Appendix E

What's on the CD-ROM

This appendix lists and describes the files included on the CD-ROM.

A document version of this appendix is in the root folder of the CD as CD_INDEX.DOC. The document may contain information that is more current than this appendix.

Installing the Sample Files

Before using a sample file, you will want to copy it to your local drive or a network disk from the CD-ROM. Files on the CD are read-only, which will inhibit your ability to explore and modify the samples as you learn.

There may be dependencies between multiple sample files for the same chapter. Thus, keep an entire chapter folder's contents together when copying.

Using the Sample Files

Here are some general considerations for using the database files included with this book:

• Break on All Errors setting. Code in the sample databases may make use of a standard error trapping methodology that allows errors to occur and then traps and manages such errors. Consequently, if your Access environment settings includes a Break on All Errors option setting of True, some routines on the CD-ROM drop into code when they are run. Make sure this option setting is cleared when running code included with this book.

The file AES_VBA.MDB contains a routine lci_AppBoAECheck demonstrating how to check for this setting in the startup of an application.

• Object Descriptions. Each object in the sample database files has a Description property string. The comment describes the use of the object or the example it conveys. Use View, Details in the Database window to display these descriptive comments.
• Library Routines. The sample databases share many common library routines; these procedures are stored in modules beginning with the tag lci_bas. The library routines have been synchronized between the various sample files-all modules with the same name in different databases are identical.
• References. Some database sample files here were shipped containing a reference to the Microsoft Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL) or other support files. A pointer to the Office library is required when Access code is used to program the Office Assistant, Office File Search, Office Command Bars, and other shared components. Files that are dependent on this object library or others are noted in this appendix.
• When you open a file requiring the reference to an object library, view the References dialog using Tools, References.... If the dialog indicates that the referenced library is missing, you must locate it manually using the Browse button. When you have restored the reference, compile the application to verify that Access recognizes the library.

Files for Chapter 2

The file for this chapter provides information on the Leszynski Development Framework.

File LDF-SUMM.DOC

• Title: Leszynski Development Framework (LDF) Summary
• Description: Summarizes the core objectives and principles of LDF and outlines the precepts of the framework
• Details: This document provides a summary of the development framework that guides the book and the files on the CD. The document includes the LDF model diagram and a listing of LDF precepts.
• Usage: Print this file to discuss the merits of LDF in your environment or use the document as a starting point for creating your own framework.

Files for Chapter 3

The file for this chapter provides information useful in project planning.

File PRE-PLAN.DOC

• Title: Database Software Project Pre-Planning Survey
• Description: A brainstorming document that helps collect facts useful in the discussion of a new project
• Details: This document helps design team members gather their initial thoughts on a proposed application and bring their structured input to design meetings to improve the communication process at such meetings. This survey may also be taken by prospective users of a new system.
• Usage: Print this file and distribute the hard copies to the design team to help them prepare for the initial meeting on a new development project.

Files for Chapter 4

The files for this chapter provide tools to help you create design specification documents.

File SPECSHEL.XLS

• Title: Schema design workbook
• Description: Sample database design tool in Excel for use when developing a specification
• Details: This workbook provides an example of the tool that Leszynski Company, Inc. uses to design database structures. Data entered into the spreadsheet is extracted and used by the Schema Builder tool in SCHEMA.MDB (see Chapter 10).
• Usage: Copy and rename this file each time you start a new development project. Define the database tables, fields, properties, and indexes in the sheets of the workbook. Then use the Schema Builder to extract the information and create a new database from it.

File SPECSHEL.DOC

• Title: Database Software Project Design Specification Outline
• Description: Outline for a design specification document
• Details: This document provides a suggested outline for a database application design specification that meets the LDF guidelines. The outline contains helpful notes to help you create a comprehensive design document, and uses {bracketed text} placeholders that prompt you to fill in required specification text.
• Usage: Copy and rename this file each time you start a new development project. Use the file as a template to guide the authoring of each new project plan you create.

Files for Chapter 5

The file for this chapter provides examples of consistent object naming conventions.

File AES_NAMG.MDB

• Description: Examples of consistent naming conventions for Chapters 5 and 6
• Details: This database provides examples of objects employing consistent naming conventions. The examples apply the Leszynski Naming Conventions to database application objects.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapters 5 and 6. The purpose of the database is to demonstrate consistent naming conventions only; the database does not provide a working application and none of its objects actually are usable.

• This database also demonstrates the use of carefully structured object descriptions, which can be used to group and sort objects in the Database window. You can sort the Database window by the Description column to see how the object descriptions provide an alternative sort order; the order is independent of the naming convention tags.
  

Files for Chapter 8

The file for this chapter provides examples of the various user interface components you need to build a friendly application.

File AES_UI.MDB

• Description: Examples of user interface components that are visually uncomplicated and easy to use
• Details: This database provides examples of forms and command bar objects that are designed for maximum user satisfaction. The examples show user interface elements that are easy to use and follow accepted standards for Windows components.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 8. The database contains references to the Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL)and the Common Dialog ActiveX control (COMDLG32.OCX); you must check and update these references when first using the database.

This database provides an example of the use of the Common Dialog ActiveX control. The control is shipped with the Office Developer Edition and must be present on your system and properly registered in order to use the form frmComDlg. You may need to reinstall the control on the form in order to use it; follow these steps:

1. Install the Office Developer Edition tools on your system.
2. Open the form in design view.
3. Delete the Common Dialog control from the lower right of the form.
4. Insert the Common Dialog control onto the form, using the Insert, ActiveX Control... menu option. Name the control cdlg.
5. Update the reference to the control by locating the control file COMDLG32.OCX with the Browse button in the References dialog box.
6. Recompile the database.

Files for Chapter 9

The files for this chapter are useful when completing and distributing an Access-based solution.

File AES_ISSUE.MDB

• Description: Examples of the structure of an issue management system
• Details: This database provides sample tables that track issues discovered during the development process. The examples show how to capture feedback from users and testers in an organized structure.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 9.

File PRE-SHIP.DOC

• Title: Database Software Application Pre-Release Checklist
• Description: A list of application areas to review before certifying that the application is complete
• Details: This document helps application developers and project managers compare an application against the standard requirements for shipping a "solid" application, as defined by LDF. An application should be reviewed against this document before being released to wide (beta) test.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and print it when testing guidelines are required.

Files for Chapter 10

The files for this chapter provide examples of defining and building database table structures.

File AES_TBL.MDB

• Description: Examples of table structures that solve common data management problems
• Details: This database provides examples of table structures and query definitions that convey the relationships between real-world data items. The file also includes code examples that demonstrate specific features of the Jet database engine.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review its objects in conjunction Chapter 10.

File SCHEMA.MDB

• Description: Sample tool to build a database structure from a definition table
• Details: This database provides an example of the tool that Leszynski Company, Inc. uses to automate the building of database structures. Data entered into the spreadsheet SPECSHEL.XLS (see "Files for Chapter 4") is extracted and used by this tool to build tables and fields.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review its code. Also copy the file SPECSHEL.XLS from Chapter 4. Complete the definition information for a database's design in SPECSHEL.XLS, then use the form in this database to build tables from the design in the workbook.

The database contains references to the Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL), the Common Dialog ActiveX control (COMDLG32.OCX), and the Excel 8 object library; you must check and update these references when first using the database. See "Files for Chapter 8" for assistance.

Files for Chapter 11

The files for this chapter provide examples of using Visual Basic for Applications.

Files AES_VBA.MDB and AES_VBA.ICO

• Description: Examples of working with VBA
• Details: This database provides examples of structured code, error handling, and the use of Automation to drive Access. The icon file provides an example of a custom Access application icon.
• Usage: Copy the files to your disk drive and review the database in conjunction with Chapter 11. Before using the Automation examples in this database, you must know the path to the Northwind sample application on your system, and you must disable the startup form in Northwind: open NORTHWIND.MDB using Access and set the Display Form option in the Startup options dialog box to (none).
• This database application contains initialization routines that demonstrate how an application can find its own components at startup. The routines are initiated by the Startup options for the database, which opens a hidden form zhfrmInit. To view the hidden form, select Hidden Objects on the View tab in the Options dialog box.

The database contains a reference to the Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL); you must check and update this reference when first using the database. See "Files for Chapter 8" for assistance.

Files for Chapter 12

The file for this chapter provides examples of some foundation techniques required before you can master Access form development.

File AES_FRM0.MDB

• Description: Examples of various form development techniques
• Details: This database provides examples of form techniques for bulk form operations and for new form coding techniques including collections, custom properties, class modules, and multiple object instances.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review its objects in conjunction with Chapter 12.

Files for Chapter 13

The files for this chapter provide examples of advanced techniques for using combo and list boxes on forms.

Files AES_FRM1.MDB and ORDER.TXT

• Description: Advanced combo and list box examples
• Details: Provides examples of form techniques for maximizing the use of List Box and Combo Box controls. The forms demonstrate solutions to common application development problems, including adding a marker value to a control's value list and loading a combo box via program code.
• Usage: Copy the files to your disk drive and review the database in conjunction with Chapter 13. The text file is used by the form frmCboFromFile to show how combo box values can be loaded from static disk files.

Files for Chapter 14

The file for this chapter provides examples of advanced techniques for application navigation.

File AES_FRM2.MDB

• Description: Examples of navigating within forms and between forms
• Details: This database provides examples of form techniques for navigating between application elements. Various strategies are explored for creating switchboard menus, for creating and using the new command bar menu objects, and for passing information between two forms.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 14.

This file contains a reference to the Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL). If code in the database does not run or compile correctly, check that this library is correctly referenced in the Tools, References... dialog box.

Files for Chapter 15

The file for this chapter provides examples of advanced data entry and validation techniques.

File AES_FRM3.MDB

• Description: Examples of form routines that protect and validate data
• Details: This database provides examples of form techniques for protecting data from erroneous entries, edits, and deletions. Routines are also included which monitor the keyboard in various scenarios.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 15.

Files for Chapter 16

The file for this chapter provides examples of techniques for the presentation of data on forms.

File AES_FRM4.MDB

• Description: Examples of various data presentation scenarios
• Details: This database provides examples of various user interface metaphors for selecting and displaying data using forms, including the propriety Leszynski Company, Inc. "Get" form model.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 16.

Files for Chapter 17

The files for this chapter provide examples of techniques for "bulletproofing" an application to make it retail quality.

Files AES_BPRF.MDB, AES_BPRF.BMP, AES_BPRF.ICO

• Description: Examples of a bulletproof application
• Details: These files provide examples of a bulletproof interface that guides users through the application flow, protects the data, and provides feedback. The application model is very restrictive.
• Usage: Copy the files to your disk drive and review the database in conjunction with Chapter 17. The bitmap file and the icon file must be placed in the same directory as the database file.

This database contains a reference to the Office 8.0 Object Library (MSO97.DLL). If code in the database does not run or compile correctly, check that this library is correctly referenced in the Tools, References... dialog box.

This database also contains startup property settings that restrict access to the Database window, menu design, and other aspects of the development environment. To browse the database, you must open it while holding down the Shift key to bypass the startup settings.

File BULLETPF.DOC

• Title: Database Software Application Bulletproofing Guidelines
• Description: Guidelines for creating a bulletproof application interface
• Details: This document contains guidelines which help application developers and project managers create a "solid" application by applying specific usability and data-protection enhancements to the application interface. The document lists the LDF requirements and suggestions for creating a bulletproof application.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 17. Print the file and use it as a guide during application development and testing.

Files ESPLASH1.BMP Through ESPLASH6.BMP

• Description: Early splash screen graphics
• Details: Access will display a custom bitmap in place of the standard splash screen if the bitmap is located in the same directory as the database file and has the same filename prefix. These files can be used as an application early splash screen.
• Usage: View these files in a graphics program and determine which one you would like to use for a specific application. Copy the selected file to the same directory as the application database you want it to work with, and change the leading portion of the filename to the same name as the related database file (for example, to use ESPLASH2.BMP with the database MYAPP.MDB, change the name to MYAPP.BMP).

Files for Chapter 18

The files for this chapter provide examples of techniques to create applications that use advanced Access reporting capabilities.

File AES_RPTS.MDB

• Description: Examples for advanced reporting techniques
• Details: This database provides examples of reporting techniques which: assist users with data selection; summarize data and allow drilling-down from the summary; allow reports to be chained together; and export data to Web page reports.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 18. You must have Internet Explorer on your computer in order to view the Web-based output from this database.

Files AES_HTML.HTM, AES_VBA.HTM, and AES_WEB.HTM

• Description: Sample files related to Web-based reporting
• Details: These three files help demonstrate HTML syntax and the routines in AES_RPTS.MDB that export HTML files.
• Usage: AES_HTML.HTM provides examples of the HTML tags described in the chapter text. AES_WEB.HTM demonstrates a report that has been exported to the Web using Access' native capabilities. AES_VBA.HTM shows a Web-based report created completely with code in the chapter. View each of these files in Internet Explorer.

Files for Chapter 19

The files for this chapter provide examples of using Access as a front-end for data stored in SQL Server.

File AES_SRVR.MDB

• Description: Examples of using Access as a server client
• Details: This database provides examples of using Access, DAO, and Jet as gateways to data stored in SQL Server databases, including SQL pass-through and ODBCDirect technology.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and review it in conjunction with Chapter 19. You must have a connection to a running SQL Server and the Pubs sample database to use the examples.

You must create a saved data source on your workstation that tells Access how to locate the Pubs database. See the chapter text for instructions on creating a data source.

This database contains startup property settings that force you to login to Pubs each time the database is opened. The login event creates a cached connection to the server that is reused by Access to improve performance, and also creates a variable with a server connect string that is useful as you explore the examples. To bypass the login dialog, open the database while holding down the Shift key.

Files for Chapter 20

The files for this chapter provide examples of creating tools to make your development work with Access more productive and enjoyable.

Files AES_SCUT.MDB, AES_LIB.MDA

• Description: Examples of development shortcuts
• Details: AES_SCUT.MDB provides examples of development shortcuts such as AutoKeys macros and custom toolbars. It also demonstrates calling a remote function in the library database AES_LIB.MDA.
• Usage: Copy the files to your disk drive and review them in conjunction with Chapter 20. Before you use AES_SCUT.MDB, you must open it and update the reference to AES_LIB.MDA to point to the location of the file on your computer. Use the References dialog box to update the reference, then compile all modules to make sure the new reference is intact.

File AES_WIZ.MDA

• Description: Wizard and builder examples
• Details: This database provides working examples of a property wizard, a control wizard, and a menu add-in.
• Usage: Copy the file to the Access directory (the location where the Access executable file resides) on your disk drive. Open the file and review its objects in conjunction with the chapter text. Then, install the sample wizards and add-ins contained in the file. First, use Tools, Add-Ins, Add-In Manager from any open database to start the Add-in Manager dialog box. Then, select the item "Sample wizards and add-ins" from the list, which is the identification string for this file, and click Install.
• After the wizard database is installed, it cannot be opened with Access. Make another second copy of the file from the CD to your disk drive if you want to review the code again.
• See the chapter text for information on using the custom add-ins.

Miscellaneous Files

In addition to the preceding materials directly related to the chapter text, the CD contains the following helpful files.

File CONVRT97.DOC

• Title: Converting Existing Microsoft Access Applications to Access 97
• Description: Tips for converting you applications
• Details: This document provides a detailed and definitive reference for converting any application built with a prior version of Access to the current version.
• Usage: Copy the file to your disk drive and print it to use as a reference when you begin a conversion procedure.

File KCCPAK1.EXE

• Description: Kwery Control Pak 1 demonstration files
• Details: This file contains a fully functional demonstration version of Kwery Corporation's Control Pak 1 ActiveX control suite. Control Pak 1 provides five ActiveX controls that you can drop into your Access or Visual Basic applications or on to your Web site pages.
• Usage: Copy the self-extracting setup file to your disk drive and run the file. Multiple controls will be extracted and registered on your machine. Once setup is complete, you can open the demonstration file CTRLPAK1.MDB and explore the examples in it.

File LNC97DEV.HLP, LNC97DEV.CNT

• Description: The Leszynski Naming Conventions for Solution Developers Help file and supporting contents file
• Details: This Windows Help file provides a reference document to the Leszynski Naming Conventions as described in the chapter text. You can keep the Help file open on your desktop as you work. The file provides detailed information on naming convention issues and includes the LNC object tags for Access, Office, Visual Basic, SQL Server, and other Microsoft tools.
• Usage: Copy the files to your disk drive and create a shortcut on the Windows desktop to LNC97DEV.HLP or add a shortcut to your Start menu.

Files UTILITY.MDA, WZLIB80.MDE, WZMAIN80.MDE, WZTOOL80.MDE, and WIZARD97.TXT

• Description: Source code for the Access 97 wizards
• Details: In the retail version of Access, you can't view the VBA code for wizards. This special version of the wizards contains viewable (unlocked) wizard code for you to use as a learning tool.
• Usage: The four wizard library databases must be installed in place of the wizard databases that shipped with your copy of Access. To install these files, see the instructions in WIZARD97.TXT or follow these steps:
  1. Close Access.
  2. Create a backup directory to hold the wizard files that came with your retail version of Access.
  3. From your Access directory, move the files UTILITY.MDA, WZLIB80.MDE, WZMAIN80.MDE, and WZTOOL80.MDE to the backup directory you created in step 2.
  4. Copy the four wizard files from the CD to your Access directory.
  5. Start Access.
• Once installed, you can open the wizard files directly for exploration, or you can create a reference from within any Access database to any wizard file and explore the file with the Object Browser.

To stop using the unlocked wizard code, close Access and copy the backup files you made in step 2 previously back into your Access directory.