Sample Database Schemas for the Database Design Phase

tl;dr: Browse tons of sample database schemas at the archived version of DatabaseAnswers.org.

The most important part of any Access application is the database design.

The database design (a.k.a., database schema) is like the foundation of a house.  The application logic; the data entry forms; the printed reports; everything else sort of falls into place if you have a solid database schema upon which to build.

The good news is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel with every new project.  Chances are someone has already solved a similar problem in the past.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a website where you could find sample database schemas so you didn't have to start from scratch?

There is–or, rather, there was–such a website that provided a huge number of sample database schemas: DatabaseAnswers.org.

Going Back in Time

As I alluded to above, the DatabaseAnswers.org domain registration lapsed.  It is now under the tender loving care of GoDaddy.com:

Luckily for us, the original website has been preserved by the Internet Archive Wayback Machine:

Here are a few sample schemas to whet your appetite:

Customers and Jobs

Car Sales

Customers and Products