Learning Resources

[Guest]

I pretty good with Access "built in" functionality, but I'm seeing the need for more customized capabilities. Therefore, I need to learn Access VBA. I've picked up a couple books to teach myself, but I've been disappointed in the content. What I'm seeing is books heavy on the "theory", but light on practical examples and applications.

Is there any books or other resources you can recommend that teach VBA Fundementals with emphasis on real world applications and examples?

 

[Cheryl Fischer]

This one is expensive, but it belongs (IMO) on any serious developer's
bookshelf: "Access xx.x Developer's Handbook" by Ken Getz et al. It's two
volumes and retails for about $100; however, if you want one for Access 2000
or 97, they are usually cheaper. Try Amazon.com and some other on-line
sites for comparison pricing

--
Cheryl Fischer
Law/Sys Associates
Houston, TX

I pretty good with Access "built in" functionality, but I'm seeing the

need for more customized capabilities. Therefore, I need to learn Access
VBA. I've picked up a couple books to teach myself, but I've been
disappointed in the content. What I'm seeing is books heavy on the
"theory", but light on practical examples and applications.

Is there any books or other resources you can recommend that teach VBA

Fundementals with emphasis on real world applications and examples?

 

[Fred Boer]

Hi! You might want to look at Beginning Access (2000 or 2002...) VBA by
Sussman and Smith, from Wrox Press... And, of course, reading posts here
regularly is a wonderful way to see real world applications and examples!

Good luck!
Fred Boer

I pretty good with Access "built in" functionality, but I'm seeing the

need for more customized capabilities. Therefore, I need to learn Access
VBA. I've picked up a couple books to teach myself, but I've been
disappointed in the content. What I'm seeing is books heavy on the
"theory", but light on practical examples and applications.

Is there any books or other resources you can recommend that teach VBA

Fundementals with emphasis on real world applications and examples?

 

[Ling]

Hi,
I'd also like to know of good (free or cheap too, I know that's a lot
to ask!) Beginner VBA learning books and/or websites.

I've seen a couple books using google etc but most of the reviews of
them say they are too advanced etc. And it's not that easy to simply
"play" with the code in Access when you have absolutely no clue about
the structure and syntax of the language.

I've taught myself old programming languages before but always had
someone give me a little idea to work with for the first few programs,
like display a message on the screen, etc. I do OK with Access itself,
nothing too complicated mind you, but would like to advance to the next
level of customizing more advanced/professional applications, or at
least just see what I can do with vba.

Just can't seem to find anything at the "beginner" level of simply
learning to use vba. (And taking a class at the local comm.college is
too expen$ive and takes too long.) Picky aren't I?

tia
ling663


Ling

 

[Brendan Reynolds \(MVP\)]

The book that Fred mentioned is the best beginners book on Access VBA I
know. There is a book on programming Access in the Microsoft Press 'Step by
Step' series. That book is, in my opinion, a little *too* basic for anyone
with previous programming experience, but the 'Step by Step' books are
relatively inexpensive as computer books go, so you don't have too much to
lose if you want to give it a try.

Don't forget that writing code is only one part of developing an Access
application. Database design and user interface design are at least equally
important. Two good books that focus on subjects other than programming are
Rebecca Riordan's 'Developing Relational Database Systems', from Microsoft
Press, and Steven Roman's 'Access Database Design and Programming' from
O'Reilly. Rebecca's book is, inexplicably, out of print, but you can
sometimes find used copies for sale at some of the on-line bookstores. If
you see a copy, my advice is to grab it, quick.