Accesss 97 Programming

Programming

Access 97 essentially means leveraging powers of Visual

Basic for Applications (VBA), along with Access 97’s

built-in Database Access Objects (DAO), such as tables,

queries, forms, and reports. VBA is the application

development environment for Office 97 apps. Access 97

Programming for Windows for Dummies (by Rob Krumm,

Comdex Computer Publishing, 394 pages, Rs 299, is an

excellent book to start with. You should, however, be

familiar with the Database Window and creating tables,

forms, reports, and simple queries.

The book centers on the

accompanying CD-ROM, which packs all example databases

and code. After introducing you to Access 97 objects and

their properties, the book introduces you to SQL,

designing and working with forms and reports, dialog

boxes, and functions. Advanced concepts, such as using

OLE object fields and ActiveX controls are well

explained. However, the book doesn’t discuss arrays.

A list of useful Web sites and Office 97 Developer

Edition Tools (a set of utilities that help in creating,

enhancing, and distributing Access 97 apps) come as a

bonus for advanced programmers.

Peter

Norton’s Guide to Access 97 Programming (by

Norton and Anderson, Techmedia, 596 pages, Rs 399, takes

a closer look at all VBA elements–objects,

collections, events, methods, procedures, statements, and

properties–along with SQL and macros.

Access 97’s

application development wizard lets you create an

application. This follows a step-by-step analysis of the

code created to help you identify what actually happens

in the background.

Working with SQL, creating

macros, and writing and debugging VBA procedures are well

explained. The book lets you create an application right

from the scratch. It also includes customizing data

management and reports, adding real-time features,

introducing database decision support systems, and

customizing input-output operations. Linking your app

with other Office apps using ActiveX controls, adding

networking features and security, and posting your

database to the Web are also covered in detail.

Access

97 Power Programming (by F Scott Barker, Que

Corporation, 981 pages, $59.99, distributed in India by

Prentice-Hall of India, is targeted at high-end

application developers. The book, in essence, is a

revision of Access 95 Power Programming. Apart

from discussions on some new features, such as Internet

access, command bars, and the new built-in Tab control,

the book also covers new techniques and useful routines

to get you going quickly and easily.

An excellent blend of text

and visuals, coupled with a logical approach leads you

from power programming basics to routines for adding

robustness to your creations. A centralized routine for

error logging is also included in the Tips on tracking

errors.

The author shows you how

to create powerful queries for tasks, forms, and reports,

along with a host of optimization techniques. Advanced

developers will appreciate the extensive discussion on

32-bit ActiveX controls, automation, programming command

bars and the Office Assistant using 32-bit API calls to

extend the power of Access and for security. The 32-bit

ActiveX controls are discussed with example code and the

new Win 95 interface ActiveX controls included in the ODE

Tools.

The book also provides

tips for optimizing your apps for a network, using Access

with SQL Server for developing client-server apps,

creating routines for system checkup and maintenance, and

database replication.

The book rounds off with a

comprehensive documentation of Access 97, VBA and Jet 3.5

errors. It is highly recommended for wannabe experts.