Introduction to Action Queries

We have used the concept of a query so far only to create a list of fields that would be considered for a set of records. We also mentioned that a query in Microsoft Access is simply a means of visually representing data. Indeed, a query is based on a SQL statement. As SQL is its own, fully functional language, we can use it to perform far more operations than to only select columns for a query.

The SQL can be used to create tables, modify tables, perform data entry, modify records, etc. Some of these operations can be performed visually in the query Design View. They can also be performed using SQL statements. To know what is going on behind the scenes, you can write your own code (SQL statement). You can also use the Design View to start a query, and then open the code to customize the statement.