The Databases

The databases are intended more as resources than as solutions, although they can certainly be used as they are if they fit your needs. The companion databases are intended for use with the manual. They are very simple and only meant to illustrate the basics of database development. The Plants database is much more robust and in some cases might be an adequate solution without any modification. However, our goal is to educate, and the purpose of each database is to demonstrate potential and present ideas for you to consider as you modify an existing project or create your own. 

Our plan is to add more databases over time, with each database building on a previous one. The next step is to offer an Inventory database, which can be incorporated with the Plants database. We are also open to suggestions, so feel free to let us know if there is anything in particular we could work on.

There are three versions for most of the databases, depending on the level of functionality offered. 

Full versions have no restrictions or limitations, and the purchaser is free to modify the database in any way. Modules, table designs, and relationships are fully accessible. This is a good option for anyone who wants to take a look inside the database, see how it works, and customize it or incorporate the table designs or code into their own project. The full versions require a full version of Microsoft Access.

Functional versions work just like the full version, but the modules, table designs, and relationships are not accessible, and the database design cannot be modified. This is a good option for anyone who only wants to use the database without modification. The functional versions will run with a full version of Microsoft Access or the free Microsoft Access Runtime.

Samples are like the functional versions, and the modules, table designs, and relationships are not accessible. There is no time limit for how long the database can be used, but there are data restrictions, such as limiting the number of records that can be stored in a given table. This is the best option for trialing a database before making a purchase. Like the functional versions, sample versions will run with a full version of Microsoft Access or the free Microsoft Access Runtime.

Our suggestion is to always start with a sample database and see if you like how it works. Then decide whether you would like a functional version to use as-is or a full version that you can modify.