[AccessD] .Net - Beyond Hello World

Well, I just designed my first bound form, bound to a table in SQL Server.
Used a data grid to display the data and a button to load the data into the
grid.  Total time (following the instructions in help) ~ 1/2 hour.  Not bad
I think.  I already had about 1/2 of my billing app data in SQL Server.

So the first attempt to crawl was a smashing success.  This is completely
different from how I've done things in the past.  They do have a pretty nice
SQL builder.  Not as nice as Access' but I have never seen one as nice as
Access'.  It reminds me of the one in SQL Server in fact.  Maybe it is?

OK, so I won't have a complete port of the db with three tiers and a
matching web interface by tomorrow.  How about a bound form of a single
simple table by tomorrow?

;-)

I must admit though, I like it so far.  It is waaaay different from Access,
but it is also light-years closer to Access than the old VB was I think.
Not that I was ever an expert in the old VB, I will admit.

I am startled at how easy it is to connect to data out in the SQL Server.
All you need to know is the name of the machine with SQL Server running (and
authorization on that machine / SQL Server).  Setting up the connections to
the database and table within the db is all wizard driven.  Couldn't be much
easier than that, unless you count Access' ADP environment.  I think getting
connected in .net may even have been easier.  I haven't found a table
builder interface similar to Access' though.  I suspect that you have to go
direct to SQL Server's enterprise manager and build them there.  Or use an
Access ADP to build them.

OMG, I just discovered that (of course) the form is not a child doc to the
environment.  This is VB after all.  I clicked on the button in the task bar
and it popped up right over my email message.  I was expecting to be
transported back to the .net environment and see the form there.  Since the
form exists in design view in the .net environment, that means that I can
see it in design view and form view at the same time.

Yes I know, I'm easily amazed.

More tomorrow.

John W. Colby
Colby Consulting
www.ColbyConsulting.com

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