DWUTKA at marlow.com
DWUTKA at marlow.com
Mon Feb 16 20:04:46 CST 2004
Not sure why a handful of boolean fields is not normalized..... However, Jet does two bytes for a boolean field. Which is a waste of 15 bits! However, Unless you have a ton of records and/or have a massive amount of boolean fields, the space wasted is negligible. However, if you really want a method to cram them into one field, I would recommend a simple Byte field, versus a string field. First of all, with a string field, you will be using more space.....sort of. At a minimum, a string field takes up one byte. (Which tells Jet how long the data in the field is.). Then you would have 2 bytes (A97, and ASCII) per item, in your example (AS, DI, etc.). However, with a Byte Field, you have 8 bits to turn 'off' and 'on', so you can represent up to 8 'programs' with one byte field. Still don't see a real advantage here.....unless you are dealing a heavily coded interface, then dealing with the bits is going to be faster then pulling strings apart. Drew -----Original Message----- From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com]On Behalf Of Terri Jarus Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 3:56 PM To: access Developers discussion and problem solving Subject: [AccessD] Checkboxes/MultiSelect Listbox - What's Best? I'm redesigning an existing database that is not fully normalized. Here is an example where I'm not sure the best way to handle. Current db has a field (Boolean) for each program: AS, DI, MS, SS, LB, NU for example and the user checks the applicable box(es) that are related to their contract. I was going to use a Multiselect Listbox and have it save a string value to the field Programs - but, I would need the string value to be in a consistent order. Another idea would be to save a record for each program in a Programs table. Which is the best route to follow? Any suggestions? If you need more information, just let me know. Thank you for your input. Terri Jarus Director, Contract Support Services jarus at amerinet-gpo.com 314-542-1902 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individuals or entities to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please return it to the sender, and erase any copies thereof. Copyright 2004 Amerinet 1nc. _______________________________________________ AccessD mailing list AccessD at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/accessd Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com