Each iteration of Windows has meant a corresponding improvement in the techniques used for transferring data among its applications. Today's leading technique is called Automation. It allows you to work directly with objects in an application's interface using their object models. But if you want to write code in a programming language, such as Visual Basic, in order to work with the apps that support Automation, you must understand the inner workings of an application's object model--or in the case of Microsoft's Access, its *two* object models. Microsoft Access is the bestselling stand-alone relational database program for Windows offering both power and ease of use. And in many respects, Microsoft has made Automation the centerpiece of its vision for application development. DAO Object Model: The Definitive Reference will guide you through the Access object models, allowing you, with the support of Automation, to reference the application components you want to manipulate. An understanding of the object models is essential for developers who work with data in Access tables, or who want to manipulate components of the Access interface from other Office apps. The Data Access Objects (DAO) model is used to write and read data in Access tables. The Access object model is used to manipulate forms, reports, queries, macros, and other components of the Access interface, including most of the commands by means of the DoCmd object. This book will include an introduction and a brief description of the differences between VBA (used in most Office applications) and VBScript (used in Outlook). This chapter will also cover Office utilities and add-ons helpful in writing and debugging code, such as the Object Browser, the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for VBA and the Interactive Debugger for VBScript. The book will then be divided into two parts; one covering the Access Object Model and the other, the Data Access Objects. Each section will have a description of what the object represents; listings of properties, events, and methods; and one or more code samples illustrating its use in VBA and/or VBScript code. Each property, event, or method section will have an explanation of the language element, and many will have code samples (either VBA or VBScript) as well. This book will detail, to an advanced user or keen intermediate user, the Access object models and how they are used. It will be *the* reference guide VB developers reach for when working with data in Access tables, or for manipulating components of the Access interface from other Office applications.

DAO Object Model: The Definitive Reference Review,  February 24 2000
Submitted by Donald Culp   [Respond | View]



This book does not cover the indepth nature of more obscure DAO commands, and instead makes incorrect assumptions about their usefulness or necessity. For example, with regard to the Refresh parameter (TableDefs). It may not be needed in a single-user database, and in any case using the Refresh method often appears to have no effect. Creating a table, or field, using DAO and then immediately referencing it thru DAO will cause errors because DAO does not see the Table/Field until the Refresh method is used on the collection. For amusement, check out the editor's note on the back cover. This is not a Steve Roman book by a long shot!


DAO Object Model: The Definitive Reference Review,  November 30 1999
Submitted by Jett Anderson   [Respond | View]



I know I shouldn't be posting to the review section as I haven't yet received the book, but with regard to Brent's point, I still do tons of work in DAO and I've been anxiously waiting for this reference work for months. There are other reference books for ADO, but I don't know of any for DAO.

Thanks in advance.


DAO Object Model: The Definitive Reference Review,  November 26 1999
Submitted by Brent Kirkley   [Respond | View]



This seems to be a really nice addition to the O'Reilly Library.., however one thing does poke its ugly head up. The DAO Object Model has been replaced by the ADO Object Model. I realize that this book is very recent, but is there an amendem standing in the wings???

Sorry Helen, didn't mean to blast you, this is a great reference. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing the ADO additions!!

Take care,
Brent