Lessons

In lessons 1 and 2 we build the HelperF form. This allows the user to double-click on any of the combo boxes using Helper data to open a form that lets them edit or add items quickly. Then that form will update the underlying combo box and send the value back to it when closed. In lesson 3 we create the Helper Data Editor. In Lesson 4 we set up Groups so we can categorize people however we choose (students, faculty, employees, parents, etc.) In lessons 5 and 6 we set up Relations (parent/child, co-workers, etc.)

Database Files

I'm only posting the 32-bit versions for now. That's what I use. If you are using 64-bit Access, just create a new blank database file and import all of my objects into yours. I'll post a 64-bit version when the Core is finished. If you experience any code that doesn't work under 64-bit let me know. Click here for more information about 32 v 64 bit.

Resources

ABCD Home Page
Video Lessons Download ZIP File (863 MB)

Learn More

Free Access Beginner 1
Access Expert 1, Expert 2, and Relationship Seminar
Access Developer 1 for VBA Beginners
Access Insider Circle

Videos

I am recording videos showing how the database is built, but mostly so that you can understand the construction and be better equipped to make any modifications or additions you may need on your own. This will be marketed as a finished database without the need for any enhancements, but, of course, one of the main reasons to use Access is so that you can make changes yourself. The videos will be a quick run-through of how each feature is built, as I'm building it. I will be using advanced features like SQL and VBA from the start, so you may want some SQL or VBA Developer Lessons under your belt if you're going to try to follow along. This is NOT a teaching database. Free Technical Support will NOT be offered.

Tech Support

There is NO free Technical Support provided on the ABCD if you have not taken ALL of my previous Developer lessons. There are a lot of very difficult, advanced programming concepts used in the construction of this database. I do not have the time to provide free support if you get stuck trying to make modifications. All I will do is point you to the appropriate Developer lesson(s) that cover the issue. There is a reason why (a) I say this is NOT a teaching database, and (b) there are pre-requisites. Feel free to ask questions, but I can't spend half an hour explaining concepts that are already covered in my other lessons.

Licensing

Unlike my other courses and seminars which provide you with royalty-free databases that you can modify and distribute yourself, the ABCD does NOT come with a royalty-free license. You may only customize the database for your business needs and for use within your organization. You may not resell or distribute it to others without express written permission. In addition, if you are using it in an organization with more than 10 users, you must purchase additional licenses. Contact me for additional information. I will post additional details when the Core database is completed.

Ordering

There are two purchase options available for the ABCD.

You can purchase a fully editable and customizable copy of the database in addition to the video tutorials that show how it was built. This is the option you should pick if you want to make changes to the database for your own business needs, and you want to learn how the database was constructed to assist you. As a reminder, these are not teaching videos. They are simply provided to show you how the database was built. Free support is not guaranteed if you have questions. I do my best to answer questions, but I can't promise anything. You must purchase any pre-requisite parts or modules required. For example, you may not purchase Core Part 4 without first having parts 1 thru 3.
Once the Core is finished, you can optionally purchase a use-only version of the database. This is the best option if you only plan on using the database for your personal or business needs, but do not intend on modifying the structure of the database. Free instructional videos will be provided to teach your staff how to use it.

Your Feedback

I will be releasing new Core features and modules on a regular basis. You can see the list of features that are scheduled for development on the Coming Soon page. I would very much like your feedback on what features you think should be available. If you have a specific interest for your business type, let me know.

RelationTypeT Question Upload Images Link
Ron VandeVelde
53 days ago

Richard,
If I wanted to make a change to the RelationTypeT table to add the addition of something like Mother<->Son, Mother<-> Daughter, where there are more than 1 "OpopsiteID", how would I go about doing that? This is just an example, in the end what I am wanting to do is use the RelationT as a kind of Organization Chain of Command where the relationships show who each entity reports to and manages.

Richard Rost
50 days ago

That's a tough one. To do what I'm doing you need a reciprocal value. You could do "Mother to Boy" <> "Son" or have a popup asking you which one you wanted. Anything's possible. It's all about HOW you to want to implement it.

Ron VandeVelde
49 days ago

That is what I was afraid of..... Do you have a course or video that you can recommend that would help me code something that instead of a popup asking if you want to make the opposite relation type, maybe a popup that would give a list of relation types to choose for the opposite relation? As I am sure you are aware of, I absolutely love all of the material that you provide. I am a Gold member and I would recommend anybody that has considered getting a membership, to do it, I promise you will not be disappointed with any of the material you are provided. I look forward to your response Richard.

Show 1 More Reply...

Question on Lesson 2 Upload Images Link
Neal Groeling
9 months ago

Richard,
Just finished Lesson 2. Very much enjoying this! After editing the indexes in the HelperT to prevent duplicates, it works great at the Table level. But inside of the Forms, when trying to put a duplicate in and pressing the "Set & Close" button, it immediately opens a VB Run-time error. If the user does not click "end" but clicks "debug" instead, it opens up the VB Editor and highlights the Me.Refresh for the CommmandButton. Doing so also locks the user out of doing anything in the Database. Is this a bug, or did I miss something? If it's a bug, how can this be fixed -- or is it covered later?

Richard Rost
9 months ago

Not sure. I'll add it to my bug list and look into it tomorrow. Since we're going into Part 6 now, I'm surprised nobody else has run into this yet.

On Not In List Upload Images Link
Chris Bezant
11 months ago

I dont have this wonderful helper form set up, so what have always done is on not in list I offer an are you sure box and if yes just add the new value to the helper table.

Richard Rost
11 months ago

That is also another way to do it. I used that method for years. I taught it in the old AC300 classes. I think this new method is a little more user friendly. :)

Chris Bezant
11 months ago

I probably learned the method from you all those years ago, but I am definitely going to adopt your new method of using the the helper system from these lessons.