Mike Wolfe - No Longer Set (Page 54)

Runtime Mode in Microsoft Access

There are two ways to force a full version of Access to run a front-end file in runtime mode: the /runtime switch and changing the extension to .accdr.

Combo Boxes

ComboBox .Undropdown Method

Combo boxes have a .Dropdown method. But what if you want the opposite: a .CloseDropdown method? This tip from Adam Waller has the answer.

Bug Types

Automated Test Errors (aka, Failing Tests)

You can have a bug in your code and/or in your test. You're unlikely to have the *same* bug in your code and your test.

Basic

How to Pause Your VBA Code For a Set Amount of Time

There is no built-in function to pause code in VBA. The easiest and safest way to do it is to use the Sleep API function. Here's a quick how-to.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: August 8, 2021

Highlights include a revamped references list UX, a 100%-twinBASIC-compatible Printers object replacement, and news on unit testing and documentation.

Bug Types

Misunderstood Requirements in the Project Design Phase

Your client knows what's wrong. They *think* they know how to fix it. But treating symptoms is never as effective as treating the disease.

Bug Types

Compile Errors

Compile errors are easy to keep out of deployed code (just remember to Debug > Compile). Which is good because they hard crash Access in Runtime mode.

Bug Types

Syntax Errors

Every programming language has its own syntactical quirks. The C family loves braces. Python loves indentation. BASIC loves words. And Perl loves #%@!{}]&.

Defensive Programming

The RecordsAffected Property is a Powerful Tool for Defensive Programming

As developers, we need to constantly be thinking about how to handle unknown unknowns. The RecordsAffected property helps us do that.

Basic

Avoid DoCmd.RunSQL in Microsoft Access

If you are just starting out writing VBA in Microsoft Access, you may be tempted to use DoCmd.RunSQL. Don't. There is a better way.

Tools

RegEx101.com

Writing and reading regular expressions is like speaking a foreign language. Think of regex101.com like Google Translate for regexes.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: August 1, 2021

Highlights include VSCode CodeLens support, compiler warnings, VB_GlobalNameSpace support, and twinBASIC's debut on stackoverflow.

Combo Boxes

A Lazy-Loading Combo Box In Only 3 Lines of Code

Combo boxes that pull down too many records can slow down your Access forms. Boost performance with my class module and 3 lines of code.

Combo Boxes

A Wonderful, Magical Class Module

Imagine a single class module you can use for progressive combo box filtering, lazy loading combo boxes, AND multi-column filtering!

Version Control

Learn to Love Text-Based Version Control with "Highlights for Children"

Why use text-based version control for visual objects like forms and reports? I'll tell you why, but first, find all the differences between these two pictures...

Intermediate

Enforcing a Single-Row Table in MS Access and SQL Server

There are many uses for a table with one--and only one--row in it. Using such a table is simpler if you can rely on the sanctity of its one-row-ness.

Intermediate

Office 2019 Runs in 64-bit Mode By Default. Here's What That Means for VBA Developers

Through Office 2016, default installs used the 32-bit version of the software. Now that 64-bit is the default, it's time to bite the bullet and convert your VBA code.

DoEvents

DoEvents vs. Repaint in Microsoft Access

Can you use the Repaint method in place of the DoEvents function? It depends on what you're trying to do. Let's explore with some sample code.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: July 25, 2021

Highlights include unique icon colors for each code file type, plus Standard vs. Professional vs. Ultimate editions, pricing, pre-orders, and early-bird discounts.

Basic

Poor Man's Status Bar in VBA

If you're looking for a quick and dirty way to keep track of a long-running process while developing, this VBA one-liner will do the trick.

DoEvents

How DoEvents Works: The Nitty-Gritty Technical Details

A peek behind the scenes at the inner workings of the DoEvents function.

Commentary

Microsoft and VBA: A Love(less) Story

Whatever happened to the passion Microsoft once had for VBA? From love story to marriage of convenience, this article is one weird ride.

Intermediate

The "Unset" Enum Item

This simple technique is a foolproof way to avoid the sort of logic bug that can live undetected in your codebase for years.

Tools

3 Ways to Run the Best Low-Level Windows Debugging Tool

A surprising number of thorny Access performance issues can be resolved with this venerable tool. Here's how to get started with Process Monitor.

DoEvents

A High-Level Overview of the DoEvents Function Call

Why does calling DoEvents save us from the dreaded "(Not Responding)" treatment? It's all about handling "Windows Messages."