VBA - No Longer Set (Page 2)

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

Standard String Concatenation in VBA is Slow and Inefficient

A deep dive into the inner workings of string concatenation in VBA and why appending a single character to a long string can be so expensive.

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.

Debugging

Break Down Complex Expressions for More Debuggable Code

Combining multiple operations into a single line of code may be an effective way to play "code golf", but it's no way to develop maintainable software.

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

The vbNullString Constant in VBA

What is the vbNullString constant in VBA and how does it differ from a simple empty string ("")?

Error Handling

The Form Error Event: How to Handle "Untrappable" Access Errors

The Form Error event comes to the rescue for a category of errors impervious to `On Error Resume Next` and `DoCmd.SetWarnings False`.

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.

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.

Hidden Features

3 Situations for Using Named Arguments in VBA

One of the lesser-known features of VBA is the ability to use named arguments in your calling code. Here are three situations just begging for named arguments.

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.

Hidden Features

Quick & Dirty Block Comments in VBA

Everybody knows there's no block comment character in VBA, right? Or is there...

VBA

Tools > References... Safe List

A list of references that may be safely included with your VBA projects without requiring any extra effort during deployment.

Code Library

ptReplaceDeclaredValues(): A VBA Function to Update SQL in Pass-Through Queries

Use this function to reliably replace declared values in a pass-through query.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Code Comment Breadcrumbs

This quick tip is a great way to boost the signal-to-noise ratio of your code without sacrificing valuable context from your decision-making process.

Hidden Features

Understanding the Access ColumnWidth VBA Property

The ColumnWidth property of an Access datasheet has some strange behavior, especially when it comes to its special values: Default Width and Size to Fit.

Defensive Programming

Five Ways to Turn Runtime Errors into Compile Errors in VBA

Compile errors are cheaper and easier to fix than runtime errors. Here are five ways to turn potential runtime errors into compile errors.

Basic

Why You Should Always Use Option Explicit in VBA

Don't let typos and logic errors ruin your VBA code. Read our latest blog post to learn about the importance of Option Explicit and how to use it.

Defensive Programming

Five Ways to Turn Logic Errors into Runtime Errors in VBA

Runtime errors are cheaper and easier to fix than logic errors. Here are five ways to make that happen.

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.

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.

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.