clsImExSpecs Presentation to the Access Europe User Group
Slide Deck
Sample Files
The following files were used during the presentation:
Note that the sample database above was created live during the presentation. It includes the full clsImExSpecs class module, the minimal ErrorMod error-handling module, and a Sale table that represents the imported Sale.xml data from above.
Presentation Recording
The presentation recording is available on YouTube on the Access User Groups YouTube Channel.
Further Reading
Creating and Editing Import Specifications via the Wizard
For one-off text file data imports, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of Microsoft Access’s built-in wizard.
Using the Wizard to Export to Text Files with Microsoft Access
In an effort to remain simple, the Access export to text file wizard manages to do the opposite, making simple updates to export specs unnecessarily cumbersome.
Documenting the Import-Export Specification System Tables
Documentation of the meaning and typical values that get saved to the Import-Export specification system tables: MSysIMEXSpecs and MSysIMEXColumns.
Referenced Links
Here are some links to articles that came up during the presentation or were included in the chat:
Dark Mode in VBA
VBA may not have a preset “Dark Mode” like other modern development environments, but it’s not hard to create one yourself.
“Toggle” Hotkey for the Immediate Window
Am I the only one who finds it annoying that [Ctl] + [G] doesn’t *toggle* between the immediate window and the code window? Let’s fix that.
Everything You Need to Find Files
Or, should I say, You Need *Everything* to Find Files.
Use XML to Share Access Table Data and Avoid Internet Warnings
Anti-virus software and Microsoft policies make it harder than ever to share table data among Access users. The XML format is a simple way to avoid those roadblocks.
Better Global Constants in VBA with Dot-Driven Development
My global constant “C” class--with PredeclaredId = True--is a great alternative to traditionally-declared global Public Const’s.
Enum Type Naming Convention
The combination of “IntelliSense overload” and “global identifier case changes” convinced me I needed a different approach.
Past Presentations
If you enjoyed this presentation, you may want to check out some of my past presentations. Each of these has accompanying videos of the presentation available on YouTube (links to YouTube included in articles below):
Form Templates Presentation to the Denver Area Access User Group
A list of resources and further reading for my presentation on Form Templates in Microsoft Access.
Advanced Combo Box Techniques
A list of resources and further reading to support my presentation on Advanced Combo Box Techniques.
ArrowKeyNav Presentation
A list of resources and further reading to support my presentation on Navigating Continuous Forms using WithEvents.
Troubleshooting Query Performance
A recording of the presentation, a list of resources, and further reading for my presentation on Troubleshooting Query Performance.
Defensive Programming - DevCon 2023
Links and resources from my talk tomorrow at Access DevCon Vienna 2023, Some Bugs are Better than Others: Defensive Programming Tips and Tricks.
Understanding COM - DevCon 2022
Links and resources from my talk today at Access DevCon Vienna 2022, Understanding COM.
Building Ribbons in Code
A list of resources and further reading to go with my Access User Group presentation on Building Ribbon Interfaces in Code.
DevCon 2021
Links and resources from my talk today at Access DevCon Vienna 2021, twinBASIC: The New Kid on the Block.
twinBASIC Update - DevCon 2022
Links and resources from my talk today at Access DevCon Vienna 2022, twinBASIC: Happy First Birthday!
twinBASIC Update: DevCon 2023
Links and resources from my talk today at Access DevCon Vienna 2023, twinBASIC + Access: Future Plans.
UPDATE [2024-02-02]: Added link to presentation recording on YouTube.