Exploring Microsoft Access
Chapter 7
Building Applications:
Objectives
(1 of 2)• Use the Switchboard Manager create/modify a switchboard • Use the Link Tables command
• Describe how macros are used to automate applications
Objectives
(2 of 2)• Explain how prototyping facilitates application development
• Use the Unmatched Query Wizard
Overview
(1 of 2)
• Develop a database user interface (aka switchboard) that ties objects in a
database together to simplify the use of the database
• Understand and create an application
Overview
(2 of 2)
• Link the two database files using the Link Tables command
• Macros automate common commands
Switchboard Manager
• Creates a switchboard automatically
• Prompts developer for information about each menu item
• Access creates a switchboard form that is displayed to the user
Switchboard Design View
Record Source for switchboard is Switchboard Items table
Main Menu
Teams button opens the
Teams form
Switchboard Items
SwitchboardID identifies which switchboard each item belongs to
ItemNumber identifies position of item on switchboard
ItemText specifies
text shown on Switchboard
Command determines action taken when the item is selected
Linked Tables Manager
(1 of 2)
• Every application consists of tables and objects (forms, queries, reports) based on those tables
• Tables and objects can be stored in separate files
Linked Tables Manager
(2 of 2)
Open database is Sports Objects
Arrow indicates tables
Introduction to Macros
(1 of 2)
• Macros automate a command
sequence
• Macro window is divided into two
sections: actions (commands that
Introduction to Macros
(2 of 2)
• Macros are stored as separate objects in a database
• Macro toolbar appears at the top of the macro window
• AutoExec macro is run whenever database is opened
Back Up Macro
MsgBox action
Message box text Message box displayed
Using Macro Groups
• Macros are grouped to organize the macros for the developer
• Individual macros within a group must be identified by name and group name
Prototyping
• Iterative process that presents the client with multiple partially completed versions of the application
• Helps organize and outline what should be in the database
Chapter 7 Summary
(1 of 2)
• Switchboard makes a database user friendly
• Splitting tables from objects simplifies upgrades
Chapter 7 Summary
(2 of 2)
• AutoExec macro executes when database opens
• Unmatched Query Wizard finds records in
one table without matching records in another table
