Steps

ok guys.i have a question..im strting to grasp the access concept..

very cool and fast to..

i was woudering

my frst step is to creat a database

the the form to insert the info

then the report page.

now what do i do with all of that?lol

how can i make it open like an application?

do i have to do a blank page and insert buttons?

thx!!

Not really. Your first step is to design the tables for your database. On paper. Don't even boot the computer until you have done this, believe me.

Then you will open a new, blank database (unless you are using one of the templates) and create your tables.

Then you will probably need to create some queries.

Only then will you be able to create forms and reports. Or Data Access Pages, if it's going to be a web application.

Now, to answer your last question(s), you would only create a page with buttons (it's called a "switchboard") if you needed that for your application.

To cause the application to open one of your forms when it starts, go to Tools | Startup.

thx!

how do i combine the queries to the other pages?link it?

and the switchboard ,is there a function in access to do that?

I don't really understand what you mean by combining the queries to the other pages. Ordinarily you would create a query for each form and report and quite possibly for dozens of other tasks.

A switchboard is simply a form that you create, like any other form, only it isn't based on data from tables, it only has some command buttons that cause other forms to open or similar operations. Actually there is a switchboard "wizard", but it is sooo baaaad (IMHO) that I wouldn't ever recommend that anyone try to use it.

The order in which a database is normally created.

1. Plan your database on paper, figure out fields, how they relate.

2. Create Tables in database with fields defined in step 1
--2a. Define Relationships between fields

3. Create Queries that give you the desired output

4. Base Forms and Reports on the Queries.


Now a form can do many tasks, and may need several different queries based on what you wanted to do.

For instance, I have a table with these three fields: FirstName, MiddleName, LastName

I have 3 Queries, the first one shows only the first name, the second - middle name, and the 3rd query - last name.

I have one main form with 3 buttons (First, Middle, Last) - Well, I could make 3 subforms based on the 3 different queries, and have them in the same location. When you click on the button, that one becomes visible, the other two not visible.

Or you could have a form with 3 subforms (First Middle, Last) based on the 3 queries that are always visible. So subform 1 would have all the first names, sub2 - middle, sub3 - last. You could click on one box in each subform, and have it populate an unbound text box, where you could mix and match names..... kinda like a name chooser, if you will.

I think the main thing though would be to start with basics, and make sure you are creating your tables and relationships (Probably the most important thing) according to relational database theory.

hey thx guys!

so figure it out with the switchboard.now my last question is when im done all of the how to i make an icon on the desktop to lunch the switch board ?

make a macro that you will save as AUTOEXEC

When creating the macro, the first box, choose OPENFORM

Then below, under form name, put in the switchboard name... i.e. SWITCHBOARD

Now, when you open your database, it will automatically open the switchboard.

so thats what i can do with macro's.

i seen in the tools -start up.i can change lots of stuff and event put an icon to the application.

now when your completely done.to regroup it all and put it as an application does the client need access??

yes the client will need access, unless you get the runtime tools..... I think access 2007 offers it free, but the previous versions, I believe it's an expensive add on.

what do i look for exactly?run time tools??

by the way is there a way in my form that i can put a picture?

browse button for the clients pic.