Enter the data directly into tables. This is particularly appropriate where the data is collected over a period of time and the tables frequently updated. This is convenient if the source of the data does not make it cumbersome to work with only one table at a time. Most database software allows this. It is possible to enter data into one or more tables using a Form.
Most software makes extensive use of forms in givng a 'user's eye' view on the data.
Data can be entered from files Data entry from a text file is best if the data already exists or if people enter data in a library or archive. In this case it would be best to enter the data as delimited text files. Data can also be imported from other software. Some software is quite flexible in this and some will load spreadsheet files, text files and some other database files. Check the database documentation for the mechanics of importing and exporting.