MS Access - Visual BASIC for Applications (VBA)

Duration: TWO DAYS Training Course for Non-Programmers

Overview and Goals:

This course has been specially designed for the advanced Access user who wishes to make use of the more powerful facilities of MS Access made available by VBA. This course explores the VBA language introducing features and functionality that will encourage confidence, control and creative use of MS Access. The course is aimed at those with little or no previous programming background, although experienced programmers wishing to learn VBA will find it a quick and valuable introduction to the language. Throughout the course the theme of adopting good programming practices will be encouraged and advice will be given on planning applications systematically, efficiently and economically.

Course Objectives:

To introduce the techniques of programming in VBA through the development of a typical Access database.

Who should attend:

Access users who have a strong working knowledge of the product including the development of macros.

Course Content:

An Introduction to VBA:
Macros versus Visual Basic for Applications
Visual Basic for Applications’ Development Environment
VBA Objects and the Browser
Visual Basic Editor
Project Explorer
Procedures; Inserting Comments
Printing a Visual Basic Module

VBA Language, Syntax and Code Compilation:
VBA Coding
Variables and expressions
Branching and Looping
Comments and Indents

Error Handling in VBA:
Trapping Errors
Writing Useful Error Handlers

Developing a Function Library:
Writing your own Functions

Manipulating Data through Data Access Objects and SQL:
Data Access Objects (DAO)
Database, Recordset and Dynaset Objects
VBA Methods and Data
Finding and Editing Records in a Recordset
Manipulating Imported Data
Handling Queries from VBA

Form-Event Procedures:
Using Form Events
Code Behind Forms
Changing Form Properties
Tying Forms/Reports Together
Implementing multi-choice drop-down boxes
Using the MS calendar control
Directing output to Excel, Word and email

Course Summary

What you will be able to do:

Build robust database applications that can handle user and other types of error
Extend automation beyond that offered by macros
Create your own functions
Improve data validation
Construct efficient and easily maintainable VBA Programs
Directing output to Excel, Word and email
Change form properties depending on data values
Extend the use of list boxes
Build background batch processing programs