RustProof Labs: blogging for education (logo)
My book Mastering PostGIS and OpenStreetMap is available!

Connecting SQL and MS Access - Part 3

By Ryan Lambert -- Published February 07, 2014

So far in this series we created a basic database in SQL Server 2012 Express with a few tables, views and a stored procedure. Then in the second part we created the shell of our MS Access front-end, created a DSN file and connected two views on the SQL Server to Access. In this third (and final!) post of the series we will create a form in MS Access that allows a user to create a new person record and assign them to a department using the stored procedure we developed in the first post. As with the prior posts, I'm assuming a level of familiarity with the systems being discussed, such as SQL Server and MS Access.

Continue Reading

Connecting SQL and MS Access - Part 2

By Ryan Lambert -- Published February 05, 2014

In Part 1 of "Connecting SQL and MS Access" we created a basic database in SQL Server with three tables, two views and one stored procedure. In this post we're going to create a MS Access front-end database and link it to the views we created. We won't link to the base tables because we want all data access filtered through the views and stored procedures. If you are using a version other than Access 2007 or 2010 your steps may vary.

Continue Reading

Connecting SQL and MS Access - Part 1

By Ryan Lambert -- Published February 02, 2014

In my previous post, Building Reliable Data Solutions, I gave a 20-mile high view of how I use SQL and MS Access to collect and provide data to end users. What I didn't do was get into any of the nitty-gritty details of connecting Access and SQL Server together effectively, so this mini-series will attempt to cover those details. By the end of the series you should be armed with the basic steps I follow when creating a database driven system for others. In order to keep this a reasonable length I must make some assumptions about prior knowledge and experience as well as keeping examples somewhat simplified. If you feel like I have skipped something please leave a comment and I will try to address it!

In this post we will create a database using SQL Server 2012 Express edition. This database will be the foundation for the MS Access front-end we will create in future posts in this series.

Continue Reading

Building Reliable Data Solutions

By Ryan Lambert -- Published January 29, 2014

Warning: This post is outdated. It is here for reference purposes only.

Spreadsheet Hell. It's a place many people find themselves in and it's a difficult hole to dig yourself out of, because your spreadsheet is King of Spreadsheets and can do no wrong. Or, it does wrong frequently but you just can't seem to start the required Anarchy because Joe Executive might ask you a question only the King can answer. This post is quick summary about how I overthrow the King, one spreadsheet at a time and the tools I use to accomplish this feat. Reliable data solutions are a must for any business in this age.

Continue Reading

Love Your Career as a Nerd

By Ryan Lambert -- Published January 20, 2014

So far for 2014, I'm not doing very well on my target of one post per week. Why's that, you might ask? I think the best explanation is that I love my job and career. Since coming back from our extended holiday break I have barely had time to catch my breath, and I love it! I love being a nerd!

Continue Reading

<-- Older Posts          Newer Posts -->