On March 9, 2002: In keeping
with our theme for the day, SIG Leader Larry Linson
demonstrated using the Windows Common Dialog API, useful for
allowing the user to browse for files to open and save, to change
printer settings, and to choose colors. Larry will be using code donated
by prolific writer and respected Access authority Ken Getz to
http://www.mvps.org/access, Dev Ashish’s Access Web. Dev’s site
serves as the Frequently Asked Questions Site for the
comp.databases.ms-access USENET newsgroup. Because Ken made this
code freely available, you, too can download it and use it. It is from
the book, Access 95 Developer’s Handbook, published by
SYBEX, by Paul Litwin and Ken Getz with Mike
Gilbert and Greg Reddick
In more recent versions of the Access Developer’s Handbook,
Ken says, the code is even easier to use because it is encapsulated in a
class. Time permitting, Larry will demonstrate using that code, too,
from the Access 2002 Desktop Developer’s Handbook, by
Paul Litwin, Ken Getz, and Mike Gunderloy, also
published by SYBEX.
In February, 2002: Thanks to Jim Wehe for a very
interesting, though brief, presentation. He demonstrated the
'minimalist' (no code) Access database application he prepared to
support the NTPCUG Newsletter Exchange when he assumed
that responsibility. The newsletter exchange is our library of
newsletters and newsmagazines published by other user groups, around the
country and around the world. Jim has reorganized the newsletter
exchange, and makes availble hardcopy Access reports so members can
quickly and easily see what is covered and decide which newsletters they
may want to check out. Jim brought the newsletter library so NTPCUG
members could browse the reports and check out copies at our meeting.
In January, 2002: SIG Leader Larry Linson spoke about Structuring Your Tables, practical advice and
tips on table structure. We discussed that tables are merely a model of the real
world, when some simplification is in order, and when it might best be
avoided. We considered how the application requirements and design
are affected by and affect table structure and design. Larry illustrated
laying out the tables for a simple order-entry database with one
additional requirement. (This was
not just a repeat of Larry's past presentation on Relational Database
Design, which emphasized relational theory and definitions, even
though a few of the earlier slides were cannibalized from that
presentation for the obligatory "normal form" comments.)
The PowerPoint presentation used in January is available for
download from the Downloads section of the Application Developer Issues
site:
https://members.tripod.com/appdevissues/downloads.htm
Over time, we will extend our discussion of
application building, usually in keeping with a chosen meeting theme.
