1. DB Implementation: MS Access Macros

2. Programming in MS Access
Modules
An organized collection of Visual Basic for Application (VBA) code
More flexible and powerful than macros, but less secure
Macros
A named set of actions that perform operations/tasks
e.g. open/close a form, print a report, set value of a control
Tool to automate tasks and extend functionalities without programming
Macro actions/functions = subset of commands available in VBA
Command Button Wizard
To perform Common Tasks
Macro Builder
Build a list of actions to perform by selecting from list of actions
Database Design

3. Access Macros: Elements
Event
The reason the macro “fires” or runs.
i.e., the trigger for a macro execution
e.g., a form control gaining/losing focus, mouse click/movement
Action
What the macro does
e.g. load/close/delete object, set field/control value
Action Arguments (properties)
What action applies to
e.g. frmEmployee
Conditions
Conditions that must be true for the macro to run
e.g. IsNull(Forms![frmEmployee]![Status])
creation: CUSTOMER table
multi-table query:
PRODUCT+SUPPLIER
qrySensless, qrySensible
Database Design

4. Access Macros: Events Event is the reason the macro “fires” or runs.
A macro’s execution should be triggered by a specific event
Successful macro use depends on
attaching to appropriate events
good macro design.
Example
After Update vs. Lost Focus event
loss of focus can occur without data entry or edit
for data entry trigger, use “After Update” event
Associating Events and Macros
Set the appropriate Event Property of the control to the name of the macro that will perform desired actions.
creation: CUSTOMER table
multi-table query:
PRODUCT+SUPPLIER
qrySensless, qrySensible
Database Design

5. Access Macros: Grouping
Simple/Embedded Macro
A single macro
Actions are executed sequentially from top to bottom
Macro Group
Related macros grouped together in a macro object
Individual macros in a macro group are referenced by
MacroGroupName.MacroName
e.g. mcrOpenCloseGRP.CloseImOpen
S511 Session 9, IU-SLIS