Tables store data, so they're essential building blocks of any database.
A database should have a separate table for every major subject, such as employee records, customer orders, shipping methods, or suppliers. Data should not be duplicated in multiple tables. Duplicating data is a common error, but it's easy to avoid if you structure your tables well.
Each table contains rows called records and columns called fields.
A record is a collection of facts about a particular person, event, CD, or other item of interest. For example, Nancy Davolio and her employment details are a record in an Employees table. Speedy Express and its contact information are a record in a Shippers table.
A field is a single kind of fact that may apply to each person, event, or other record. For example, Postal Code is a field in an Employees table. Phone is a field in a Shippers table.
