Multi-dimensional/Multi-type Array

[Ellpee]

Need to create arrays that have multiple dimensions (usually just 2) and can store multiple data types, such as a date and a string, or a long and a double. Also need to know how to retrieve that data when a procedure needs it. Have looked through hardcopy references available to me, and on line, but none specifically addresses this to a point where I understand it. Help, anyone? I suspect this involves declaring a type or collection, but not comfortable with my knowledge level on that.

[ranman256]

you no longer need arrays (old school) here in access. We have tables and collections.

[Ellpee]

So okay, substitute "collections" for arrays and tell me how to accomplish what I need with a collection ....

[John_G]

Ranman256 -

I must disagree with you on the use of arrays; they are not "old school". There are times when a good developer / programmer most definitely does need arrays, and they can be very useful for complex calculations. For applications which rely heavily on looking up data or do a lot of mathematical computation, but do not do a great deal of updating, proper use of arrays can speed up processing by an order of magnitude.

You may not use arrays, but please don't be so dismissive of those who know how to use them.

[ssanfu]

I, too, use arrays on occasion. I haven't taken the time to learn about using collections, so arrays it is.


If you create an array of type Variant, you can store dates, strings, longs, doubles, etc. (IIRC)
Here are links to how to use arrays since they explain arrays better than I could:

http://patorjk.com/programming/tutorials/vbarrays.htm
http://www.utteraccess.com/wiki/index.php/Arrays
http://sourcedaddy.com/ms-access/arrays.html
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/wak0wfyt.aspx

Post back if you still have questions.

[Ellpee]

OK, will try that (type Variant).