Usage of a Memo field

[omniaccess]

I have a global notes file in my system for the users to type any comments they want in any area, and the program saves as much linkage data as possible so that the notes can be available in other areas of the program.

My question is this: Are thousands of memo field records too inefficient (for sorting, filtering, etc.) in access than using a shorter text field? Or, is it okay to always use a memo field, even if there become 10,000s of records with varying lengths of data in them?

I am currently giving them 255 characters by using a text field with the maximum number (255) of characters available for each note. I don't think 255 is going to pose a problem, but I wanted to find out about this at the beginning rather than fix it in the end.

Thomas

 

[TheAceMan1]

How are ya omniaccess . . . . .

[blue]You shouldn't be sorting on an Memo anyway![/blue] Espcially since the [blue]data will be so varied![/blue]

If you are sorting on a Memo, [purple]why do you find this necessary?[/purple]

Other than that, sorting shouldn't present a problem . . .

See Ya! . . . . . .

 

[willir]

A memo field is not really stored in the table like regular data (regular = numbers, test, dates)

Only the first 255 characters of a memo are treated as "searchable" if this helps. Will the end user enter the needed data within the first 255 characters.

As a work around, you could have a text field or fields where "key words" for searches are entered, or offer a group (and perhaps a subgroup) category.

Richard

 

[LittleSmudge]

Have a look at the FAQ faq700-4188

I think that might help.




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