What is the Difference Between Update and Append Query

The main difference between update and append query is that the update query helps to modify the records of the table, while the append query helps to add data from one table to another. 

Generally, Microsoft Access is a Database Management System (DBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is a member of Microsoft Office Suite. Also, it contains the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Thus, this application helps to store data. Furthermore, users can link MS Access with some other applications too. In overall, update and append are two queries the users can perform on Microsoft Access.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Update Query
      -Definition, Functionality
2. What is Append Query
     -Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Update and Append Query
     -Comparison of key differences

Key Terms

Append Query, Microsoft Access, Update Query

What is Update Query

Update query helps to modify values in a table for all records or a set of records that matches specific criteria. Usually, it is difficult to update the records manually. Therefore, the user can use the update query to change data in a single operation.  As this query makes changes permanently, the user can take a backup copy before making changes.

The steps involved in update query are as follows.

• First, the user has to create a SELECT query to choose the records to update.
• Then, he can apply the required criteria and view data by pressing the datasheet button.
• Next, in the query design view, he can click on the drop-down arrow to the right of the query type button and select update query.
• Finally, the user can run the query by clicking on the run icon.

What is Append Query

Append query helps to add records from the table to another table in the database. It is possible to append records to the currently working database or some other database. First, the user should know about the name and the location of the database. Next, he has to concern about the primary key field. There should not be a null value or duplicate value for the primary key field.

The steps involved in creating an append query are as follows.

• First, the user can create a SELECT query and apply the required criteria.
• Then, in the query design view, he can click on the drop-down arrow to the right of the Query Type button and select append query.
• In the append dialog box, he can select the table to append in the current database or another database. It is possible to modify the query further to select the correct fields to be appended with the desired new data.
• Finally, the user can select the run button to execute the query. MS Access dialog box will indicate the affected number of records.

Difference Between Update and Append Query

Definition

An update query is a query available in MS Access to change one or multiple records of a table. In contrast, an append query is a query available in MS Access to add records from a table in the current working database or from another database. 

Functionality

Moreover, Update query helps to modify values in a table for all records or a set of records that matches specific criteria, whereas Append query helps to add records from the table to another table in the database.

Conclusion

MS Access is a DBMS developed by Microsoft. A user can execute queries to perform operations on the data on the tables of the database. Two such queries are update and append query. The main difference between update and append query is that update query helps to modify the records of the table, while the append query helps to add data from one table to another. 

References:

1.“Database Solutions and Downloads for Microsoft Access.” Databasedev.co.uk – Database Solutions and Downloads for Microsoft Access, Available here.
2.“Database Solutions and Downloads for Microsoft Access.” Databasedev.co.uk – Database Solutions and Downloads for Microsoft Access, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”This is a logo for Microsoft Access” By Micrososft – This file has been extracted from another file: Microsoft Office 2013 logos lineup.svg (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia