No Longer Set (Page 7)

Week in Review: May 18, 2024

Highlights include bug fixes from Microsoft, the Access Italy User Group launch, migrating foreign keys with SSMA, and MS Access usage numbers.

Bug Alert

Bug Alert: Scroll Wheel Causes Annoying Ding

Did you ever notice Microsoft Access occasionally "dings" when you scroll with the mouse wheel in datasheets and continuous forms? You're not going crazy!

Commentary

How Many People Use Microsoft Access?

Anecdotal estimates vary wildly. After scouring the internet, I've only found one (semi-) official number. And it's probably a lot higher than you think.

Announcement

Sun, Sand, and Access: The 2024 Developer Conference in Valencia, Spain

The key to a great conference is a great host. Stories from my time at the 2023 MVP Summit with Juanjo Luna show he's the perfect man for the job.

Defensive Programming

"Hiding" Global Data in VBA

How to implement Steve McConnell's sage advice for handling global data, with techniques for both global constants and global variables.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: May 13, 2024

Highlights include reduced RAM usage by the compiler and an update to fafalone's Drag & Drop Demo project.

Week in Review

Week in Review: May 11, 2024

Highlights include preview videos of two new upcoming Access features, how to create billing statements, and using Graph REST API to create Outlook.com events.

DevCon

Sneak Peek: Modern Access Charts

A slew of new chart options is coming soon to Microsoft Access. Check out this video excerpt from DevCon Vienna 2024 to learn more.

Quotes

"Lead Generation is a Misnomer"

"We don't generate leads, we intercept opportunity."

DevCon

Sneak Peek: Monaco SQL Editor for MS Access

The VS Code editing experience is on its way to the Microsoft Access SQL editor. Get an early look at this exciting upcoming feature.

SQL Server

Creating a Header Row in Excel from an ADO Recordset

In this followup to my ADO .NextRecordset article, we explore how to create Excel column headers from recordset field names.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: May 6, 2024

Highlights include support for the [NonBrowsable] attribute for ActiveX controls and discussions on Implements Via and ByVal/ByRef for tB vs. VB6 events.

Week in Review

Week in Review: May 4, 2024

Highlights include the public release of two DevCon Vienna presentations, sending emails via REST API, and how to zip and unzip files in VBA.

SQL Server

How to Use the ADO NextRecordset Method

The ADO .NextRecordset method allows you to handle multiple result sets from a single SQL Server stored procedure.

Commentary

Premature Declaration Redux

Let's revisit the argument about whether to declare variables at the top of a procedure or closest to first use. We'll ask ChatGPT to make the best case for each position.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Instant Find in the VBA IDE

Somehow I went more than 20 years writing code in VBA without knowing about this handy shortcut key.

Presentations

DevCon Vienna 2024 Public Session Recordings

Check out the recordings of my twinBASIC Update and Colin Riddington's Advanced Form Designs from Access DevCon Vienna 2024.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: April 29, 2024

Highlights include my DevCon Vienna twinBASIC recording, massive memory reduction in the IDE, and exciting news regarding the VB6 PhotoDemon project.

Week in Review

Week in Review: April 27, 2024

Highlights include an Access roadmap update (!), compiling to .accde from VBA, managing SQL Server migrations, and SQL Express backups and restores.

Deployment

HOW TO: Compile to .accde or .mde From the Command Line

"The Joel Test" requires that you can "make a build in one step." With these instructions, you can create an .accde from an .accdb without even opening Access.

Code Library

CompileCurrentAccessApp(): Use VBA to Create an ACCDE or MDE of the Currently Open Access File

This function allows you to create an .accde or .mde file based on your current Access file with a single press of the F5 key.

Version Control

Version Control and Cloud Drives: Better Keep 'em Separated

Git and Mercurial repositories don't mix well with cloud drives like OneDrive and Dropbox. Here are two alternative approaches to keep you out of trouble.

Commentary

Thomas Jefferson's Accidental Programming Advice

Premature declaration is nothing to be embarrassed about. It can happen to anyone. You don't want to make a habit of it, though.

Bug Alert

Bug Fix: RefreshLink

A fix for an error that impacted some users with linked SQL Server tables was announced in Microsoft's latest monthly bug fix roundup.

twinBASIC Weekly Update

twinBASIC Update: April 21, 2024

Highlights include word wrap toggling, twinBASIC returns to Vienna, a WinDevLib quick start guide, and a major milestone as twinBASIC now runs PhotoDemon!