Exploring Other Access Objects


Tables, queries, forms, and reports are the objects you will use most frequently in Access. You can use them to create powerful and useful databases. However, you can also use macros and modules to substantially extend the capabilities of Access.

Tip

Previous versions of Access included Data Access Pages. Access 2007 doesn't include these objects. If you are familiar with Data Access Pages and need something like this, you can deploy your database to a collaboration site built with Microsoft SharePoint products and technologies, and use the tools provided there.


Macros

A macro is a simple program that performs multiple actions. You can use a macro to have Access respond to an event such as the click of a button, the opening of a form, or the updating of a record. Macros can be particularly useful when you expect that other people who are less experienced with Access than you will work in your database. For example, you can make routine database actions, such as opening and closing forms or printing reports, available as command buttons on switchboards. And by grouping together an assortment of menu commands and having users carry them out with the click of a button, you can ensure that everyone does things the same way.

Modules

More powerful than macros, modules are Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programs. VBA is a high-level programming language developed by Microsoft for the purpose of creating Windows programs. A common set of VBA instructions can be used with all programs in the Microsoft Office system, and each program has its own set as well. Whereas macros can automate four to five dozen actions, VBA includes hundreds of commands and can be extended indefinitely with third-party add-ins. You could use VBA to carry out tasks that are too complex to be handled with macros, such as opening an Excel spreadsheet and retrieving specific information.

Tip

The Microsoft 2007 Office system installation CD and the online resources include a variety of sample databases that illustrate many of the principles of creating and using a database. You can use these to learn more about Access features, or as templates for your own databases.

One of these, the Northwind 2007 database, is used as an example in many topics in the Access Help system, so it is a particularly good database for you to explore. You'll find a link to this database in the Sample category in the Getting Started window.




MicrosoftR Office AccessT 2007 Step by Step
MicrosoftR Office AccessT 2007 Step by Step
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2004
Pages: 127

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