Code Library

IMPROVED: SelectedListBoxItems() Function

A clearer and (very slightly) more performant version of my SelectedListBoxItems function.

Code Library

SelectedListBoxItems() Function

It's not difficult to get the selected items from a multi-select list box, but it is tedious. This function makes it simple and easy.

Bug Alert

WARNING: Do NOT Declare DAO Fields As Field2, Field3, etc.

While declaring DAO Field objects as Field2 will get you additional IntelliSense, it comes at the risk of breaking working code when MS releases a new Field type.

Code Library

3 Ways to Get and Set the TitleBar Text for an MS Access Application

Here are three ways to set the Application Title for an MS Access application. My preferred method allows getting and setting with a single line of code.

Code Library

clsApp: My Application-Wide MS Access Singleton Class Module

I use many class modules in my applications, but this is the one I cannot live without.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: July 10, 2022

Highlights include new shape controls, code-signed twinBASIC IDE and compiler executables, and twinBASIC's first appearance on HackerNews.

Week in Review

Week in Review: July 9, 2022

Highlights include code to activate a specific ribbon tab, a deep dive into the innards (and dangers) of multivalue fields, and--yes--more Access bugs.

Deployment

Distributing One-Time Data "Hot Fixes"

Rolling out changes to *production data* when you don't have direct access to that data can be tricky. This tip makes the process easier.

Announcement

Microsoft Backtracks (Temporarily?) on Policy to Block All Macros with Mark of the Web

Microsoft official announces in blog comments (!) that they are rolling back their recently implemented VBA-blocking policy.

Presentations

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.

Reports

Access Shape Drawing Reference

With a bit of creativity, you can draw just about anything on an Access report. Everything you need to know is in Crystal Long's definitive guide.

Code Library

LogToTempFile() Function

A quick and dirty method for debugging large strings in VBA.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: July 3, 2022

Highlights include added support for the VB6 `End` statement, shape controls, and double-click to change property values in the IDE.

Week in Review

Week in Review: July 2, 2022

Highlights include a deep dive into the Autoexec macro, compacting the current database via VBA, and a massive Access drawing reference.

Hidden Features

VBA Immediate Window Line and Character Limits

Don't take my word for it (or anyone else's on the internet, for that matter). Prove the limits to yourself with some simple VBA.

Announcement

Office Apps Won't Run on Windows Server After October 2025

Earlier this month, Microsoft quietly announced the end of support for running (most) Office apps on Windows Server at the end of 2025.

Presentations

twinBASIC en Español

My presentation on twinBASIC to the Spanish Access User Group is now available on YouTube. Go check it out!

Ribbon

Setting the Ribbon Name in Code

You don't need to use the options dialog to set a custom ribbon for your Microsoft Access application.

Code Library

Set Report Properties in Bulk

Looking to set a report property, such as an event handler, to the same value for multiple reports? Use this routine to automate the whole process.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: June 26, 2022

Highlights include container support, IDE bug fixes, and a modest request for a complete backward-compatible rewrite of MS Access in twinBASIC.

Week in Review

Week in Review: June 25, 2022

Highlights include an elegant solution to synchronized scrolling, a novel approach to db schema versioning, and a deep dive into recovering deleted db objects.

Code Library

GetAttr(): Ribbon XML String-Building Helper Function

When you're building strings in code with lots of optional values--such as ribbon XML attributes--this simple function helps keep your code readable.

Ribbon

XML Callbacks: Adding Functionality to the Office Ribbon

To unlock the full potential of the Microsoft Office ribbon, you need to understand the role of callback functions. This quick intro will get you started.

Ribbon

Office Ribbon Development Resources

Links to resources and ribbon builders for VBA developers who want to add a professional touch to their applications with custom ribbon interfaces.

Code Library

XmlWrap() Function

This convenience function helps you write more readable code when building Office Ribbon-flavored XML strings.