Intermediate - No Longer Set

Set the Access Application Title Bar to the Full Path of the File at Startup

Today's tip helps you keep track of which Access file is which when you have several similar Access files open at the same time.

Hidden Features

Concatenating Strings in VBA: Plus (+) vs. Ampersand (&)

Both the ampersand and the plus sign operators can be used to join strings in VBA. Clever developers can use this to their advantage.

VBA

The Pitfalls of Implicit Boolean Conversion in VBA

VBA's implicit boolean conversions can trip up even experienced programmers. Negating the results of the Len() function is a perfect example.

Intermediate

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.

VBA

Create Standalone Functions to Return User Input Values in Microsoft Access

A combination of the GetInfoForm() function, custom VBA types, and "Extract Method" refactoring helps reduce our Access application's complexity.

VBA

When–And When Not–To Use the Statement Separator Character in VBA

Did you know you can combine lines of code in VBA with the colon character? The key is to understand when--and when not--to use it.

VBA

The Magic Behind Microsoft Access Form Object Properties in VBA

By using the Me keyword, you can leverage the automatically generated properties to retrieve and set data in VBA.

VBA

Working with Empty in VBA

A deep dive into the Empty keyword in VBA: why it exists, how to check for it, when it makes sense to check for it, and--most importantly--how NOT to check for it.

Commentary

Wrapper vs. Port vs. Rewrite

Wrappers, ports, and rewrites are three techniques for incorporating non-native code into our applications. Let's explore the pros and cons of each approach.

VBA

The Missing Keyword in VBA

Wondering what the IsMissing() function is all about in VBA? We'll explore that plus all the ins and outs of the VBA keyword that isn't: Missing.

VBA

Working with Null in Microsoft Access

Let's explore the many ways to check for, handle, and store Null values. Spoiler alert: the best way to do it varies between VBA and SQL.

VBA

Much Ado About Nothing

An in-depth look at the Nothing keyword in VBA: when you need it; when you don't; and one technique to avoid it altogether.

VBA

An Article About Nothing

This one's for the nihilists. We explore the many ways to express the concept of nothingness in VBA.

VBA

How to Efficiently Check for Empty Strings in VBA

Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to check for empty strings in VBA. Actually, there are *two* right ways and *two* wrong ways. Let's explore all four.

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.

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.

Commentary

Managing Software Complexity: The Rule of Seven

Don't try to increase the number of balls you can keep in the air; instead, reduce the number of balls needed to follow your software's logic.

Intermediate

Open the Windows Color Dialog from VBA

If you need to get Access color values from your users, this is the easiest way to do it.

Intermediate

5 Types of Settings for Microsoft Access Applications

How you store settings in Microsoft Access depends on their scope. Understanding the scope of your settings is critical to ensure you store them the right way.

VBA

Block-Level Scope in VBA...Does Not Exist

VB.NET and VBA may look the same, but there are some important differences. This is a little-known feature of VB.NET that I really wish was available in VBA.