Locating Procedure by name

[Frank D. Nicodem, Jr.]

I have been given the unenviable task of maintaining an Access database that
was designed and developed by someone else. There is virtually no
documentation available on the layout of the database, and it is a "maze of
twisty little passages, all alike". For example, in what is actually not a
very large database at all, there are dozens of Modules of VBA code, with
each one containing only 2 or 3 procedures each.

Now, as I foray through the code (both the Module code, as well as the code
embedded within the various Forms and Reports), I will occasionally see a
reference to a procedure name, and I'd like to take a look at that
procedure. I can find no way in Access to locate *where* a procedure is
(e.g., is it within another Module, is it buried in a Form or Report
somewhere, etc.) What is the easiest way to do this, without having to open
every single Module, and every single Form, and look for that specific
procedure? Can I do it within the VB code window? Is there any
cross-reference that would tell me that procedure "CheckDataError()" can be
found in Module "GeneralProcessing", for example?

 

[Larry Daugherty]

There are a couple of utilities that can be tremendously useful for this and
a host of other issues. I've heard nothing but good about both of them and
have used Find and Replace since Access 2.0 or before. I've never tried
Speed Ferret because I've always been satisfied with Find and Replace. For
example, with Find and Replace you can search on a term and create a log.
It will log everyplace in your application, forms, queries, reports, modules
where it finds that term. If you are doing a "search and replace" you can
decide on each hit whether to replace. Note that each of those destinations
can also be turned off on any given search.

Speed Ferret - http://www.moshannon.com
Find and Replace - http://www.rickworld.com

From Albert's description of the nifty little utility he extols it sounds
like it could have some neat uses.

hth

 

[Frank D. Nicodem, Jr.]

First, you can zoom around and "follow" code by placing your cursor on the

function name, or sub name, and then whack the shift-f2 key. You will "jump"
to that routine. You can then while in the next routine, continue this
process as deep as you want.

OK, that's the primary thing I was looking for. The other suggestions are
good, but I was hoping for something built into standard Access -- which is
just what you described. That will help; thanks.

And, here is another fabulously little free download that lets you do some
unbelievable little tricks and documents your code.

http://www.mztools.com/

I did download MZ Tools, and have installed it, but not yet had a good
chance to try it out. However, I am amazed at how much they've put into
such a small package! I do have another application from FMS, Inc., called
Total Access Analyzer. And I don't think I have *ever* seen anything so
comprehensive. You can do just about anything with that application. (BTW,
I do also have Find and Replace -- something that I've had around for a
while.) However, I was trying *not* to use add-ons, because one of my
concerns is that I do a lot of consulting work for *other* clients, and they
wouldn't necessarily have those add-ons installed. Which is why the first
option above was such a great help.

Thanks again!