Newbie using access 2013 features

[jassie]

Since I am new to Access, I have the following questions to when to use each of the following features in Access. I am basically replacing vb code with the same functions in access. Here are the questions:
1. When should I use a module versus a form?
2. When should I use query versus a macro?
3. When would you combine any of the access features to complete a request? Like would I use a query inside of a form or Macro or a module?
4. would I use a macro inside of a query, module, or form?

[June7]

You are comparing apples and oranges.

There is no 'module versus a form'. If you need a form to make tasks easier, then use a form. A form can have code (macro or VBA). Code behind form can call procedures in a general module.

There is no 'query versus a macro'. A macro can call a query object.

Queries can be used as the RecordSource of a form or report.

Macros can call VBA functions.

I don't use macros, only VBA.

[ItsMe]

1. When should I use a module versus a form?

Always use a form as a User Interface. If you need VBA, create code behind the form. The code behind will be private to the form. Public functions within a General Module will be public and global to the application. If you create a Class, that is not a form, you can instantiate the class from within another module/class and access its Public methods.

3. When would you combine any of the access features to complete a request?

Anytime and all of the above. I would argue against using macros, special data types, lookup fields, and navigation controls/forms unless there was a need to interact with SharePoint. Other than that, the sky is the limit, really. Use the features anywhere, anytime, and anyhow. Just keep your users limited to graphic interfaces via forms.

4. would I use a macro inside of a query, module, or form?

I don't typically use macros either. Macros do not always carry over from one version of Access to another. I do not think you can execute a macro from a Query Object and I cannot imagine when that would be desirable if you could. You can use VBA to call or execute a Macro Object.

[cbende2]

Hi Jassie,

I'll try to explain as simply as I can. I've only been working in access for about a year now, so maybe my (still newbie) perspective could help you out.

1. When should I use a module versus a form?

For lack of my own definition of a module, I simply googled it and it gives a pretty straight forward definition of an "Access module" module is a collection of user-defined functions, subroutines, and global variables written in VBA code. These objects can then be used/called from anywhere in your Access database. I would say, don't worry about modules just yet.
As for a form, forms are used for the end users(the people that will be using your database) to retrieve/edit/view the data in the database. The form will usually contain a record source, which is typically SQL(structured query language), these SQL statements are what "retrieves" the data from your tables. The SQL statements make up a query.

2. When should I use query versus a macro?

I described what a query is above. A macro is a tool that allows you to automate tasks and add functionality to your forms, reports, and controls. For example: If you have, lets say, Form1, and you place a button on Form1. You can add a macro to that button to open up Form2. The "Button Wizard" really makes this a simple task.

3. When would you combine any of the access features to complete a request? Like would I use a query inside of a form or Macro or a module?

If we piece together the information I've given you so far... we have a form, which contains a query(SQL), which retrieves the data. On the form you can have buttons that contain macros to do simple commands like opening up another form, or running a specified query, or closing the form, or opening a report. These are all simple examples of a what a macro can do for you.

4. would I use a macro inside of a query, module, or form?

I think I have answered this question in question 3.


I hope this will be of help to you Jassie. Please feel free to post more questions!
About a year ago I was in the same position you are, I had no idea what a form, query, or macro was!