Techniques for Powerful Form Finding in Access MDB, MDE & Runtime Environments

1. Techniques for Powerful Find forms

2. Introduction • MDB, MDE & RT Versions • Typical Search & Find methods • Parent | Child | Parent synchs • Forms Summary • Query Summary • Code Summary • Conclusion Techniques for Powerful Find forms

3. MDB, MDE & RunTime • In the RunTime environment: • No database, no macro and no module windows are available • No Design views • No built in toolbars • Many windows are invisible though accessible by code • Must have error trapping – otherwise application displays a standard Access error and exits to desktop • Must build your own custom help files • Some keystrokes not available • Emulate Runtime environment with: • MSACCESS "C:\Path\App.MDB" /runtime Techniques for Powerful Find forms

4. Parent | Child Synchs • Parent records in form • Children records in sub-form • Behavior of parent/child synchs • Behavior of child/parent synchs Techniques for Powerful Find forms

5. Built-In Finds • Finds in table and forms • Right click • By selection • Excluding selection • Filter For • Remove Filter • Sort Ascending • Sort Descending • CTRL – F • Field sensitive • Beware of replace (trap it) Techniques for Powerful Find forms

6. Forms Summary • Choose search option • Single click & arrow list box • Double click & enter list box • Enter value in text box • Command button Techniques for Powerful Find forms

7. Query Summary • Naming conventions • Find queries • Sorted queries • [Forms]![frmFindXXX]![lstXXX] Techniques for Powerful Find forms

8. Code Summary • Application.SetOption (zero based) • Mix queries with SQL • Select Case • Functions Techniques for Powerful Find forms

9. Conclusion • Build in more flexibility • Users will like functionality • Make it modular and portable Ofer Shimrat (858) 484-0400 ofershimrat@compuserve.com Techniques for Powerful Find forms