Need to learn Access

[boomerang]

I've been asked to take over for a guy that's retiring at work. He's created a large database using Access.

Although there are numerous spelling errors and the like, it runs quite well. At least it appears to from my meager amount of use of it. He created it with no knowledge of Access whatsoever. He's self taught, so I am actually quite impressed with his work on it.

He supposed to train me on it, but it is damned near mission impossible with all the other responsibilities he has. He slides out in 5 weeks and his attitude although still good, definitely reflects this.

His boss, who will become my boss, has a lot of plans for the database and although he is quite naive about the whole scenario he has committed to get me the training I need. Whether his superiors are on board remains to be seen however.

I'm self taught on computers and mainly consider myself a hardware person. I've set up several small networks and built many computers, still have a ton to learn, but know next to nothing about Access.

My first thought was getting a book and trying to teach myself. Well, there appears to be a lot involved in Access and I am questioning if just a book is going to get the job done. It hasn't even begun to "gel" in my head yet and I am actually somewhat confused and intimidated.

I'd be interested in any advice. I can retire in 6 years and would really like to become very knowledgeable in Access with the hope of supplementing my income after retirement.

 

[tkdkid]

"Large access database". I hate hearing that. Access is such a terrible tool for anything that might be considered large.

My advice as a software developer is to get a software developer to rewrite the database with sqlserver and either a standard windows app or web app as a front end.

However, you probably can't do that, so just pick your favorite bookstore and get a "teach yourself access" book. You'll also probably need a book on designing databases to learn how to define your tables and queries, etc.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: tkdkid
"Large access database". I hate hearing that. Access is such a terrible tool for anything that might be considered large.

My advice as a software developer is to get a software developer to rewrite the database with sqlserver and either a standard windows app or web app as a front end.

However, you probably can't do that, so just pick your favorite bookstore and get a "teach yourself access" book. You'll also probably need a book on designing databases to learn how to define your tables and queries, etc.

Agreed 100%; Access is the bane of my existence as a software developer and consultant. Unfortunatey in a lot of cases companies haven't any choice, or else they're too parsimonious with their budget to make a better one.

 

[DT4K]

That entirely depends on what he means by "large".
Access can be a great tool.
Sometimes it's not worth the expense and complexity of using SQL Server for a small app that will only have a couple of users and a relatively small number of records.
If you need to learn Access, get an Access book and a general database design book.

Is the whole app in Access or just the back end database?
If it's all Access, you'll need to learn VB (VBA specifically).
If Access is just the back end, I assume you will need to learn some programming skills in whatever language the clients are written in.

 

[boomerang]

However, you probably can't do that, so just pick your favorite bookstore and get a "teach yourself access" book. You'll also probably need a book on designing databases to learn how to define your tables and queries, etc.

You're right, I can't do that. I'd appreciate any recommendations you'd have on a book or books if you have any.

Is the whole app in Access or just the back end database?

The whole app.

If it's all Access, you'll need to learn VB (VBA specifically).

Once again any book recommendations appreciated. It's tough to pick one out as a rank amateur.


I shouldn't have used the term "large" I'm guessing. I don't really have the experience to know if it's large or not. Regardless, I'm stuck with it.

 

[DT4K]

Well, large is subjective.
If you've got over a million records or more than maybe 10 concurrent users, most people would agree that Access is not a great idea.
I picked up most of my Access experience in beginning college database classes, then by inheriting existing systems at work, so I don't have any specific recommendations on books. But in programming, I've liked the Wrox books a lot.
I would recommend that you get 3 books though.
One that is focused on fundamentals of database theory. Table design, normalization, querying (SQL), etc.
One that is a guide specifically to the version of Access you guys are using.
One that is a programming guide for VBA.

You will need to learn all those skills to be able to do a good job of managing and modifying an Access application.

If you aren't aware of it already, Tek-tips is a great place for getting answers if you run into any specific issues or things you don't understand.

EDIT: Since it sounds like the original developer had little experience, when you learn about database theory, you are likely to find a lot of things in this app that were done poorly. Resist the temptation to change them if they work the way they are. Until you really have a good understanding of this stuff, you may end up doing more damage than good by making major changes.

 

[boomerang]

Thanks everyone for your help.

EDIT: Since it sounds like the original developer had little experience, when you learn about database theory, you are likely to find a lot of things in this app that were done poorly. Resist the temptation to change them if they work the way they are. Until you really have a good understanding of this stuff, you may end up doing more damage than good by making major changes.

That sounds like excellent advice. That's exactly what I would be tempted to do. I'll heed your warning.

 

[SemperFi]

A few of years ago I put together a couple of apps using access. I did this using a couple of dummies books. One is called Access 97 programming for dummies and the other is VBA for dummies. They probobly have something newer by now. Check their site. I have always liked the dummies books they seem progress you through as to learn in a certain order. None of this see page 42 for this function or chapter 5 for details.

That is what I would reccomend you start. I am sure the dummies books don't cover everything but I think they give a good start.

My $.02.

Semper Fi

Access I see one for 2000 but I didn't look through all of the hits.

 

[dquan97]

At work, they have an access database with about a thousand records, with 30 concurrent users. The problem is that the program crashes pretty frequently. What kind of software (web-based or not) would be a good substitute? fyi: 99% of the users are basic computer users.