subdatasheets vs. cascading combo boxes

[Guest]

In reading posts for general information, I've come across strongly expressed
opinions that subdatasheets should not be used, but that cascading combo
boxes are a better alternative. However, I've not seen a clear explanation
of why that may be so. Could someone explain the pros and cons for
me---(please keep it in terms someone who is does not write code and is not a
full time programmer could understand.)
Thanks

 

[Allen Browne]

The main issues with subdatasheets are:

1.) They lack the events that you get if you use a subform, such as
Form_BeforeUpdate. That means you cannot control what the user enters,
validate ranges, provide warnings, respond to Undos, and all of the things
that make Access forms so great.

2.) They take time to load. In fact, where a form has several subforms, it
can slow the loading of the form by orders of magnitude, turning a zippy
piece of software into a real dog.

3.) They are unreliable. If you accept the "Auto" default, you don't really
know which related data the user is going to get.

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

Of course, there is a 3rd possible solution, and that is to use two
sub-forms side by side.

On the left side, you navigate to the record of choice, and then on the
right side...you show the details...

I have several screen shots that do this here (eg: the very last screen for
example)

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/Grid.htm