Form Design

Setting Column-Specific Colors in Microsoft Access List Boxes and Combo Boxes

How to use the Format property of a query or table field to set custom colors for columns in a Microsoft Access list box or combo box control.

SQL

Efficient Querying: Finding Maximum Values for Each Distinct Value in a Column

A high-performance alternative to subqueries for solving a tricky query problem.

SQL Server

Installing Multiple Versions of SQL Server Side-by-Side on a Development Machine

Save resources by setting additional instances of SQL Server to Manual startup. Use Process Explorer to grant Start/Stop permissions for an individual service.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: April 10, 2023

Highlights include the addition of SendKeys support, CDecl support for certain types of API callbacks, and a vigorous discussion about possible tB namespace support.

Holiday

Happy Easter

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Week in Review

Week in Review: April 8, 2023

Highlights include a reliable way to bypass AutoExec in VBA, a Pro version of the IslaDogs Table Analyzer, and the new Rubberduck VBA Swag Shop.

Code Library

LockControls() Function: Locking and Unlocking Multiple MS Access Controls in VBA

This convenient function lets you lock or unlock multiple Access form controls with a single line of code.

Code Library

How to Safely Disable Controls in Microsoft Access

I *never* set the Enabled property of a form control directly. Instead, I use a convenience function so that I don't have to worry about run-time error 2164.

Backwards Compatibility

How to Use VBA to Set the ControlSource Property of an Access Image Control (and Other Deeply Hidden Object Properties)

Ever wonder why you can set some values in the form/report designer Property Sheet but not in VBA? You may just need this well-hidden workaround.

Commentary

Spinning Plates: What this Parlor Trick Has in Common with Software Development

The fewer items you need to mentally track the less likely you are to make mistakes or generate bugs.

Deployment

Feature Gates: How Microsoft Switched to a Single Code Base for Multiple Versions of Office

Did you ever wonder why SysCmd(acSysCmdAccessVer) returns 16.0 for every version of Access starting with Office 2016? I have a theory...

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: April 2, 2023

Highlights include an experimental ListView control, read-only JSON view for tbform and tbcontrol files, and a mention of twinBASIC in The Register.

Week in Review

Week in Review: April 1, 2023

Highlights include how to find a control associated with a label, Access's surprising folder-locking behavior, and a new setting to make your database self-destruct.

Commentary

The Zen of Python: 19 Pieces of Programming Wisdom

The Zen of Python is the famous philosophical foundation of one of the world's most popular programming languages. And that's no coincidence.

Commentary

The 5 Surprising Lessons I Learned About Developing Software

Many of the things I thought I knew about writing software were not only wrong, but often the exact opposite of the truth.

Advanced

Microsoft Access's Surprising Folder Locking Behavior

Microsoft Access could be the source of file and folder locks in ways that might surprise you.

Business

Impact vs. Effort: A Simple Formula for Estimating ROI

There are two variables that determine the financial success of a software project. You only control one.

Class Modules

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.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: March 26, 2023

Highlights include a New Project settings dialog and a screenshot of a sample twinBASIC project showing its existing capabilities.

Week in Review

Week in Review: March 25, 2023

Highlights include integrating better Access charts, a Table Analyzer and Viewer utility, SQL Server security deep dive, and opening external files and URLs from VBA.

VBA

Five Problems Working with Global Constants in VBA

Working with global constants in VBA is unnecessarily difficult, resulting in code that's harder to read and maintain than it needs to be.

Testing

Testing Non-Privileged Access to SQL Server During Development

How to use the runas command and a local user account to test non-privileged access to SQL Server.

Testing

Creating a Low-Privileged Local User for SQL Server Testing

It can be difficult to test how an Access application with a SQL Server backend behaves for a low-privileged user. Creating such a user account is step one.

Announcement

Final Lineup Announced for Access DevCon Vienna 2023

The final lineup is in for Access DevCon Vienna 2023. Check out all 12 presentation topics and speakers. And don't forget to register!

VBA

Why Do I Need to Set Objects to Nothing in VBA?

Everyone knows you need to set object variables to nothing in VBA, right? ... Right?