This book introduces Base, the database component of LibreOffice. Base uses the HSQLDB database engine to create database documents. It can access databases created by many database programs, including Microsoft Access, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. Base includes additional functionality that allows you to create full data-driven applications. This book introduces the features and functions of Base, using two example databases. Creating a database Accessing external databases Creating and using tables in relational databases Creating and using forms for data entry Using queries to bring together data from different tables, calculate results where necessary, and quickly filter a specific record from a mass of data Creating reports using the Report Builder Linking databases to other documents and external forms, including use in mail merge Filtering and searching data Using macros to prevent input errors, simplify tasks, and improve usability of forms Maintaining databases