Beginning Access 2003 VBA

Chapter 12. Case Study 1: Project Tracker Application

So far in this book, you have learned various ways to use VBA code to extend your Access applications. This chapter is the first of two case studies that will illustrate all the concepts covered to this point in a real-world and comprehensive example. It involves the Project Tracker application that allows users to track their projects and related contacts and document attachments. You will:

• Review the important design specifications

• Separate the code into different physical layers

• Use two separate Access database files for the application: one for the user interface and the other for the data

• Implement custom objects using class modules

• Launch an external file or program from your application

• Send an e-mail from your application

• Work with disconnected recordsets to minimize database connections and improve multi-user capabilities

• Learn how to handle errors

In this chapter, you are tasked with creating the Project Tracker application from start to finish. I will walk you through each step, and at the end many of the concepts covered in prior chapters will make a lot more sense. For your convenience I included the two database files with the source code and table structures available for download from Wrox.com. However, I recommend that you work through the chapter yourself—at least in the beginning—before using the source code I provide. The best way to learn Access is hands-on.

Design Specifications

Let's turn straight to the task of learning ...