When using software products with graphical interfaces, we frequently focus so much on the details of how to use the interface that we forget about the more general concepts that allow us to understand and put the software to effective use. This is particularly true of a powerful database product like Microsoft Access. Novice, and sometimes even experienced, programmers are so concerned with how something is done in Access that they often lose sight of the general principles that underlie their database applications. Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition, an update to the bestselling first edition, features:

• A discussion of Access' new VBA Integrated Development Environment, which, for the first time, is the one used by Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• An expansion of the discussion of the VBA language itself, in response to reader requests
• A discussion of Microsoft's latest data access technology, called Active Data Objects (or ADO), along with a discussion of Open Database Connectivity(ODBC), which is intimately connected with ADO

Unlike other Access books that take the long, detailed approach to every topic of concern to Access programmers, this book focuses instead on the core concepts, enabling programmers to develop solid, effective database applications. As a result, important topics such as designing forms and reports, database security, database replication, and programming for multiuser applications are simply not discussed. This book is a kind of "second course" in Access that provides a relatively experienced Access user who is new to programming with the frequently overlooked techniques necessary to successfully develop in the Microsoft Access environment. Anyone interested in learning Access in-depth, rather than just scraping the surface, will enjoy and immensely benefit from reading this book. Although this book is really an introduction directed to intermediate Microsoft Access users who are novice programmers, it should appeal to all levels of Access developers. For novice programmers, it focuses on a key body of knowledge that is typically neglected, but is nevertheless essential for developing effective database applications. For intermediate and advanced developers, its treatment of database design and queries provides a handy treatment that otherwise has to be gleaned from relatively uninteresting textbooks, while its programming chapters constitute a handy reference to some basic operations that can be performed using DAO or the Access object model.

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Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  June 17 2001
Submitted by Joseph Fluckiger   [Respond | View]

O'reilly does it again. I've set aside my other Access books for something much more concise, relevant and deep than everything else out there. Unlike other Access books, at the end of each chapter I am armed with not just a "how to" but also a "why". This is not Access Database for Idiots, this is Access Database for professionals. Thank you Mr. Roman and O'reilly. This is the third O'reilly book I have purchased and it will not be the last.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  June 15 2001
Submitted by The great programmer   [Respond | View]

This is one of the best books on access database programming that I have seen. It provides clean informative explanations on everything that you need to know to get started programming access or to refresh your skill. I highly recommend this book.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  May 16 2001
Submitted by Kevin Wells   [Respond | View]

I recently had to refresh my Access skills for work. I looked at an Access book from Microsoft Press. Five boring chapter's later I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. Access Database Design and Programming 2nd Edition got right to the nitty gritty. I even created the Library Sample Database and used it while reading the book. Wonderful!


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  May 13 2001
Submitted by R.H. Sekaly   [Respond | View]

I started reading and using the First Edition of this book several years ago, and was impressed with the style and content. The Second Edition has upheld my faith in both the author and O'Reilly with respect to the quality of their technical books. Excellent work and right on topic!


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  March 20 2001
Submitted by Neil Tevepaugh   [Respond | View]

To save that this book has proven to be invaluable to me is to under estimate it's importance. The explanation of "CurrentDb" has revitalized an application.

My thanks to Steve Roman.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  November 26 2000
Submitted by Rob Barulich   [Respond | View]

This excellent book is exactly what I was looking for to learn relational database theory and design. I doubt there is a better introduction to the subject than this concise, well-written guide.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  October 29 2000
Submitted by Timothy Buchman   [Respond | View]

Roman's book, Access Database: Design and Programming, is unique and indispensible for those whose introduction to database design is through the Microsoft product. Unlike the encyclopedic tomes that address the mechanics of building an Access database, Roman explains the thought behind databases in general and shows the reader how Access implements those thoughts. Next, he offers insights into MS VBA and the ActiveX Data Objects , using practical examples so that even the novice programmer can understand what Access is doing "behind the scenes". This is a book that can be read in a few hours to "get the main idea" and then serve as a ready reference as programming and development challenges are encountered. The person who will get the most out of this book is a person who has played around a little with MS Access and now wants to get serious about implementation. The concepts developed in this book will carry the careful reader through database development not only in Access, but also in more sophisticated database systems as well.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  September 14 2000
Submitted by Tim   [Respond | View]

I can't stand the book. It is more for advanced users and does not give you much on hands on work




Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  August 30 2000
Submitted by Sean Nicholson   [Respond | View]

Kudos to Steven Roman for this great reference tool. If you understand the basics of Access, but want to take your databases to a new level, I highly recommend your check out this book. As with all the O'Reilly guides, this book is clear and concise with regards to technical issues, yet isn't dry and boring like many computer books our there.




Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  July 27 2000
Submitted by kareninpgh   [Respond | View]

So you're familiar with the Access interface and are comfortable with tables, forms, reports and
macros. So what's next?

Simply put, choose this book if you have little to no programming experience and you're ready to go
to the next level with Access database development. This book is truly for the advanced Access user, but the novice VBA programmer. Having spent many frustrating hours with other books that claim to be for this audience, I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. I needed a "primer" in VBA before moving on to more advanced treatments, and this one fit the bill.

For me, a bonus was the section on normalization. Well written and clear, it solidified and enhanced my understanding of sound database design.

Steven Roman...thanks so very much!


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  July 27 2000
Submitted by Stephen Francis   [Respond | View]

It is unusual to find a technical person who can write so well. Roman has humility and a sense of
humor, not to mention a thorough knowledge of his subject. If you want an excellent introduction to
data base theory, Access, and Access VBA, with lots of clear examples, buy this book, definitely.


Access Database Design & Programming, 2nd Edition Review,  September 24 1998
Submitted by Joseph Buschmann   [Respond | View]



Access Database Design & Programming is a great introductory book for those who have no previous database or programming experience. It begins with an explanation of general database theory. It covers SQL statements (both Access SQL and general SQL), Visual Basic for Applications, Data Access Objects, and ActiveX Data Objects. The reading flows well and it isn't dry. Overall, I highly recommend this book to those who are just getting started with Access programming.

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