Form Design

Triple-State Modern On/Off Switch in Access

Yes, No, or I Don't Know (or Don't Care). With this updated design, you can offer your users a third option with your modern on/off switches.

Tools

Connecting to GitHub from TortoiseHg Using SSH Keys

Step-by-step instructions to set up a completely seamless integration between TortoiseHg and GitHub. No passwords. No Pageant. No friction of any kind.

Tools

Automatically Link to Your Bug Database from TortoiseHg

Everyone's favorite Windows Mercurial software includes a killer feature that is criminally underused.

Code Library

3 Ways to Create Missing Subfolders in VBA

If you need to generate multiple levels of subfolders using VBA, these three functions will each get the job done.

Code Library

EnsurePathExists: A Unicode-Safe Way to Create Missing Subfolders in VBA

The EnsurePathExists function--based on the API function SHCreateDirectoryExW--is the ultimate tool for verifying and creating folder structures.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: August 14, 2022

Highlights include IDE memory optimizations, build size reductions, and a discussion about a potential extensibility library for the IDE.

Week in Review

Week in Review: August 13, 2022

Highlights include Peter Cole's 32 to 64-bit conversion presentation, a deep dive into how Access stores queries, and a sad announcement from MVP Daniel Pineault.

Code Library

MakeSurePathExists: Using the Windows API to Create Missing Subfolders in VBA

A Windows API function makes verifying (and creating, if necessary) a full folder hierarchy dead simple.

twinBASIC

HOW TO: Install twinBASIC

The latest step-by-step instructions for installing twinBASIC (aka, Visual Basic 8).

Code Library

LimitTextLength: Enforce Max Text Length for Unbound Text Boxes and Combo Boxes

A handy function to enforce maximum string lengths for unbound text boxes and combo boxes in Microsoft Access.

Conventions

My File System Variable Naming Convention for VBA

"SourcePath" may be one of the worst variable names ever written. Is it the full path to a source file? Is it the folder where my source files are located?

Code Library

GetTempPath: Using the Windows API for Maximum Performance

If you are looking to maximize performance in VBA, using the Windows API will almost always be your best bet.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: August 7, 2022

Highlights include a major compiler refactor to help reduce compiler memory usage and proposed support for multiple built-in rounding methods.

Week in Review

Week in Review: August 6, 2022

Highlights include the list of Access fixes for Version 2206, a deep dive into how Access stores queries, and a rant against today's overly complicated forums.

Code Library

CreateGuid: A Reliable Way to Generate GUIDs in VBA

A well-tested method to generate GUIDs in both 32-bit and 64-bit VBA.

Business

Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership vs. LLC vs. S Corp. vs. C Corp.

What's the best type of business for you? It depends on where you're at on your journey.

Business

The Most Important Rule in Client Contracts

This rule can be the difference between project success and project failure; joy and misery; profit and loss.

Advanced

HRESULT: Use "Long" and Not "LongPtr"

If the return type of an API function call is an HRESULT in the C++ header file, it should be declared as a Long in VBA (and not a LongPtr).

Hidden Features

AccHitTest: Returns the Form Control the Mouse Clicked On

This undocumented form function can help you write a generic click event for label controls.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: July 31, 2022

Highlights include improved support for building device drivers, initial support for keyboard menu navigation, and a milestone for the twinBASIC project.

Week in Review

Week in Review: July 30, 2022

Highlights include tips for designing Access apps for tablet use, sorting forms by combo box columns, and CUPID--an alternative to SOLID principles.

Announcement

vbWatchdog v4 Released

Version 4 of vbWatchdog just got released. If you don't already own a license for it, you should. And if you do, you should upgrade before August 31, 2022.

Professional Development

The Robot, the Technician, and the Fixer

What type of Microsoft Access developer are you? Being a robot is easy, being a technician is fun, but being a fixer is valuable.

Video

VIDEO: Modern On Off Buttons in Access

I recorded a YouTube video that demonstrates how to implement the Modern On/Off button feature that I wrote about yesterday.

Form Design

Modern On/Off Button in Access

Leave those boring checkboxes behind and move into the 21st century with these modern on-off switches for Microsoft Access. Very little code required!