Easy Way To Create Search Interface

[Guest]

What is the easiest way to create a GUI for users?

Basically, I just need something that will allow users to search a table
that has about 10 fields. Not all fields need to be filled in, of course.

Hypothetically, let's say the user wants to search on: Date, Name, ID, and
State. They'd key nothing in for date (they want all records), Smith, RRX,
and CA. Then, they click a button, and a query would be performed against
the table based on what they filled in each box.

Do I need to use VBA, or is there an easy way to use expression builder
inside the design view of a form to make this work?

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

What is the easiest way to create a GUI for users?

Basically, I just need something that will allow users to search a
table that has about 10 fields. Not all fields need to be filled in,
of course.

Hypothetically, let's say the user wants to search on: Date, Name,
ID, and State. They'd key nothing in for date (they want all
records), Smith, RRX, and CA. Then, they click a button, and a query
would be performed against the table based on what they filled in
each box.

Do I need to use VBA, or is there an easy way to use expression
builder inside the design view of a form to make this work?

The built-in Filter by Form feature is pretty easy to use, if you are
willing to let the users use that. There are other filtering options
available, too; e.g., right-click "Filter for" and "Filter by
selection".

Otherwise, to do what you describe, you'll have to use VBA.

 

[Guest]

I looked around. Couldn't I use a "Query by Form?"

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

I looked around. Couldn't I use a "Query by Form?"

Yes, but that technique requires you to write VBA code. It's not a
built-in feature of Access, but rather a technique for using an Access
form to build a search interface. You have to write the VBA code to
make it work. I use it all the time, and the code is pretty simple, but
you were asking about a no-code approach.