Using AutoNumber Data Type in Microsoft Access 2016

Understanding Surrogate Keys in Microsoft Access 2016

Surrogate keys are unique identifiers assigned to records in a database to ensure each record can be easily identified and referenced. In the case of Microsoft Access 2016, the AutoNumber data type is utilized for the creation of these surrogate keys.

How AutoNumber Data Type Works

The AutoNumber data type in Microsoft Access automatically assigns a unique number to each record as it is added to a table. This feature simplifies the process of managing and referencing records within a database.

Example of Using AutoNumber for Surrogate Keys

For instance, if you have a table of customers in Microsoft Access, you can utilize the AutoNumber data type to assign a unique customer ID to each record. This customer ID can then serve as a surrogate key to efficiently retrieve or manipulate specific customer records.

By employing the AutoNumber data type for creating surrogate keys, Microsoft Access 2016 streamlines the process of database management and enhances data integrity. To delve deeper into the concept of surrogate keys in Microsoft Access 2016, feel free to explore additional resources available online.