how to insert to multiple tables from one form

[kappaluppa]

I am trying to learn relational database design and usage. I get the normalization and the multiple tables part. I am begining to understand getting data out form multiple tables.

But, what I still don't get is how to insert the data from one form into multiple tables. Who knows... maybe I'm not getting something else too! lol

I have a form that will require 222 fields. Yes, yikes. So, naturally, I'm setting it up as a relational database. I've ended up with 19 tables. The form does not flow in the same order as the tables. For instance, say I have customer_info, claim_info & damage_info. The form does not first gather the customer info, then the claim info, then the damage info in a nice orderly fashion. The fields for each of the 19 tables are "scattered" throughout the form.

This being said, do I need to create 19 insert commands each with the corresponding fields?

I can find all sorts of tutorials on designing the db, extracting the info, but not one on how to get the info in.

Thanks for your help!

Kathy

[AstroTeg]

In short, you'd have to first collect your all your data. Then figure out which IDs are dependent on which tables. If table A requires an ID from table B, then you'll want to insert into table B first so you can get the ID for the insert in to table A. Then you can build your queries and insert data as necessary. With 222 fields, a divide and conquer approach might be the best way. Start with one table, one that doesn't depend on any IDs and get its data inserted first. Then pick another table and do the same. Rinse and repeat for all your tables.