Needing more than Access???

  • Thread starter naiveprogrammer
  • Start date
N

naiveprogrammer

I’m using MS Access 2002 to develop databases for my company using SQL server
for my backend. The time has come where we need a step up from Access but
I’m not sure what we need exactly. Some have mentioned VB.NET but I’m not
familiar with that. I also have heard of another database program that can
use Access along with it but not sure if this is VB.NET or just VB or VBS or
etc… Basically I need to design functional DB's that can have "pretty" forms
that is easy to use. ANY info would be appreciated!
 
N

naiveprogrammer

I feel that Access is limited in it's "looks" for forms and reports. Also I
want to deploy full versions of my databases without the user needing to have
Access installed.

I am new to the higher end of programming however. I want to be able to
create Rapid Applications without needing to take a course in something.
What is out there that would have a great features such as automated tasks
for coding yet looks professional?

Thanks!
 
R

Rick Brandt

naiveprogrammer said:
I feel that Access is limited in it's "looks" for forms and reports.
Also I want to deploy full versions of my databases without the user
needing to have Access installed.

I am new to the higher end of programming however. I want to be able
to create Rapid Applications without needing to take a course in
something. What is out there that would have a great features such as
automated tasks for coding yet looks professional?
Click to expand...

I don't believe there is a product that meets all of your criteria.
 
N

naiveprogrammer

Ok. Then what would be the BEST choice with what is out there? VB.NET or
Visual Studio???
 
R

Rick Brandt

naiveprogrammer said:
Ok. Then what would be the BEST choice with what is out there?
VB.NET or Visual Studio???
Click to expand...

Given your requirements of rapid development and not wanting to "take a
course" I believe you have to disqualify those.

It would take many months to become proficient at Visual Studio and VB.Net
and even after reaching proficiency you are looking at 5 or 6 times as much
development time as an access application for the same functionality.
 
N

naiveprogrammer

Thank you all for your help! :)

I'm not opposed to taking a course/class. I actually would prefer it as I
have learned in the past that bad habits(programming or design) can be
eliminated before you get started! I just don't have a lot of time to
produce a product is all.

I would basicallly be building db's for the HR department. Personnel db's &
etc...
 
A

Albert D.Kallal

I feel that Access is limited in it's "looks" for forms and reports.
Click to expand...

I used a LOT of repot writers, and I can't think of anything that is more
flexible then ms-access reports. The fact is that you can write code in
those reports, and thus they are extremely flexible.

As for forms, and the UI in access, I do agree you are more limited then
*some* other platforms, but then again, much of what you make is due to
taste of the developer, and not the tools. Take a look at the following
screen shots of simple, but nice access screens:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/Grid.htm

And, if you build custom menu bars, then your application will look like any
other windows application. Take a look at the following screen shots with
custom menus:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/UseAbility/UserFriendly.htm

So, much of a "professional look" is really based on your taste, and what
you like.
 
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