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Save $3,500 by Creating Scheduled Backups Using SQL Server Express

You don't need to spend big bucks to get automated database backups with SQL Server. This simple step-by-step process is nearly foolproof.

Class Modules

Great Intro to Class Programming in VBA

Former Access MVP Ben Clothier's primer on class programming in VBA should be required reading for all Access developers.

Announcement

twinBASIC DevCon Vienna: Volume 2

It's back! This year's Access DevCon Vienna will feature twinBASIC for the second year in a row. This time around the focus is on practical uses for Access developers.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: April 3, 2022

Highlights include the release of the new IDE and an announcement about twinBASIC's role at the upcoming Access DevCon Vienna conference.

Announcement

IE11 Retirement FAQ for Access Apps

Internet Explorer 11 will reach end-of-life before we have an Edge-based browser control. Read on to learn how this will affect Access developers.

Code Library

The Pluralize Function

You don't have to settle for messages like, "1 record(s) inserted." This simple function is an easy way to format strings for pluralization in VBA.

COM

Reference Counting's Fatal Flaw: Circular References

We look at several types of circular references along with a handy tool that you can use to help identify circular references in your own code.

COM

Managing Memory in COM

We continue on with our restaurant analogy to explain the concept of reference counting and COM object cleanup.

Memory Management

Memory Management in VBA: 3 Keys to Avoiding Memory Leaks

Managing memory in VBA is a piece of cake, especially if you follow three simple guidelines.

COM

Early vs. Late Binding at the Chinese Restaurant

In this continuation of our Chinese restaurant-COM metaphor, we expand the example to illustrate the differences between early and late binding.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: March 27, 2022

Highlights include a release date for the twinBASIC IDE and plans to open-source the IDE's source code.

COM

Overcoming Programming Language Barriers with COM

COM is sort of like a Chinese restaurant.

COM

The IDispatch Interface

For a COM object to support late binding in VBA, it must implement the IDispatch interface. Let's explore IDispatch and its four methods.

VBA

Philipp Stiefel on VBA Compilation

Is VBA an interpreted language? Or a compiled language? Or something in between. Philipp Stiefel shines light on the topic for us.

Forms

6 Techniques to Control Where Forms Open On-Screen in Access

With Overlapping Windows in Access, you need to think about where each form should open on-screen for the user. Here are 6 techniques to help you do that.

Form Design

Overlapping Windows vs. Tabbed Documents

Access gives you two options for displaying forms and report objects: windows or tabs. Read on for the advantages of each and which one I prefer.

Announcement

Access NewsCast with Karl Donaubauer: Episode 2

Catch up on the latest news and updates from the Access world in episode 2 of Karl's webcast, featuring Thomas Pfoch's Access map tool.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: March 20, 2022

Highlights include a cryptic update on the new IDE's release date and a possible twinBASIC solution to the oft-delayed Access modern browser control.

Code Library

How to Check If Two Variant Values Are Equal (or Not) in VBA

While tempting, you can't simply use the equality (=) or inequality (<>) operators to compare Variant values in VBA. Here's a safer alternative.

Basic

The Strange Behavior of Null

When are two identical values not equal? When they're both Null! If you are a Microsoft Access developer, you need to understand how (and why) this works.

Presentations

Troubleshooting Query Performance

A recording of the presentation, a list of resources, and further reading for my presentation on Troubleshooting Query Performance.

Signal vs. Noise

Signal vs. Noise: ShowPlan.out Edition

Reading showplan.out files can be intimidating for new and experienced Access developers alike. This simple rule will help get you started.

Advanced

DISTINCT vs. GROUP BY: Microsoft Access Speed Test

The GROUP BY and DISTINCT clauses can both be used to generate identical results. But which one is faster in Access? And--more importantly--why?

AutoHotKey

Toggle ODBC TraceSQLMode with an AutoHotKey Script

Traditional methods of enabling and disabling ODBC TraceSQLMode are a pain in the neck. This AutoHotKey script makes it as easy as pushing a button.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: March 13, 2022

Highlights include another sneak peek of the upcoming twinBASIC IDE and a special announcement regarding Access DevCon Vienna 2022.