2 Forms for 1 Table

[sheetsumon via AccessMonster.com]

I've created 1 main table for data entry from which I have several smaller
tables with "one-to-many" relationships.
I've read countless threads advising users NOT to use 2 forms for 1 table.
However, when a table is really long and/or you want to logically separate
fields on a table based on the type of content that's being entered, isn't it
more convenient to use 2 forms instead of using a tabbing method? I find
that a button for the next form is much more convenient and intuitive than
having a user click between tabs on a single form.

I've encountered all sorts of challenges with moving between the two forms
using buttons (implementing a "minimize form 1" action), but I still think
the method is more convenient for users.

Thoughts?

 

[Sean]

I've created 1 main table for data entry from which I have several smaller
tables with "one-to-many" relationships.
I've read countless threads advising users NOT to use 2 forms for 1 table.
However, when a table is really long and/or you want to logically separate
fields on a table based on the type of content that's being entered, isn't
it
more convenient to use 2 forms instead of using a tabbing method? I find
that a button for the next form is much more convenient and intuitive than
having a user click between tabs on a single form.

I've encountered all sorts of challenges with moving between the two forms
using buttons (implementing a "minimize form 1" action), but I still think
the method is more convenient for users.

Thoughts?

Personally, I would just put in a tabbed control and if you wanted, add a
button to step onto the next tab. I would imaging that this will be quite a
subjective area with different developers offering a variety of
alternatives.

Sean

 

[Guest]

Using the tabs rather than multiple forms would actually be better for users.
It takes more time to load another form than it does to move to a tab on the
existing form. Multiple forms, therefore, will seem slower to the user. I
don't really see much difference in clicking a button to open another form
and clicking a tab to select the page of data. It still is just one click.

The multiple forms will only make your life harder.

 

[John Vinson]

I've created 1 main table for data entry from which I have several smaller
tables with "one-to-many" relationships.
I've read countless threads advising users NOT to use 2 forms for 1 table.
However, when a table is really long and/or you want to logically separate
fields on a table based on the type of content that's being entered, isn't it
more convenient to use 2 forms instead of using a tabbing method? I find
that a button for the next form is much more convenient and intuitive than
having a user click between tabs on a single form.

I've encountered all sorts of challenges with moving between the two forms
using buttons (implementing a "minimize form 1" action), but I still think
the method is more convenient for users.

Thoughts?

I'll agree with the others that a Tab Control is both technically and
ergonomically better. If you like the button look, that's an option
for the tab control - you don't *need* to use the file-folder
appearance, you can use buttons instead.

My biggest concern is that if you have a Table that's "really long",
maybe the root of the problem is your table structure! Are there so
many fields in your table that you run out of room on a screen? If so,
your table may need normalization; do you have repeating fields such
as SeptemberSales, OctoberSales, etc.?

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[sheetsumon via AccessMonster.com]

In terms of database management, I feel that my current layout (2 forms for 1
table) will only cause headaches later. I'm not an expert programmer, but
I'll have to say that the challenge has been somewhat fun. ;-)

My table isn't very big, to be honest. (only 20 fields)
The fields just need to be logically separated at a certain point.
I'll transform the database into a tabular format with buttons and see how it
looks. I'm sure it'll save me time in the future, anyway.

Thanks for the comments.

I've created 1 main table for data entry from which I have several smaller
tables with "one-to-many" relationships.

[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]

Thoughts?

I'll agree with the others that a Tab Control is both technically and
ergonomically better. If you like the button look, that's an option
for the tab control - you don't *need* to use the file-folder
appearance, you can use buttons instead.

My biggest concern is that if you have a Table that's "really long",
maybe the root of the problem is your table structure! Are there so
many fields in your table that you run out of room on a screen? If so,
your table may need normalization; do you have repeating fields such
as SeptemberSales, OctoberSales, etc.?

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[sheetsumon via AccessMonster.com]

Okay. I'm new with the tabular control method - Looking for some advice.
*wishing I had an Access book for Dummies* ::scratches head::

When I create a tabular control on my form, it shows up as another control,
which I can tab to on my form. I like the idea of using buttons to move
between the different sections of the table, but when I change the Style from
"Tabs" to "Buttons," I can't move the tabs around or do anything else.
Also, when I drag other controls onto the tabbed form, they miraculously
disappear.

Should I drag-expand the tabular control to take up the entire form?

I've created 1 main table for data entry from which I have several smaller
tables with "one-to-many" relationships.

[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]

Thoughts?

I'll agree with the others that a Tab Control is both technically and
ergonomically better. If you like the button look, that's an option
for the tab control - you don't *need* to use the file-folder
appearance, you can use buttons instead.

My biggest concern is that if you have a Table that's "really long",
maybe the root of the problem is your table structure! Are there so
many fields in your table that you run out of room on a screen? If so,
your table may need normalization; do you have repeating fields such
as SeptemberSales, OctoberSales, etc.?

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[John Vinson]

Okay. I'm new with the tabular control method - Looking for some advice.
*wishing I had an Access book for Dummies* ::scratches head::

When I create a tabular control on my form, it shows up as another control,
which I can tab to on my form. I like the idea of using buttons to move
between the different sections of the table, but when I change the Style from
"Tabs" to "Buttons," I can't move the tabs around or do anything else.
Also, when I drag other controls onto the tabbed form, they miraculously
disappear.

Should I drag-expand the tabular control to take up the entire form?

Don't *drag* controls onto the tab page - cut and paste instead.
Select the control; hit Ctrl-X to cut it to the clipboard; select the
button or tab (the page should darken indicating that it's been
selected); and press Ctrl-V to paste.

I haven't used button style very much - perhaps you should arrange the
controls on the pages using Tab style and then change it.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[sheetsumon via AccessMonster.com]

I don't think I can get rid of the visual representation of the tabbed layout,
but I can always create buttons to set the tabbed pages to active using
something like:
"Me.Page2.SetFocus" in the OnClick button events.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Okay. I'm new with the tabular control method - Looking for some advice.
*wishing I had an Access book for Dummies* ::scratches head::

[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]

Should I drag-expand the tabular control to take up the entire form?

Don't *drag* controls onto the tab page - cut and paste instead.
Select the control; hit Ctrl-X to cut it to the clipboard; select the
button or tab (the page should darken indicating that it's been
selected); and press Ctrl-V to paste.

I haven't used button style very much - perhaps you should arrange the
controls on the pages using Tab style and then change it.

John W. Vinson[MVP]