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A Null Search

Why Search for Empty Fields?

A null search is one in which you search for a field which is empty, or contains no data. This is a very useful tool for database maintenance because searching for empty fields often picks up incomplete records,

Conversely you can search for a field which is not empty, that is a record with some information. Both searches allows you to track the progress of database maintenance or the status of a record. Empty fields can also be indicators of where information is not known in general, sometimes important for academic research.

Filemaker Pro

1. To find all records with an empty field, enter Find mode, then enter just == into the field.
2. To find all records in which a field includes some data, go into Find mode, then enter the wild card asterisk (*).

Access

1. To find all records with an empty field, go into a filter or query and enter Is Null.
2. To find records with some data in a field, enter the wildcard asterisk (*) or Not Is Null.

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This Website is maintained by Elizabeth Pyatt (ejp10@psu.edu) for Teaching and Learning with Technology, a unit of Information Technology Services.

Last Update: August 1, 2005