If you are developing databases for your own use, the process need not be complicated. But when you build databases for clients, many of whom may not be familiar with Access or comfortable with databases in general, you have a lot more work to do. I hope this book will make that process easier.

In these pages, I will teach you how to set up tables and relationships to ensure that the database is properly normalized. Then I’ll help you write VBA code to create the connective tissue that turns a bunch of tables, queries, forms, and reports into a complete and coherent application. We’ll pay special attention to the important but often inadequately documented area of Automation code, which is used to communicate with other Office applications.

Over years of working with Access, I’ve created some add-ins to save time when developing applications. I’ll show you how to use them to create a main menu for an application, automatically apply a naming convention to database objects, and ensure a consistent and professional appearance of the application’s forms.

This book helps you write VBA code that unites database components into an application that works.

What you will learn from this book

• How to build integrated Access-based applications that support multiple clients and databases
• Tips for streamlining application creation
• Maintenance required throughout an application’s life cycle, including migrating data from legacy systems and upgrading Office
• How to use Automation code to exchange data among Office components and even some non-Office programs
• Ways to avoid glitches when building Access applications that work with Excel, Word, and Outlook

Who this book is for

This book is for experienced Access users who are familiar with creating Access objects and writing VBA code, but who need help transitioning from competent users/programmers to full-fledged Access developers.

Wrox Expert One-On-One bookspresent the wisdom accumulated by an experienced author who is recognized as an expert by the programming community. These experts challenge professional developers to examine their current practices in pursuit of better results.

Written by Helen Feddema, a well-known expert on Microsoft Access, this book provides a wealth of hidden tips and tricks for mastering Access development. The first part of the book shows best methods for building a relatively simple Access application using the developer's own data. The next section discusses how to build a distributed application serving multiple clients and types of data. The last section of the book explains how to build Access applications that work with other Office applications.

Helen Feddemais an internationally known expert on Microsoft Access, and a regular contributor to Pinnacle’s Smart Access and Office Developer journals. She edits the Woody’s Access Watch e-zine and writes its "Access Archon" column. Helen’s writings and seminars have been helping Access developers since the beta of Access 1.0, one of many she has tested.