Access

Chapter 5-Table Tricks, Advanced Queries and Custom Forms

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Lookup Tables

Use to limit user input into a table Data validation Data integrity

Wizard shields you from relationship complexity, Key columns

“Lookup table” must have a defined relationship with the main table Can use SQL statement as data source

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Lookup Tables

Examine Wizard results by viewing ‘field properties’ on the Lookup tab

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Northwind.mdb Orders Table Properties

Examine the properties

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Table Input Masks

Enforces predefined format Study input mask characters Experiment with

the Wizard

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Table Input Masks

Note literal display characters can be stored in database. You may not think this is necessary, but it is wise to store the characters if you plan on exporting the table to a text or other external file.

Consider when interfacing with other systems. XML, EDI, other databases

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Table Input Mask Exercise

Using blank Access database file, Create new table, with two fields

PhoneNumberWithMaskCharacters PhoneNumberWithoutMaskCharacters

Use Input Mask Wizard to setup fields Enter data into both fields of a record Export table to Excel file Examine results

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Table Input Mask Exercise

PhoneNumberWithMaskCharacters !\(999") "000\-0000;0;_

PhoneNumberWithoutMaskCharacters !\(999") "000\-0000;;_

Sections separated by ‘;’ What does each section mean?

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Table Input Mask Exercise

Section 1-The Mask 19 possible characters, search Help for

InputMask Property

Section 2-Store which characters? 0- store all characters 1 or blank- store only typed characters

Section 3- Placeholder character

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Query-Pattern Match

Query criteria, Like combined with wildcard characters-*,?,#

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Parameter Query

Specify criteria at run time Access provides the Prompt box,… End user supplies the parameter

Offers a degree of flexibility But-user needs to know value to enter!

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Custom Forms

Start from scratch, Modify existing form or… Begin with the Form Wizard and modify the

results…

Modifications are done in Design View

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Custom Forms-Items Needed

Learn the available objects Text Box, Command Buttons…

Refer to the Field List Realize different objects have different

properties Learn how to select, move and position

controls

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Custom Forms-Labels vs Text Box

Label- displays static text

Text Box- the most basic “data bound” control. Used to display data from tables, queries, calculated fields or expressions

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Custom Forms-Tabs

Efficient use of space Requires good logical grouping of fields to

be effective

The more familiar you are with positioning, resizing and aligning of controls, the easier this will be

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Form Filtering

Use to target certain field values Filters that you use often can be saved as a

query Can also apply queries as filters

Filter by Form Apply query as filter