Saving Form Changes When Database Tables Change

[Wendy]

Is it possible to save the changes to a form when I make changes to the
underlying database table? It seems that every time I add a new field or
rename a field (which I do with the database table), I have to create a new
form, and override the design changes I've made to the form.

I considered just working with forms, but it looks as if I lose
functionality when I do that.

Thanks for any suggestions (I am not a programmer, so I prefer suggestions
that don't involve programming).

 

[Rick Brandt]

Is it possible to save the changes to a form when I make changes to
the underlying database table? It seems that every time I add a new
field or rename a field (which I do with the database table), I have
to create a new form, and override the design changes I've made to
the form.

Nonsense. Just open the existing form in design view and make the necessary
changes. Adding a field would require adding a control and possibly
modifying the RecordSource query to include the new table field. Renaming a
field would merely involve changing the ControlSource of the control bound
to the the old field name.

 

[Wendy]

Thanks, Rick.

Unfortunately, I am not even expert enough to understand "controls" and
"ControlSources" (although, I will look at this).

However, while fooling around, I came upon the solution (which may be the
same thing that you suggested). After I made the changes to the Table
(usually a changed name, a new field, or a redefinition of a field) and saved
it, I re-opened the Form. Then I clicked on "Design View" and then "Field
List". The changes I had made in the Table were reflected in the Field List
(for example, new fields are shown), and I was able to drag the new fields to
the Form. Other changes that didn't show up in the Field List (redefinition,
changed format) automatically were updated on the Form, I found.

Thus, I think I am okay. Thanks for introducing me to the topic of "Control"
and "ControlSource".

Best,
Wendy

 

[John W. Vinson]

Is it possible to save the changes to a form when I make changes to the
underlying database table? It seems that every time I add a new field or
rename a field (which I do with the database table), I have to create a new
form, and override the design changes I've made to the form.

I considered just working with forms, but it looks as if I lose
functionality when I do that.

Thanks for any suggestions (I am not a programmer, so I prefer suggestions
that don't involve programming).

As Rick says, it's easier than you assume to change the form. At worst you may
need to change in two places: open the form in design view, find its
Recordsource property, click the ... icon by it and add or change the field in
the Query; and then add or change the control source of a control on the form.

HOWEVER... in a well designed database, it should rarely (not never, I'm doing
just this for a client right now) be necessary to change the structure of a
table. If you're doing this routinely and often, ask yourself if your tables
are correctly normalized!