not needed at this level.

Steps to create a table in Design View:

1. In the database window, click Tables in the left panel, then click Create Table in Design View....
2. In each row of the design grid, type a Field Name (for example, RollNo), and in the next column choose a Field Type (data type) from the drop-down list.
3. Set any needed Field Properties in the lower part of the window (for example, the length of a text field, or whether an entry is required).
4. Mark the primary-key field (explained in the next section).
5. Save the table (Ctrl+S) and give it a name, such as Student. …