Sebastopol, CA--More complex than other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite, Access requires careful database planning and custom programming using the VBA language to bring out its true power and flexibility. Unfortunately, when using software products with graphical interfaces, novice (and sometimes even experienced) programmers are so concerned with how something is done that they frequently overlook the core concepts and techniques necessary to create effective database applications.
"Databases are complicated objects and so a basic understanding of database design is vital in order to create useful and cost-effective database applications," explains Steven Roman, author of the just released third edition of Access Database Design & Programming (O'Reilly, US $34.95). "After all, once the database application is complete, the interface components only play a small role, whereas the design continues to affect the usefulness of the application."
"Don't touch your PC until you have taken the time to rough out a design of your database," Roman warns. "I would strongly urge that you spend some time with pen and paper planning out the design and content of the tables in the database before even touching the computer. You can waste a lot of time redesigning existing Access tables, not to mention the consequent redesign of dependent queries, forms, and reports."
From creating an initial design to asking Microsoft to reinstate support for DAO, Steven Roman shows you how to create the most effective database applications. Access Database Design & Programming takes you behind the interface, focusing on the general knowledge necessary for Access power users or developers to create effective database applications.
What the critics have said about previous editions:
"A must-have for the serious Access developer."
--Sandy Read, BCUG Bytes, March 2001"An excellent well written book which I strongly recommend."
--vbbooks, Valassis Enterprises, August 17, 1999"The author tackles a difficult subject--relational database design--in a unique way. He uses simple language (bless him!)...Roman continues to demystify database terminology with simple explanations for anomaly, entity, integrity, and so on. Obviously, he has both an appreciation for database design and an artful ability to use the fewest words possible to get his point across. (His editor must, too.) Again and again he reduces previously complex definitions into brief, informal comments...Relational theory doesn't come easy to many people, but this book should certainly take the pain out of the learning process...My recommendation for this book is this: if you need to advance beyond the Wizard-produced database, buy it, read it, and then reread it. If you learned database design and programming by hit or miss, buy it, read it, and then keep it for reference."
--Susan Sales Harkins, DevX, August 1999
Online Resources:
"Access Design and Programming Tips," an article by the author
Access Database Design & Programming is also available on Safari Books Online
Chapter 4, "Database Design Principles," is available online
More information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bio, and samples
Access Database Design & Programming, 3rd Edition
By Steven Roman
0-59600-273-4, Order Number: 2734
448 pages, $34.95 US $52.95 CA
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
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