Copyright: Build 6.99.00901: 01-Sep-95 at 1:01a


bit mask

A value used with bit-wise operators (And, Eqv, Imp, Not, Or, and Xor) to test, set, or reset the state of individual bits in a bit-wise field value.


cascading event

A sequence of events caused by an event procedure directly or indirectly calling itself; also referred to as an event cascade or a recursion. Be careful when producing cascading events, because they often result in stack-overflow or other run-time errors.


class name (OLE)

A predefined name used to refer to an OLE object in Visual Basic. A class name consists of the name of the application used to create the OLE object (called the object application), the object's type, and, optionally, the version number of the object application. Examples of class names are Excel.Sheet, Excel.Worksheet, Word.Document, and MSGraph.Chart.5. To determine the class name of an OLE object, see the documentation for the object application.


collection

An object that contains a set of related objects. An object's position in the collection can change whenever a change occurs in the collection; therefore, the position of any specific object in a collection may vary.


connection string

A string expression used to open an external database.


data access object

An object that is defined by the Microsoft Jet database engine. You use data access objects, such as the TableDef and QueryDef objects, to represent objects that are used to organize and manipulate data, such as tables and queries, in code.


event procedure

A procedure automatically executed in response to an event initiated by the user or program code, or triggered by the system.


event property

A named attribute of a control, form, report, or section associated with an event that the control, form, report, or section can respond to. You can run a macro or execute a procedure when an event occurs by setting the related event property to [Event Procedure], a function, or the name of a macro.


keyboard handler

Code that determines and responds to keys or key combinations pressed by the user.


Microsoft Access object

An object defined by Microsoft Access that relates to Microsoft Access itself, its interface, or an application's forms and reports. You use Microsoft Access objects, such as the Form and Report objects, to represent elements of the interface that are used to enter and display data, such as forms and reports, in code.


Microsoft Jet database engine

That part of the Microsoft Access database system that retrieves data from and stores data in user and system databases. The Microsoft Jet database engine can be thought of as a data manager upon which database systems, such as Microsoft Access, are built.


OLE Automation object

An object in an application that can be accessed and manipulated by another application, provided both applications support OLE Automation. For example, Microsoft Access can create and manipulate OLE Automation objects within Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel.


procedure level

The scope of a variable declared within a procedure. The variable cannot be used by any other procedures other than the one in which it is defined.


recursive

An adjective describing a procedure that calls itself. For example, a recursive Sub procedure may include a statement that calls itself. Recursive procedures can very quickly consume memory and other system resources. If you're writing a procedure that must call itself, be sure to include a condition test, such as an If...Then...Else statement, before the recursive call to enable the procedure to break out of the recursion.


session

A session delineates a sequence of operations performed by the Microsoft Jet database engine. A session begins when a user logs in and ends when the user logs off. All operations during a session form one transaction scope and are subject to permissions determined by the login user name and password.


zero-length string

A string containing no characters; written in Visual Basic as " " (note that there is no space between the double quotation marks).


identifier

A data member in a Visual Basic code module. An identifier can be a Sub, Function, or property procedure, a variable, a constant, a Declare statement, or a user-defined data type.


code stub

A segment of Visual Basic code that defines the beginning and end of a procedure.


user-defined collection

A collection that you create by adding objects to a Collection object. Items in a collection defined by the Collection object are indexed beginning at 1.


Windows API

The Windows API (Application Programming Interface) consists of the functions, messages, data structures, data types, and statements you can use in creating applications that run under Microsoft Windows 95. The parts of the API you use most are code elements included for calling API functions from Windows. These include procedure declarations (for the Windows functions), user-defined type definitions (for data structures passed to those functions), and constant declarations (for values passed to and returned from those functions).


access key

A key combination, such as ALT+F, that allows you to open a menu or select a control by pressing ALT plus the designated character. In contrast, a shortcut key allows you to carry out a menu command by pressing a function key or a key combination, such as F5 or CTRL+A.


action

The basic building block of a macro; a self-contained instruction that can be combined with other actions to automate tasks. This is sometimes called a command in other macro languages.


action argument

Additional information required by some macro actions — for example, the object affected by the action or special conditions under which the action is carried out. You enter action arguments in the lower portion of the Macro window, or when you carry out the action in a Visual Basic procedure.


action list

A list of all actions you can use with a macro. The list appears when you click the arrow in the Action column of the Macro window.


action query

A query that copies or changes data. Action queries include append, delete, make-table, and update queries. Append and make-table queries copy existing data; delete and update queries change existing data. In contrast, select queries don't copy or change data; they ask a question and return a set of records.


action row

A row in the upper part of the Macro window in which you enter macro names, actions, conditions, and comments associated with a particular macro or macro group.


American National Standards Institute (ANSI) character set

An 8-bit character set used by Microsoft Windows that allows you to represent up to 256 characters (0 through 255) using your keyboard. The ASCII character set is a subset of the ANSI set.


append query

An action query that adds the records in a query's result set to the end of an existing table.


American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) character set

A 7-bit character set widely used to represent letters and symbols found on a standard U.S. keyboard. The ASCII character set is identical to the first 128 characters in the ANSI character set.


linked table

A table stored in a file outside the open database from which Microsoft Access can access records. You can add, delete, and edit records in a linked table, but you can't change its structure.


automatic link

A link from an OLE object in Microsoft Access to an object application that automatically updates the object in Microsoft Access when the information in the object file changes. In contrast, a manual link requires you to take action to update the object in Microsoft Access.


bound control

A control on a form or report that gets its contents from a field in the underlying table, query, or SQL statement. (The control's ControlSource property is set to a field name in the table, query, or SQL statement.) For example, a text box that displays an employee's last name is bound to the LastName field in the Employees table.


bound object frame

A control on a form or report used to display and manipulate OLE objects that are stored in tables.

Control   	Tool


breakpoint

A line of code in a Function or Sub procedure at which Visual Basic automatically suspends execution. After execution has been suspended at a breakpoint, you can use debugging tools, continue execution, edit a procedure, or reinitialize the code. Microsoft Access uses color and bold type to highlight the breakpoint line.


calculated field

A field defined in a query that displays the result of an expression rather than stored data. The value is recalculated each time a value in the expression changes. A calculated control is a control on a form or report that displays the result of an expression rather than stored data.


caption

The name displayed on a label, in the title bar at the top of a form or report window, or on a command or toggle button.


case-sensitive

Capable of distinguishing between uppercase and lowercase letters. A case-sensitive search finds only text that is an exact match of uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, such a search would treat "ZeroLengthStr" and "zerolengthstr" as different words.


cell

The intersection of a row and a column in a datasheet or design grid. In Datasheet view of the Categories table of the Northwind sample database, for example, Confections is the value in the cell located at the intersection of the third row and the Category Name column.


check box

A control that indicates whether an option is selected. A check mark appears in the box when the option is selected.

Control   	Tool


Clipboard

The temporary storage area used by Microsoft Windows to temporarily store text, graphics, and other data. You transfer data to the Clipboard using the Cut and Copy commands; you transfer data from the Clipboard using the Paste command.


column

The visual representation of a field in a datasheet, the query design grid, or the filter design grid. In a datasheet, a column is a vertical stack showing the value of a field in every record. In the query and filter design grids, a column is a vertical stack of information, such as the field name and the sort order, about each of the fields included in the query or filter.


column selector

A horizontal bar at the top of a column that you click to select an entire column in the query design grid or the filter design grid.


combo box

A control that is like a list box and a text box combined. In a combo box, you can type a value or click the arrow so that you can click an item in the list that drops down.

Control   	Tool


command button

A control that runs a macro, calls a Visual Basic function, or runs an event procedure. This is sometimes called a push button in other applications.

Control   	Tool


commit

To do something, such as move to another record, that causes Microsoft Access to save the changes in the record that is currently being edited.


continuous form

A form that displays more than one record on the screen in Form view. You can create a continuous form by setting a form's DefaultView property to Continuous Forms.


control

A graphical object, such as a text box, an unbound object frame, a rectangle, or a command button, that you place on a form or report to display data, perform an action, or make the form or report easier to read.


Control menu

The menu in the upper-left corner of an application or a window. It contains commands to move, resize, and close the application or window and is designated by an icon rather than by a menu name.

Control menu for an application

Control menu for a window


criteria

A set of limiting conditions, such as = "Denmark" (meaning equal to Denmark) or >30000, used in creating a query or filter to show a specific set of records.


crosstab query

A query that calculates a sum, average, count, or other type of total on records, and then groups the result by two types of information — one down the left side of the datasheet and the other across the top. For example, the Quarterly Orders by Product query in the Northwind sample database is a crosstab query.


Currency data type

A data type that is useful for calculations involving money or for fixed-point calculations in which accuracy is extremely important. This data type is used to store numbers with up to 15 digits to the left of the decimal point and 4 digits to the right. The type-declaration character in Visual Basic is @.


data type

The attribute of a variable or field that determines what kind of data it can hold. For example, the Text and Memo field data types allow the field to store either text or numbers, but the Number data type will allow only numbers to be stored in the field. Supported data types include field data types, Visual Basic data types, and query parameter data types.


database

A collection of data and objects related to a particular topic or purpose. A database can contain tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules.


database objects

Tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules.


Database window

The window that appears when you open a Microsoft Access database. It contains Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports, Macros, and Modules tabs that you can click to display a list of all objects of that type in the database.

To display the Database window, click  [image]  on the toolbar.


datasheet

Data from a table, form, or query displayed in a row-and-column format.


Datasheet view

A window that displays data from a table, form, or query in a row-and-column format. In Datasheet view, you can edit fields, add and delete data, and search for data.

To open a table, form, or query in Datasheet view, go to the Database window, click the appropriate tab, and then click Open. (By default, forms open in Form view. To switch to Datasheet view, click the arrow next to  [image]  on the toolbar.)

If the table or query is already open, you can switch to Datasheet view by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar. For forms, click the arrow next to  [image].


dynamic data exchange (DDE)

An established protocol for exchanging data between Windows-based applications.


default control style

The properties a control has by default when you create it. For example, a text box control has an attached label by default. You can change the default control style for a type of control by clicking a tool in the toolbox, displaying the property sheet, and changing the settings in the property sheet.


delete query

An action query that deletes a set of rows that match the criteria you specify.


Design view - forms
Design view — forms

A window in which you design forms.

To open a form in Design view, go to the Database window, click the Forms tab, click the form you want to open, and then click Design.

If the form is already open, you can switch to Design view by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar.


Design view - queries
Design view — queries

A window in which you design queries.

To open a query in Design view, go to the Database window, click the Queries tab, click the query you want to open, and then click Design.

If the query is already open, you can switch to Design view by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar.


Design view - reports
Design view — reports

A window in which you design reports.

To open a report in Design view, go to the Database window, click the Reports tab, click the report you want to open, and then click Design.

If the report is already open, you can switch to Design view by clicking Report Design on the View menu.


Design view - tables
Design view — tables

A window in which you design tables.

To open a table in Design view, go to the Database window, click the Tables tab, click the table you want to open, and then click Design.

If the table is already open, you can switch to Design view by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar.


disabled field

A field that appears dimmed on a form, can't be tabbed to, and won't respond to typing or clicking. You disable a field by setting its Enabled property to No.


dynamic-link library (DLL)

A set of routines that can be called from Visual Basic procedures and are loaded and linked into your application at run time. DLLs include utility routines for standard application tasks, such as retrieving configuration information, managing memory, and handling user actions. Other DLLs may provide specific functions not intrinsic to Microsoft Windows.


result set

The set of records that results from running a query or applying a filter. In some cases, you can update the data in the underlying table or tables when you make changes to a result set.


embed

To insert a copy of an OLE object from another application. The source of the object, called the object application, can be any application that supports OLE. Objects can be embedded using the Microsoft Paste or Paste Special commands on the Edit menu, the Object command on the Insert menu, or a Visual Basic procedure.

Once an object is embedded, changes to it are not reflected in the original object and vice versa. You can edit an embedded object by double-clicking it, as opposed to a linked object, which you can edit either by double-clicking within Microsoft Access or by opening the object outside Microsoft Access and editing it.


Visual Basic for applications

The programming language used by Microsoft Access.


equi-join

A join in which records from two tables are combined and added to the query's results only when there are equal values in the joined fields. The inner and outer join types you use in query Design view are equi-joins. In SQL view, however, you can create joins that aren't equi-joins, but select records when the value in one join field is >, <, <>, >=, or <= the value in the other join field.


event

An action recognized by an object, such as a mouse click or key press, for which you can define a response. An event can be caused by a user action or a Visual Basic statement, or it can be triggered by the system. Using properties associated with events, you can tell Microsoft Access to run a macro, call a Visual Basic function, or run an event procedure in response to an event.


expression

Any combination of operators, constants, literal values, functions, and names of fields, controls, and properties that evaluates to a single value. You can use expressions as settings for many properties and action arguments, to set criteria or define calculated fields in queries, and to set conditions in macros. You also use expressions in Visual Basic.


external table

A table outside the open Microsoft Access database.


field

An element of a table that contains a specific item of information, such as last name. A field is represented by a column or cell in a datasheet. On a form, you can use a control, such as a text box, to display data from a field.


field data types

The set of data types you can choose from for a field in a Microsoft Access table. Microsoft Access has eight field data types: AutoNumber, Currency, Date/Time, Memo, Number, OLE Object, Text, and Yes/No.


field list

A small window that lists all the fields in an underlying record source. You can display field lists in the Design view of forms, reports, and queries, and in the Relationships window; Microsoft Access automatically displays the appropriate field lists in the Filter window.


field selector

A small box or bar that you click to select an entire column in a datasheet.


filter

A set of criteria applied to records in order to show a subset of the records or to sort the records. Microsoft Access has three kinds of filters: Filter By Selection, Filter By Form, and Advanced Filter/Sort.


focus

The ability to receive user input through mouse or keyboard actions or the SetFocus method. In Microsoft Windows, only one item at a time can have the focus. For example, when you type a string, the string appears in a text box only if the text box has the focus.


font

A graphic design applied to all numerals, symbols, and alphabetic characters. Arial and Courier New are examples of fonts. Fonts usually come in different sizes, such as 9- and 10-point, and various styles, such as bold and italic.


foreign key

One or more table fields that refer to the primary key field or fields in another table. A foreign key indicates how the tables are related — the data in the foreign key and primary key fields must match. For example, the Products table in the Northwind sample database contains the foreign key SupplierID, which refers to the SupplierID primary key of the Suppliers table. Using this relationship, the Products table displays a supplier name from the Suppliers table for each product.


form

A Microsoft Access database object on which you place controls for taking actions or for entering, displaying, and editing data in fields.


form properties

Attributes of a form that affect its appearance or behavior. For example, the DefaultView property is a form property that determines whether a form will automatically open in Form view or Datasheet view. Form properties are set in form Design view, as are control properties, but field properties for tables or queries are set in table Design view or query Design view.


Form view

A window that usually displays one or more whole records. Form view is the primary means of adding and modifying data in tables.

To open a form in Form view, go to the Database window, click the Forms tab, click the form you want to open, and then click Open.

If the form is already open in Datasheet view or Design view, you can switch to Form view by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar.


Form window

A window in which you work with forms in Design view, Form view, or Datasheet view.


function

A Visual Basic procedure that returns a value. It can be used in Visual Basic programming or in Microsoft Access expressions.


chart

A graphical representation of data in a form or report. (In earlier versions of Microsoft Access, charts were referred to as graphs.)

To create a chart, click  [image]  on the toolbar. (You may need to add this button to the toolbar.)

Note   When the Chart Wizard creates a chart, it places the chart in an unbound object frame.


grid

In Design view of a form or report, an arrangement of vertical and horizontal dotted and solid lines that help you position controls precisely.


group level

The depth at which a group in a report is nested inside other groups. Groups are nested when a set of records is grouped by more than one field or expression. The first field you sort or group on is level 0, and as many as 10 group levels are possible. In other database products, group levels are sometimes referred to as break levels.


icon

A graphical representation of an object or concept, commonly used to represent a minimized application in Microsoft Windows.


Immediate pane

A part of the Debug window in which you can run individual lines of Visual Basic code, usually for the purpose of debugging. The Immediate pane is a kind of scratch pad window in which expressions are evaluated immediately. You can use the Immediate pane to check the values of controls, fields, and properties; evaluate expressions; print the results of expressions; and assign new values to variables, fields, or properties. You can also test your Function or Sub procedures by calling them from the Immediate pane.

To open the Debug window, click  [image]  on the toolbar.


index

A Microsoft Access feature that speeds up searching and sorting in a table. You can create an index for a field in the Indexes window of table Design view, or by setting the field's Indexed property to Yes.

Note   The primary key of a table is automatically indexed, and fields whose data type is Memo or OLE Object can't be indexed.


indicator

A visual marker that appears next to a record in a datasheet or grid and indicates the status of that record as follows:

Current record

New record

Current record is being edited

Locked record

Primary key


insertion point

The place on screen where text is inserted when you type. Its location is indicated on-screen by a flashing vertical line.


join

An association between a field in one table or query and a field of the same data type in another table or query. A join tells Microsoft Access how data is related.

When you add to a query tables for which you've already defined relationships, Microsoft Access automatically creates an inner join that selects records from both tables when the values in the joined fields are equal. Even if relationships weren't previously defined, Microsoft Access automatically creates an inner join between fields with the same names and data types if one of the fields is a primary key. You can also create joins manually. Microsoft Access allows you to create inner joins, outer joins, and self-joins.


label

A control that displays descriptive text, such as a title, a caption, or instructions, on a form or report. Labels can be attached or freestanding. Attached labels appear as column headings in Datasheet view.

Control   	Tool


left outer join

An outer join in which all the records from the left side of the LEFT JOIN operation in the query's SQL statement are added to the query's results, even if there are no matching values in the joined field from the table on the right. Records from the table on the right are combined with those from the table on the left only when there are matching values in the joined fields.

A left outer join is indicated by a join line arrow pointing from left to right.


line

A control that appears as a straight or diagonal line in a form or report.

Control   	Tool


OLE/DDE link

A connection between an OLE object and its object application, or between a dynamic data exchange (DDE) source document and a destination document.


list box

A control that provides a list of choices. A list box consists of a list and an optional label.

Control   	Tool


list index

The sequence of numbers for items in a list, starting with 0 for the first item, 1 for the second item, and so forth.


locked

The condition of a record, recordset, or database that makes it read-only to all users except the user currently modifying it.


macro

An action or a set of actions you can use to automate tasks.


macro group

A collection of related macros that are stored together under a single macro name. The collection is often referred to simply as a macro.


Macro window

The window in which you create and modify macros.


make-table query

An action query that creates a new table from the result set of an existing query.


manual link

A link that requires you to take action to update your data after the data in the source document changes. In contrast, an automatic link updates your data automatically when the data in the source document changes.


measurement system

The measurement system, either U.S. or metric, selected on the Number tab in the Regional Settings section of the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.


Memo data type

A field data type. Memo fields can contain up to 64,000 characters.


menu

A list of commands, available at the top of a form or window, that is displayed when you click a menu name on a menu bar.


menu bar

The horizontal bar below the title bar that contains the names of Microsoft Access menus. You can click a menu name to display the list of commands.


menu bar macro

A macro containing AddMenu actions that you can use to create:

•	A custom menu bar for a form or report.

•	A custom shortcut menu for a form, report, or control.

•	A global menu bar.

•	A global shortcut menu.


message

Information that Microsoft Access or Microsoft Windows provides to the user through a window. A message may suggest an action to take, indicate a condition, or inform the user that an event has occurred.

Message also refers to information passed among running applications and system devices within the Microsoft Windows operating environment.


metafile

A vector-based graphic. Metafiles are represented as collections of lines rather than pixels, so you can manipulate them without the distortions common to bitmap (raster) graphics.


modal

A window or form state. You can't click or select anything in any other window until you close the modal window. Dialog boxes and messages are usually modal.


Module window

A window in which you enter Visual Basic for applications code.


multiuser (shared) database

A database that permits more than one user to access and modify the same set of data at the same time.


navigation buttons

The buttons in the lower-left corner of the Datasheet view and Form view windows. You click the buttons to move through the records as follows:

The navigation buttons are also available during previewing so that you can move through the pages of your document.


normalize

To minimize the duplication of information in a relational database through effective table design. You can use the Table Analyzer Wizard to normalize your database.


null field

A field containing no characters or values. A null field isn't the same as a zero-length string (" ") or a field with a value of 0.


Number data type

A field data type designed for numerical data that will be used in mathematical calculations. Use the Currency data type, however, to display or calculate currency values.


object

A table, query, form, report, macro, or module; objects that are defined by the system, such as the table MSysIndexes; or information from another application, such as a chart (graph), a drawing, or a table, that can be linked or embedded.


OLE

A protocol by which an object, such as a chart (graph) in an object application or file, can be linked or embedded in a container file, such as a Microsoft Access form or report.


OLE object

An object in an application that supports the OLE protocol.

A linked OLE object on a form or report (for example, a Windows Paint picture or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet) is a representation of data from the object application you used to create the object. When the information changes in the object application, the changes are reflected in Microsoft Access. In contrast, an embedded OLE object is a static copy of information from the object application. Since the embedded object is stored in the database file, changes made to the original file aren't reflected in Microsoft Access.


OLE Object data type

A field data type you use for objects created in other applications that can be linked or embedded in a Microsoft Access database. For example, you could use an OLE Object field to store a collection of pictures.


operator

A symbol or word, such as > and Or, that indicates an operation to be performed on one or more elements. Microsoft Access has several classes of operators, including arithmetic, comparison, concatenation, and logical operators.


option button

A control that can be selected or cleared. Option buttons are typically used as part of an option group in which the user can select one and only one option, but they can also be used outside an option group for fields that have the Yes/No data type. This button is sometimes called a radio button in other applications.

Control   	Tool


option group

A control on a form or report that holds a set of check boxes, option buttons, or toggle buttons. You can choose only one option in an option group. If the option group is bound, the option selected determines the value of the underlying field. For example, to allow users to choose a shipping method, you could use an option group with three option buttons: Air, Sea, and Land.

Control   	Tool


outer join

A join in which each matching record from two tables is combined into one record in the query's results. However, when a record from the table that's contributing all of its records can't be matched with a record from the other table, the record still appears in the query's results, but with empty cells where there was no matching record from the other table.

A left outer join is an outer join in which all the records from the left side of the LEFT JOIN operation in the query's SQL statement are added to the query's results. A right outer join is an outer join in which all the records from the right side of the RIGHT JOIN operation in the query's SQL statement are added to the query's results.


page break

A control you use to start a new page in a printed form or report. You can also use this control to create a multiple-screen form.

Control   	Tool


palette

In Datasheet view and in form or report Design view, the colors available for use with the Back Color, Fore Color, and Border Color buttons on the Formatting toolbar.

For OLE objects, the source of the colors available to the object. An OLE object's palette is specified by the form or report's PaletteSource property.


parameter query

A query in which one or more criteria values are specified interactively. A parameter query is not, strictly speaking, a separate kind of query; rather, it extends the flexibility of other queries.


permissions

A set of attributes that specify what kind of access a user has to data or objects in a database. For example, if a user has Read Data permission for a table or query, the user can view but not edit data in the table or query.


pixel

An abbreviation for picture element; a dot that represents the smallest graphic unit of display on the screen.


point size

The height of a printed character. A point equals 1/72 of an inch, or approximately 1/28 of a centimeter.


pop-up form

A form that stays on top of other windows. A pop-up form can be modal or modeless. A modal form doesn't allow you to click or select anything in any other window until you close the modal form; however, a modeless form allows you to click in any other window without closing the pop-up form. The ProductsPopup form in the Orders sample application supplied with Microsoft Access is a pop-up form.


primary key

One or more fields whose value or values uniquely identify each record in a table. In a relationship, a primary key is used to refer to specific records in one table from another table. A primary key is called a foreign key when it is referred to from another table. For example, the Products table in the Northwind sample database contains the foreign key SupplierID, which refers to the SupplierID primary key of the Suppliers table. Using this relationship, the Products table displays a supplier name from the Suppliers table for each product.


preview

To view data or modules on the screen as they will appear when printed. There are two preview windows: Print Preview and Layout Preview.

•	The Print Preview window is available for forms, reports, datasheets, and modules.

•	The Layout Preview window is available only for reports in Design view. Layout Preview provides a quick view of the basic layout of a report but may not include all the data in the report.


property

A named attribute of a control, field, or database object that you set to define one of the object's characteristics (such as size, color, or screen location) or an aspect of its behavior (such as whether it is hidden).


property sheet

The window in which you can view or modify the properties of an object.


design grid

The grid that you use to design a query or filter in query Design view or in the Advanced Filter/Sort window. For queries, this grid was formerly known as the QBE grid.


query

A question about the data stored in your tables, or a request to perform an action on the data. A query can bring together data from multiple tables to use as the source of data for a form or report. In Microsoft Access, you can create and run the following kinds of queries:

•	Select queries ask questions about the data stored in your tables and return the result of the query without changing the data. Once the result set is displayed, you can view and, in some cases, change the data in the underlying tables.

•	Parameter queries, which are a type of select query, extend the flexibility of other queries by prompting you to enter certain criteria each time the query is run.

•	Action queries change data or copy data. Append, delete, make-table, and update queries are action queries.

•	Crosstab queries compute summary totals based on values for each row and column.

•	SQL-specific queries are queries that can be created only by writing an SQL statement in SQL view. Union, pass-through, and data-definition queries are SQL-specific queries.


Query window

A window in which you work with queries in Design view, Datasheet view, SQL view, or Print Preview.


record

A collection of data about a person, a place, an event, or some other item. A record is represented as a row in Datasheet view of a table, query, or form.


record number box

A small box that displays the current record number in the lower-left corner in Datasheet view and Form view. To move to a specific record, you can type the record number in the box and press ENTER.


record selector

A small box or bar to the left of a record that you can click to select the entire record in Datasheet view and Form view.

To show the status of the current record in a form or datasheet, Microsoft Access displays one of the following symbols in the current record selector.

Symbol	Meaning
	Current record: This is the current record; the record has been saved as it appears.
	Pencil: You are editing this record; changes to the record aren't yet saved.
	Locked record: This record is locked by another user; you can't edit it.
	New record: This is a new record that you can enter information in.
Note   To see record selectors in Form view, set the RecordSelectors property for the form to Yes.


rectangle

A control that appears as a rectangle on a form or report.

Control   	Tool


refresh

To redisplay the records in a form or datasheet to reflect changes and indicate deletions that other users have made (in a multiuser environment) or that you have made elsewhere.


relationship

An association established between common fields (columns) in two tables. A relationship can be one-to-one or one-to-many.


report

A Microsoft Access database object that presents information formatted and organized according to your specifications. Examples of reports are sales summaries, phone lists, and mailing labels.


Report window

A window in which you work with reports in Design view, Layout Preview, or Print Preview.


requery

To rerun a query underlying the active form or datasheet in order to reflect changes to the records, display newly added records, and eliminate deleted records.


right outer join

An outer join in which all the records from the right side of the RIGHT JOIN operation in the query's SQL statement are added to the query's results, even if there are no matching values in the joined field from the table on the left. Records from the table on the left are combined with those from the table on the right only when there are matching values in the joined fields.

A right outer join is indicated by a join line arrow pointing from right to left.


row selector

A small box or bar that when clicked selects an entire row in table or macro Design view. Row selectors also appear in the Sorting And Grouping box in report Design view.


run time

The time during which an application is running. During run time, you can interact with an application. In contrast, during design time, you can create objects and modify their design.


run-time error

An error that Microsoft Access can detect only when an application is running.


section

A part of a form or report, such as a header, footer, or detail section.


section properties

Attributes of a form or report section that affect the appearance or behavior of that section. For example, you can set the CanGrow property to specify whether the section will increase vertically to print all the data the section contains. Section properties are set in form or report Design view, as are control properties.


security

A set of features used to specify or restrict the access that specified users or user groups have to data and objects in a database.


select query

A query that asks a question about the data stored in your tables and returns a result set in the form of a datasheet without changing the data. Once the result set is displayed, you can view and, in some cases, make changes to the data in the underlying tables. In contrast, action queries do make changes to your data.


self-join

A join in which records from a table are combined with other records from the same table when there are matching values in the joined fields. A self-join can be an inner join or an outer join.


separator

A character that separates units of text or numbers. Except for the field separator, separators are set on the Number tab in the Regional Settings option of the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.

•	A list separator separates items in a list (0,3,2).

•	A thousand separator (or digit grouping symbol) separates groups of three digits in numbers (2,000 or 456,871,029).

•	A decimal separator (or decimal symbol) separates the integer part of a number from its fractional part (9.35).

•	A field separator separates items in imported or exported text files.

Note   In Microsoft Access, a semicolon is the default list separator and does not have to be set in the Regional Settings section of the Windows Control Panel. This is not true for Visual Basic, however, which generally uses a comma.


single stepping

A debugging technique that enables you to run a macro one action at a time or run Visual Basic code one line at a time.


sizing handle

In form or report Design view, one of the small squares displayed on the edge of a selected control that you click and drag to resize the control.

Note   The large square in the upper-left corner of the selected control is a move handle, not a sizing handle.


sort order

The order in which records are displayed — either ascending (A to Z or 0 to 100) or descending (Z to A or 100 to 0).


Sorting And Grouping box

The box in which you specify the order of your data and define the group levels for a report.

To display the Sorting And Grouping box, click  [image]  on the toolbar.


source

A document or application that supplies data in a DDE conversation or in an OLE operation.


Structured Query Language (SQL)

A language used in querying, updating, and managing relational databases. You can view or write Microsoft Access queries as SQL statements in the Query window using the SQL command on the View menu, or commands on the SQL-Specific submenu of the Query menu.

You can use SQL SELECT statements anywhere Microsoft Access accepts a table name, query name, or field name. For example, to generate a list of items in a list box control, you can set the list box's ControlSource property to an SQL SELECT statement.


object-naming rules

A set of specific rules for naming Microsoft Access objects. In Microsoft Access, names can be up to 64 characters long and can include any combination of letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters except a period (.), an exclamation point (!), an accent grave (`), and brackets ([ ]). Note that you also can't use leading spaces or control characters (ASCII values 0 to 31). For information on Visual Basic naming conventions, search the online index for "Visual Basic, naming conventions," or ask the Answer Wizard.

Tips

•	Avoid including spaces in object names if you'll frequently refer to the objects in expressions or Visual Basic code.

•	Avoid using extremely long names because they are difficult to remember and refer to.


status bar

A horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen that displays information about commands, toolbar buttons, and other options.


string

A collection of characters that can include both numbers and text.


subform

A form contained within another form or a report.


subform/subreport control

A control that displays a subform in a form or a subform or a subreport in a report.

Control

Tool


submenu

A menu that appears when a user points to a command on a higher-level menu.


subreport

A report contained within another report.


tab order

The order in which the focus moves in a form from one field or button to the next as you press the TAB key.


table

The fundamental structure of a relational database management system. In Microsoft Access, a table is an object that stores data in records (rows) and fields (columns). The data is usually about a particular category of things, such as employees or orders.


table properties

Attributes of a table that affect the appearance or behavior of the table as a whole. Table properties are set in table Design view, as are field properties.


text box

A control that provides a place to enter or view text in a form or report. This is sometimes called an edit field in other applications.

Control   	Tool


Text data type

A field data type. Text fields can contain up to 255 characters or the number of characters specified by the FieldSize property, whichever is less.


title bar

The bar that appears at the top of a window and displays the window's name.


toggle button

A control that acts as an on/off button. A toggle button can display either text or a picture and can stand alone or be part of an option group.

Control   	Tool


toolbar

A bar that contains a set of buttons that you can click to carry out common menu commands. By default, toolbars are docked at the top of the Microsoft Access window. You can drag a toolbar to create a floating toolbar. You can also dock a toolbar at the bottom or on either side of the Microsoft Access window by dragging it.

Any number of toolbars can be displayed at the same time. By default, the toolbar that is displayed depends on which window is active. You can modify the buttons that appear on a toolbar by default, and you can create your own custom toolbars, which appear only in the database for which they are created.


toolbox

The set of tools you use in Design view to place controls on a form or report. You can show or hide the toolbox by clicking the Toolbox command on the View menu.

Note   For more information on what each tool does, place the mouse pointer over the tool. Microsoft Access displays a ToolTip that describes the tool. For more detailed information, click a tool and press F1.


topic

The subject of a dynamic data exchange (DDE) conversation between two applications. For most applications that use files, the topic is a filename. A special topic that most applications recognize is System. You can use the System topic to obtain information about the application, such as the other topics it supports.


totals query

A query that displays summary calculations, such as an average or sum, for values in various fields from a table or tables. Strictly speaking, a totals query is not a separate kind of query; rather, it extends the flexibility of select queries.


twip

Unit of measurement used by Microsoft Access that is equal to 1/20 of a point, or 1/1440 of an inch. There are 567 twips in a centimeter.


unbound control

A control that's not connected to a field. You can use unbound controls to display informational text, such as instructions about using a form, or graphics and pictures from other applications. For example, lines and rectangles are unbound controls. You can also use unbound controls to accept user input and then perform an action based on that input.


unbound object frame

A control you place on a form or report to contain an unbound object. An unbound object is an object, such as a picture, whose value isn't derived from data stored in a table. You can edit the object directly from the form or report; if you don't need to edit a picture object, it's better to use an image control.

Control    	Tool


update query

An action query that changes a set of records according to criteria you specify.


validation

The process of checking whether entered data meets certain conditions or limitations.


validation rule

A rule that sets limits or conditions on what can be entered in one or more fields. You can set validation rules for a field, a record, or a control on a form. A validation rule for a field or control is checked when you move to a different field or control. A validation rule for a record is checked when you move to a different record. Microsoft Access displays the message specified in the ValidationText property whenever the rule is violated.


view

A window that allows you to work with a Microsoft Access object in a particular way.

•	In Design view, you can design an object so that it will look and behave the way you want.

•	In Datasheet view, you can modify and view data in a row-and-column format.

•	In Form view, you can modify and view data in fields on a form.

•	In Print Preview, you can see how an object will appear when printed.

•	In Layout Preview, you can see a report's layout without printing the report.

•	In SQL view, you can see the currently selected query as an SQL statement.


WHERE clause

The part of an SQL statement that specifies which records to retrieve.


Yes/No data type

A field data type you use for fields that will contain only one of two values, such as Yes or No and True or False.


alias

Visual Basic: An alternate name you give to an external procedure to avoid conflict with a Visual Basic keyword, public variable, constant, or a name not allowed by the Visual Basic naming conventions.

SQL: An alternate name you give to a field or expression in a SELECT statement, often shorter or more meaningful.


asterisk

When you create a query or enter an SQL statement, you can use the asterisk (*) in the query design grid to include all the fields that currently exist in the underlying table or query. When you use the asterisk instead of dragging each field to the design grid, you don't have to change your query if the fields in the underlying table or query change.


command line

The string of characters used to start an application. For example, you enter a command line when you start Microsoft Access by clicking the Windows Start button and then clicking Run, or when you use the RunApp action.


installable ISAM

A driver that allows access to external database formats such as Btrieve, dBASE, and Paradox. ISAM is an acronym for indexed sequential access method.


library database

A collection of procedures and database objects that you can call from any application. In order to use the items in the library, you must first establish a reference from the current database to the library database. You establish references in the References dialog box available on the Tools menu in the Module window.


literal

A value that Microsoft Access uses exactly as you see it. For example, the number 25, the string "Hello", and the date #01-05-95# are all literals. You can use literals in expressions, and you can assign literals to constants or variables in Visual Basic.


Memo object

An object you can use to hold the contents of a table field that has a Memo field data type. Memo objects can contain up to 1.2 GB of data; however, in the Microsoft Access environment, Memo objects are restricted to 64,000 characters.


Microsoft Access window

Serves as the background for Microsoft Access operations. The items displayed on the menu bar and toolbar vary depending on which window has the focus.


parse

To identify the parts of a statement or expression and then validate those parts against the appropriate language rules for correctness.


question mark pointer

Use the question mark pointer to get context-sensitive Help on toolbar buttons, dialog box options, tools in the toolbox, and other parts of the window. To display the question mark pointer, press SHIFT+F1, click  [image]  on the toolbar, or click  [image]  on a dialog box's title bar.


RAM disk

A portion of memory that is used as if it were a disk drive. RAM (random-access memory) disks are much faster than disk drives because a computer can read information from memory faster than from a disk drive. However, information on a RAM disk is lost when the computer is turned off or rebooted. Also known as RAM drive or virtual drive.


workgroup

A group of users in a multiuser environment who share data and the same workgroup information file.


Code Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to display the Module window so that you can create an event procedure associated with an event property in a form or report. Once you create and save the procedure in the Module window and then close the window, Microsoft Access enters the reference to the procedure in the event property's box.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the appropriate event property in the property sheet.


Color Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to select colors from the palette or to create custom colors that you can save and use in forms and reports.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the appropriate property in the property sheet.


Expression Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to create an expression. It is available by clicking the Build button wherever you want to create an expression (for example, in many property boxes, in the Field or Criteria rows in query Design view, or in a Module window). The Expression Builder includes a list of common expressions that you can select.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the appropriate property in the property sheet, or click  [image]  on the Query Design, Macro Design, or Module Design toolbar.


Field Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to add a new field to a table. The Field Builder provides over 350 predefined sample fields.

To run this builder, click  [image]  on the Table Design toolbar.


Macro Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to create or edit a macro from within an event property in a form or report. Once you create and save the macro in the Macro window and then close the Macro window, Microsoft Access sets the event property to the name of the macro.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the appropriate event property in the property sheet.


Menu Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to create a custom menu bar that you can attach to a form or report.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the MenuBar property in the property sheet.


ODBC Connection String Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to connect to an SQL database when you create a pass-through query. If you save the query, the connection string is stored with the query.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the ODBCConnectStr property in the property sheet.


Picture Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to add a picture to a command button or toggle button. This builder is also available for background pictures and image controls.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the Picture property in the property sheet.


Query Builder

A Microsoft Access tool you can use to create or modify a query that provides data for a form, report, or any of the following controls: combo box, list box, chart, or any other unbound object frame. Once you create a query with the Query Builder, Microsoft Access enters the equivalent SQL string in the control's RecordSource or RowSource property box.

To run this builder, click  [image]  next to the RecordSource or the RowSource property in the property sheet.


query parameter data types

The set of data types for a field in a parameter query. Microsoft Access has 13 query parameter data types.

Category	Data type
Table fields	Currency, Date/Time, Memo, OLE Object, Text, and Yes/No correspond to the same data types in table fields.
Number	Byte, Single, Double, Integer, and Long Integer correspond to the five FieldSize property settings of the Number data type in table fields.
Generic	Value is a Generic data type that will accept any type of data.
Binary	Although not recognized by Microsoft Access, you can use the Binary data type in parameter queries directed to linked tables that do recognize it.


SQL view

A window that displays the SQL statement for the current query. When you create a query in Design view, Microsoft Access constructs the SQL equivalent in SQL view.


Application Note

A technical article, written and distributed by Microsoft, that provides additional information about a Microsoft product or a fix for a specific bug or problem. An Application Note may include a disk that contains new software, documentation, sample files, device drivers, utilities, templates, or macros.


Microsoft Download Service

The Microsoft Download Service (MSDL) is a standard bulletin board system. It contains the Microsoft Software Library (MSL), technical articles, device drivers, Help files, and other support files you can download from Microsoft.


The Microsoft Network

The Microsoft Network (MSN) is an online service that provides easy and affordable access to a worldwide community of computer users. Access to MSN is a feature of Windows 95 — MSN is seamlessly integrated with the operating system. Using MSN, you can exchange messages with people around the world; read the latest news, sports, weather, and financial information; find answers to your technical questions; download from a collection of thousands of programs; connect to the Internet; and more.


Microsoft Knowledge Base

The Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) is the primary source of product information for Microsoft support engineers and customers. This comprehensive collection of articles, which is updated daily, contains detailed how-to information, answers to technical-support questions, bug lists, and fix lists. Use text and keyword queries to access information in the KB.


Microsoft Software Library

The Microsoft Software Library (MSL) is a collection of binary (nontext) files for all Microsoft products. For example, the MSL contains device drivers, utilities, Help files, and technical articles.


text query (Microsoft Knowledge Base)

One or more phrases that tell the Knowledge Base what to search for. Queries can contain operators, quotation marks, wildcard characters, and parentheses to help focus the search.


  Add To Favorites button

Creates a shortcut to the selected file or folder, and then adds the shortcut to the Favorites folder. The original file or folder doesn't move.

To create a shortcut to the folder listed in the Look In box and then add the shortcut to the Favorites folder, click  [image], and then click Add ‘foldername’ Folder To Favorites. To create a shortcut to the selected file or folder and then add the shortcut to the Favorites folder, click  [image], and then click Add Selected Item To Favorites.


  Look In Favorites button

Displays the Favorites folder in the Look In box. The Favorites folder contains shortcuts to files and folders you use often.


database replication

The process of reproducing a database so that two or more copies (replicas) of the same database can stay synchronized. Changes to the data in a replicated table at one replica are sent and applied to the other replicas and Design Master in the replica set. Changes made to the design of the database at the Design Master are sent and applied to all replicas in the set.


globally unique identifier (GUID)

A 16-byte field used to establish a unique identifier in replication. GUIDs are used extensively to identify replicas, replica sets, tables, records, and other objects.


replica

A copy of a database, including its tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules. A replica is a member of a replica set and can be synchronized with other replicas in the set. Changes to the data in a replicated table at one replica are sent and applied to the other replicas and Design Master.


synchronization

The process of updating a pair of replicas in which all updated records and objects are exchanged. The exchange of data between two replicas can be one-way or two-way and may be handled by a Transporter.


replication

The process of creating and synchronizing replicas in separate locations. Replication adds system fields and tables to a database so that changes made to the data in or design of a database are sent and applied to all the members of the replica set.


argument

A constant, variable, or expression that supplies information to an action, procedure, or method. You use an argument with an operand in an expression or in a macro to supply additional information required by some actions.


array

A variable that contains a finite number of elements that have a common name and data type. Each element of an array is identified by a unique index number. Changes made to one element of an array do not affect the other elements.


Binary mode

A file input/output (I/O) mode that enables you to read or write information to any byte position in a file using the Get and Put statements. The Open statement specifies the mode of access.

The other file I/O modes are Append, Input, Output, and Random.


bitmap

An image made up of pixels on the screen and stored as a collection of bits, one or more of which correspond to one pixel. When stored as files, bitmaps usually have the extension .bmp.


Bookmark

A property of a Recordset object or a form that contains a binary string identifying the current record. If you assign the Bookmark property value to a variable and then move to another record, you can make the earlier record current again by setting the Bookmark property to that string variable.


Boolean

An expression that can be evaluated either true (nonzero) or false (0). You can use the key words True and False to supply the values of -1 and 0, respectively. The field data type Yes/No is Boolean and has the value of -1 for Yes and 0 for No.

Several property sheet settings are Boolean, including Yes/No, True/False, and On/Off.


Byte data type

A data type used to hold small positive integer numbers ranging from 0 to 255.


channel number

An integer value that corresponds to an open dynamic data exchange (DDE) channel. Channel numbers are assigned by Microsoft Windows 95, created with the DDEInitiate function, and used by other DDE functions and statements, such as DDERequest.


comparison operator

An operator you use to compare two values or expressions. The result returned is True (-1) or False (0). The comparison operators are = (equal to), <> (not equal to), < (less than), > (greater than), <= (less than or equal to), and >= (greater than or equal to).

You can also compare two values or expressions using Like and Is. Note, however, that Is and Like can't be used as comparison operators in a Select Case statement.


compile time

The time during which Visual Basic prepares code for execution. Modules automatically compile before they run. To see whether your code contains compile errors (caused by mistakes such as misspelled words or missing separators), click Compile Loaded Modules or Compile All on the Run menu in the Module window.


conditional expression

An expression that Microsoft Access evaluates and compares to a specific value — for example, If...Then and Select Case statements. If the condition is met, one or more operations are carried out. If the condition is not met, Microsoft Access skips the operations associated with the expression and moves to the next expression.

You can use conditional expressions in macros and Visual Basic code.


constant

A constant represents a numeric or string value that doesn't change. True, False, and Null are constants. You can use constants in expressions in tables, queries, forms, reports, and macros. In a Visual Basic module, you can use the Const statement to declare your own constants. A constant may be a string or numeric literal, another constant, or any combination that includes arithmetic or logical operators, except the Is statement and exponentiation.

Microsoft Access also provides intrinsic constants that supply fixed values for action arguments and function values (such as the values returned by the VarType function).

These constants can be viewed in the Object Browser.


current database

The database opened using a macro, Visual Basic, or the Open Database command on the File menu. In Visual Basic, you can use the CurrentDb function to return an object variable representing the current database.


current record

The record in a recordset that you can modify or retrieve data from. Use the Move methods to move to the first, last, next, or previous record in a recordset. Use the Find methods (with a dynaset- or snapshot-type Recordset object) or the Seek method (with a table-type Recordset object) to change the current record position according to specific criteria.

Only one record in a recordset can be the current record; however, a recordset may have no current record. For example, after a record has been deleted from dynaset-type Recordset object, or when a recordset has no records, the current record is undefined. In this case, operations that refer to the current record result in a trappable error.


variable data type

The characteristics of a variable that determine what kind of data the variable can hold. Data types include Boolean, Byte, Currency, Date, Double, Integer, Long, Object, Single, String, Variant (default), user-defined types (created with the Type statement), and object data types, which include Microsoft Access object data types and data access object types.


Date data type

A data type used to hold date and time information.


debugging

The process of finding and fixing errors in a Visual Basic procedure or a macro. Debugging usually involves executing specific portions of the procedure or macro and analyzing them at various points.


domain

A set of records defined by a table, a query, or an SQL expression. Domain aggregate functions return statistical information about a specific domain or set of records.


domain aggregate function

The domain aggregate functions are DAvg, DCount, DFirst, DLast, DLookup, DMax, DMin, DStDev, DStDevP, DSum, DVar, and DVarP. These functions are used when calculating statistics over a certain set of records (domain).


Double data type

A data type that holds double-precision floating-point numbers in IEEE format. A Double variable is stored as a 64-bit (8-byte) number ranging in value from -1.79769313486232E308 to -4.94065645841247E-324 for negative values, 0, and from 4.94065645841247E-324 to 1.79769313486232E308 for positive values. The type-declaration character is # (ANSI character 35).


Empty

The state of an uninitialized Variant variable. Variants that are Empty return a VarType of 0.

Empty is not the same as Null, which is a variable state indicating invalid data. Variables containing zero-length strings (" ") are not Empty, nor are numeric variables having a value of 0.


Function procedure

A procedure that returns a value and that can be used in an expression. You declare a function with the Function statement and end it with the End Function statement.


global level

The scope of a variable you declare with the Public key word in the Declarations section of a module. A global variable can be shared by all the procedures in every module in a database.


global variable

A variable you declare with the Public key word in the Declarations section of a module. A global variable can be shared by all the procedures in every module in a database.


handle

A unique integer value (long in a 32-bit environment) you use to identify and access a Form or Report window. Use the hWnd property to return the handle.


Integer data type

A fundamental data type that holds integer numbers. An Integer variable is stored as a 16-bit (2-byte) number ranging in value from -32,768 to 32,767. The type-declaration character is % (ANSI character 37).

In Visual Basic, you can use the Boolean data type to store Boolean values.


intrinsic constant

A constant supplied by Microsoft Access, Visual Basic for applications, or Microsoft DAO. These constants are listed in the Object Browser of the Constants module for each of these libraries. For example, you can use the constant vbString in an expression to determine if the VarType function has returned a string.

Because you can't disable intrinsic constants, you can't create your own constants with the same names.


logic error

A programming error that can cause code to produce incorrect results or halt execution. A logic error may be caused by incorrect or similar variable names, incorrect variable types, endless loops, array problems, or flaws in logical comparisons.

Other kinds of programming errors are syntax errors, compile errors, and run-time errors.


Long data type

A fundamental data type that holds long-integer numbers. A Long variable is stored as a 32-bit (4-byte) number ranging in value from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. The type-declaration character is & (ANSI character 38).


method

A procedure similar to a statement or function that operates on specific objects.

For example, you can apply the Print method to the Debug object to transfer printed output to the Immediate pane of the Debug window.


module

A collection of declarations, statements, and procedures stored together as one named unit. Microsoft Access has three types of modules: form, report, and standard. Form and report modules contain code that is local to the form or report. Unless explicitly made private to the module in which they appear, procedures in standard modules are recognized and can be called by procedures in other modules in the same database or in referenced databases.


module level

The scope of a variable you declare in the Declarations section of a module. The variable can be shared by all the procedures in that module but not by procedures in other modules, unless you declare it as public with the Public key word.


Null

A value that indicates missing or unknown data in a field. You can use Null values in expressions. Null values can be entered in fields for which information is unknown, as well as in expressions and queries. In Visual Basic, the Null key word indicates a Null value. Some fields, such as those defined as containing the primary key, can't contain Null values.


numeric expression

Any expression that results in a number. This can be any combination of variables, constants, functions, and operators that evaluates to a number.


Object data type

A fundamental data type representing any object that can be recognized by Visual Basic. The Object data type is generic; you can declare any object variable as type Object. For better performance, however, you should declare object variables according to their specific type. For example, use a variable of type Form to represent a form rather than a variable of type Object.

There are two categories of the Object data type: Microsoft Access object data types and data access object types.

Microsoft Access object data types

Application	Form	Screen

Control	Report

Data access object types

Container	Error	Parameter	Relation

Database	Field	Property	TableDef

DBEngine	Group	QueryDef	User

Document	Index	Recordset	Workspace


page

A portion of the database (.mdb) file in which record data is stored. Depending on the size of the records, a page (2K in size) may contain more than one record.


procedure

A sequence of declarations and statements in a module that are executed as a unit. Procedures in Visual Basic include both Sub and Function procedures.


recordset

The collective name given to table-, dynaset-, and snapshot-type Recordset objects, which are sets of records that behave as objects.


key word

A word that is part of the Visual Basic. Key words include the names of statements, data types, methods, operators, objects, and predefined functions. Don't use key words for variable or object names.


Single data type

A fundamental data type that holds single-precision floating-point numbers. A Single variable is stored as a 32-bit (4-byte) number ranging in value from -3.402823E38 to -1.401298E-45 for negative values, 0, and from 1.401298E-45 to 3.402823E38 for positive values. The type-declaration character is ! (ANSI character 33).


snapshot

A static image of a set of data, such as the records displayed as the result of a query, that you can't update. Snapshot-type Recordset objects can be created from a base table, a query, or another recordset.


standard deviation

A measure of the dispersion of a frequency distribution. It is equal to the square root of the variance.


statement

A syntactically complete unit that expresses one specific kind of operation, declaration, or definition. Usually, a statement consists of one line in a procedure or Declarations section. In most cases, however, you can include more than one statement on a line by separating the statements with a colon (:).


String data type

A fundamental data type that holds character information. A String variable can contain approximately 65,535 bytes (64K), is either fixed-length or variable-length, and contains one character per byte. Fixed-length strings are declared to be a specific length. Variable-length strings can be any length up to 64K, less a small amount of storage overhead. The type-declaration character is $ (ANSI character 36).


string comparison

The use of an operator to determine whether one string is greater than or equal to another string. If you use Option Compare Text in the Declarations section of a module, string comparisons are not case-sensitive. If you use Option Compare Binary, comparisons are case-sensitive. If you use Option Compare Database, the comparison method is set by the current database.


string expression

Any expression that evaluates to a sequence of contiguous characters. Elements of the expression can include a function that returns a string, a string literal, a string constant, a string variable, a string Variant, or a function that returns a string Variant (VarType 8).


Sub procedure

A procedure that carries out an operation. Unlike a Function procedure, a Sub procedure doesn't return a value. You declare a Sub procedure with the Sub key word and end it with an End Sub statement.


syntax error

An error in the grammatical structure of the code or expression. If syntax checking is enabled, errors are highlighted after you type a line and press ENTER.


system object

Database objects that are defined by the system, such as the table MSysIndexes, or by the user. You can create a system object by naming the object with USys as the first four characters in the object name. You can display or hide the system- and user-defined database objects by changing the setting of the Show System Objects check box on the View tab of the Options dialog box, available by clicking Options on the Tools menu.


Table object

A recordset variable that identifies a table opened using the DB_OPEN_TABLE option for the OpenRecordset method.

The following example opens the Customers table object.

Set MyRec = MyDB.OpenRecordset("Customers",DB_OPEN_TABLE)


type-declaration character

A character you can use as a suffix in a variable name to identify the data type of the variable. Type-declaration characters include % (Integer), & (Long), ! (Single), # (Double), @ (Currency), and $ (String). Variants and user-defined types do not have type-declaration characters.

Unless there is a Deftype statement in effect, an undeclared variable without a type-declaration character is a Variant type, which is the default data type.


two's complement

A type of base-2 notation used to represent positive and negative integers in which negative values are formed by complementing all bits and adding 1 to the result.


variable

A named storage location that can contain data that can be modified during program execution. Each variable has a name that uniquely identifies it within its level of scope. A data type can be specified or not.

Variable names:

•	Must begin with an alphabetic character.

•	Can't contain an embedded period or type-declaration character.

•	Must be unique within the same scope.

•	Must be no longer than 255 characters.


variance

The square of the standard deviation.


Variant

The default data type for variables that don't have type-declaration characters when a Deftype statement is not in effect. A Variant can store numeric, string, date/time, Null, or Empty data.

You can use the TypeName, VarType, IsEmpty, IsNull, IsNumeric, and IsDate functions to determine the underlying data type of a Variant. Variables of other data types convert automatically to a Variant.


bound column

The column in a list box or combo box that is bound to the field specified by the control's ControlSource property.


class module

A form or report module that contains a definition for a new custom object. Within a class module, user-defined procedures can become methods and properties for a custom object. The user can then create a new instance of this object and manipulate it by means of the properties and methods defined in the procedures within the class module.


class name

The name used to refer to a class module, which is a form or report module. In order to distinguish between form and report modules, the class name is prefaced with the type of module. For example, the class name for a module associated with a form called OrderForm would be Form_OrderForm, while one associated with a report called OrderReport would be Report_OrderReport.


conditional compiler constant

A Visual Basic identifier that is defined using the #Const compiler directive or defined in the host application, and used by other compiler directives to determine when or if certain blocks of Visual Basic code are compiled.


data item

An application-specific piece of data that can be transferred over a DDE channel.


DDE channel

An active link between Windows applications over which data can be exchanged.


Declarations section

The section of a module containing declarations that apply to every procedure in the module. It can include declarations for variables, constants, user-defined data types, and external procedures in a dynamic-link library. You can locate the Declarations section by clicking (declarations) in the Proc box.


echo

The action of Microsoft Access updating or repainting the screen while a macro is running. You can suspend the echo process by using the Echo action or the Echo method of the DoCmd object.


foreign table

A table that provides a foreign key to another table in the database. Generally, you use a foreign table to establish or enforce referential integrity. The foreign table is usually on the "many" side of a one-to-many relationship. An example of a foreign table is a table of state codes or customer orders.


form module

A module that includes code for all event procedures triggered by events occurring on a specific form or its controls. Additionally, a form module can contain other Sub or Function procedures that relate to the form. A form module is a type of class module.


global menu bar

A special custom menu bar that replaces the built-in menu bar in all windows in your application, except where you have specified a custom menu bar for a form or report.


instance

A new object created from a class definition. You must create an instance of the object and point an object variable to it in order to manipulate it in code.

To create a new instance of a form, declare an object variable using the New keyword, as in the following example.

Dim frm As Form_Orders


ODBC database

A database for which an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver that you can use for importing, attaching, or exporting data is supplied. Currently, Microsoft Access supplies ODBC drivers for Microsoft SQL Server databases. Other vendors may supply ODBC drivers for other types of databases. Contact the driver vendor to see if a particular ODBC driver has been tested and verified for use with Microsoft Access.


OLE Automation controller

An application, programming tool, or scripting language that can access and manipulate OLE Automation objects.


OLE Automation server

An application, type library, or other source that makes OLE Automation objects available to other applications, programming tools, or scripting languages.


private procedure

A Sub or Function procedure that has been declared as private by using the Private keyword in a Declare statement. Procedures that are private are accessible only to other procedures in the same module where the procedure is declared.


referenced database

The Microsoft Access database to which the user has established a reference from the current database. The user can create a reference to a database and then call procedures within standard modules in that database.


referencing database

The current Microsoft Access database from which the user has created a reference to another Microsoft Access database. The user can create a reference to a database and then call procedures within standard modules in that database.


report module

A module that includes code for all event procedures triggered by events occurring on a specific report or its controls. Additionally, a report module can contain other Sub or Function procedures that relate to the report. A report module is a type of class module.


selection rectangle

The rectangle formed by the currently selected rows (records) and columns (fields) within the Datasheet view.


SQL database

A database based on Structured Query language (SQL). You can use an ODBC driver to imprint, attach, or export data from an SQL database to Microsoft Access. Currently, Microsoft Access supplies ODBC drivers for Microsoft SQL Server databases. Other vendors may supply ODBC drivers for other types of databases. Contact the driver vendor to see if a particular ODBC driver has been tested and verified for use with Microsoft Access.


standard module

A module in which you can place Sub and Function procedures that you want to be available to other procedures throughout your database.


string delimiter

Text characters that set apart a string embedded within a string. Single quotation marks (') and double quotation marks (") are string delimiters.


type library

A file or a component within a file that contains information about an application's objects and their properties and methods. Object library files (.olb) contain type libraries.


user-defined object

A custom object defined in a form or report class module. In a class module, the user can create a set of procedures that will become the methods and properties for a new object. The user can then create a new instance of this object, and manipulate it with these properties and methods.


. (dot) operator

The . (dot) operator shows the relationship between collections, objects, and properties. The following expression refers to the Visible property of the Customers form.

Forms!Customers.Visible


default property

A property that you can set for a control, so each time a new control of that type is created, this property will have the same value.


call tree

All modules that might be called by any procedure in the module in which code is currently running.


transaction

A series of changes made to a database's data and schema. Mark the beginning of a transaction with the BeginTrans statement, commit the transaction using the CommitTrans statement, and undo all your changes since the BeginTrans statement using the Rollback statement.

There's an implicit transaction while action queries are running. If a query doesn't complete for any reason, it's automatically rolled back.

Transactions are optional and can be nested up to five levels. Transactions increase the speed of data changing operations and enable changes to be reversed easily.

Transactions are global to the referenced Database object's workspace.


aggregate function

A function, such as Sum, Count, Avg, or Var, that you use to calculate totals. You can select aggregate functions in the Total row of the query design grid. When you are writing expressions or programs, you can use SQL aggregate functions (including those listed above) and domain aggregate functions to determine various statistics.


calculated control

A control on a form or report that displays the result of an expression rather than stored data. The value is recalculated each time a value in the expression changes.

A calculated field is a field defined in a query that displays the result of an expression rather than stored data.


compound control

A control and an attached label; for example, a text box with an attached label.


delimited text file

A file containing values separated by commas, tabs, semicolons, or other characters.


exclusive

A type of access that protects data in a database shared over a network. When you open a database in exclusive mode, you prevent others from opening the database.


fixed-width text file

A file containing values arranged so that each field has a certain width.


group account

A collection of user accounts in a workgroup, identified by group name and personal identifier (PID). Permissions assigned to a group apply to all users in the group.


Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)

A standard protocol for accessing information in SQL database servers, such as Microsoft SQL Server. You can install ODBC drivers that enable Microsoft Access to connect to these SQL database servers and access the data in the SQL databases.


one-to-one relationship

An association between two tables in which:

•	The primary key value of each record in the primary table corresponds to the value in the matching field or fields of one and only one record in the related table.

•	The primary key value of each record in the related table corresponds to the value in the matching field or fields of one and only one record in the primary table.


one-to-many relationship

An association between two tables in which:

•	The primary key value of each record in the primary table corresponds to the value in the matching field or fields of many records in the related table.

•	The primary key value of each record in the related table corresponds to the value in the matching field or fields of one and only one record in the primary table.


personal identifier (PID)

A case-sensitive alphanumeric string 4 to 20 characters long that Microsoft Access uses in combination with the account name to identify a user or group in a Microsoft Access workgroup. You enter the PID and the account name when you create a new user or group.


read-only

A type of access to a database whereby you can view but not modify data and database objects. To open a database with read-only access, click the Commands And Settings button in the upper-right corner of the Open dialog box, and then click Open Read Only. You can also make a particular form or record read-only by setting the appropriate properties.


referential integrity

Rules that you follow to preserve the defined relationships between tables when you enter or delete records. If you enforce referential integrity, Microsoft Access prevents you from adding records to a related table when there is no associated record in the primary table, changing values in the primary table that would result in orphan records in a related table, and deleting records from the primary table when there are matching related records in a related table.

If you select the Cascade Update Related Fields or the Cascade Delete Related Records option for a relationship, Microsoft Access allows changes and deletions in the primary table, and changes or deletes related records in a related table to ensure that the rules are still enforced.


repaint

To redraw the screen. Repaint completes any pending screen updates.


secure workgroup

A Microsoft Access workgroup in which users log on with a user name and password and in which access to database objects is restricted according to permissions specified for user accounts and groups.


SQL string/statement

An expression that defines an SQL command, such as SELECT, UPDATE, or DELETE, and includes clauses such as WHERE and ORDER BY. SQL strings/statements are typically used in queries and in aggregate functions. They are also used as the record source for forms, reports, list boxes, and combo boxes if you use wizards to create these objects.


update

To accept changes to data in a record. The changes are saved in the database when you move to another record on a form or datasheet, or when you explicitly save the record.


user account

An account identified by a user name and personal identifier (PID) that is created to manage access to database objects in a Microsoft Access workgroup.


Zoom box

A box for entering expressions or text. The Zoom box is available in property sheets and in grid cells in table Design view, the Advanced Filter/Sort window, the Macro window, and Datasheet view.

To display the Zoom box, press SHIFT+F2, or click Zoom on the shortcut menu.


add-in

A Visual Basic procedure and any objects the procedure opens, which are stored in a database and can be added to or removed from the Microsoft Access user interface by using the Add-In Manager.

Some add-ins, such as Microsoft Access wizards, are installed with Microsoft Access. You can also create your own add-ins or buy them from third-party vendors.


Add-in Manager

A Microsoft Access tool that adds add-ins to and removes them from the Microsoft Access user interface. The Add-in Manager doesn't install or delete files from your hard disk; to do so, you must use the Setup program.

To use the Add-in Manager, point to Add-ins on the Tools menu, and then click Add-in Manager.


Build button
  Build button (toolbar)

  Build button (property sheet, dialog box)

A button on a toolbar, property sheet, or dialog box that you can click to start a builder that helps you perform a task, such as creating an expression or an event procedure.


builder

A Microsoft Access tool that simplifies a task. For example, you can quickly create a complex expression with the Expression Builder.


built-in toolbar

A toolbar that is part of Microsoft Access when it's installed on your computer. In contrast, a custom toolbar is one you create for your own application.

The built-in toolbars that appear by default in Microsoft Access windows vary depending on your task or the view in which you are working. You can add, remove, or change the position of buttons on a built-in toolbar.


cascade delete

For relationships enforcing referential integrity between tables, an option that causes the deletion of all related records in the related table or tables when a record in the primary table is deleted.


cascade update

For relationships enforcing referential integrity between tables, an option that causes a change in a record in the primary table to be automatically made to all related records in the related table or tables.


container application

An application that contains a linked or embedded OLE object from another application. For example, if an OLE object in a Microsoft Access database contains a Microsoft Excel worksheet, Microsoft Access is the container application.


custom toolbar

A toolbar that you create for your application. In contrast, a built-in toolbar is part of Microsoft Access when it's installed on your computer.

Custom toolbars appear only in the database in which they are created. If you want to use a custom toolbar in more than one database, put the toolbar in an add-in.


data-definition query

An SQL-specific query that can create, alter, or delete a table, or create or delete an index.


docked

Fixed to the top, bottom, or side of a Microsoft Access window. The toolbox and all toolbars can be docked.


external database

A database other than the one that is currently open. An external database can be used as the source of a table to be imported or linked, or as the destination for a table to be exported from the current database. An external database can also be the destination for a table that is the result of a make-table query based on a pass-through query.


floating

Able to move freely as its own window. A floating window is always on top. Built-in and custom toolbars, the toolbox, and the palette can float.


identifier

An element of an expression that refers to the value of a field, control, or property. For example, Forms![Orders]![OrderID] is an identifier that refers to the value in the OrderID control on the Orders form.

Identifiers can be presented in two ways: qualified or nonqualified. A qualified identifier, such as Forms![Orders]![Orders Subform].Form![UnitPrice], refers to the same data object within an active database regardless of the context. A nonqualified identifier, such as [Orders Subform].Form![UnitPrice], can refer to different data objects within an active database depending on the context.


in-place activation

Activation of an OLE object's source application from within a field or control. For example, a waveform audio (.wav) file contained in a control can be played by double-clicking the control. During in-place activation, the Microsoft Access menus and toolbars are replaced with the source application's menus and toolbars.


inner join

A join in which records from two tables are combined and added to a query's results only if the values of the joined fields meet a specified condition. For example, the default join between tables in query Design view is an inner join that selects records from both tables only when the values of the joined fields are equal.


input mask

A format you specify to assist data entry in a control or field. An input mask consists of literal display characters (such as parentheses, periods, or hyphens) and mask characters that specify where data is to be entered, what kind of data is allowed, and how many characters are allowed. The literal display characters in an input mask can optionally be stored as data.


many-only table

A table that can only be on the "many" side of a one-to-many relationship.


object application

An application that supplies a linked or embedded OLE object to another application. For example, if an OLE object in a Microsoft Access database contains a Microsoft Excel worksheet, Microsoft Excel is the object application. An object application is sometimes referred to as an OLE server.


OLE Automation

A technology that enables one application to control another application's objects from code.


point

A measure of font size equal to 1/72 of an inch, or about 1/28 of a centimeter.


Relationships window

A window in which you view, create, and modify relationships among tables and queries.


shortcut menu

A list of commands that is displayed when you click the right mouse button on a toolbar, property sheet, control, or other object. The commands listed depend on the object you click.


SQL-specific query

A query that can be created in Microsoft Access only by writing an SQL statement. Subqueries and pass-through, union, and data-definition queries are SQL-specific queries.


ToolTips

Brief descriptions of the names of buttons and boxes on toolbars and in the toolbox. A ToolTip is displayed when the mouse pointer rests on the button or combo box.


union query

An SQL-specific select query that combines corresponding fields from two or more tables or queries into one field.

For example, a union query of the Customers table and the Suppliers table results in a snapshot that contains all the specified records from both the Customers table and the Suppliers table.


verb

One of three operations, Edit, Run, or Play, that you activate by double-clicking an OLE object that is embedded in an object frame. For example, you double-click an embedded sound object to play that object. Double-clicking an embedded Windows Paint picture will run Paint and enable you to edit the picture.

The primary verb is the default action supported by the OLE object. When the object is activated, the primary verb will determine what occurs unless another verb has been set using the object's Verb property.


wizard

A Microsoft Access tool that asks you questions and creates an object according to your answers. For example, you can create tables, queries, forms, or reports using wizards.


Indexes window

A window in which you can view or edit a table's indexes, or create multiple-field indexes.


pass-through query

An SQL-specific query you use to send commands directly to an SQL database server (such as Microsoft SQL Server). With pass-through queries, you work with the tables on the server instead of linking the tables to your Microsoft Access database.


custom dialog box

A modal pop-up form you create to ask the user for additional information or to display a message.


Admin account

The default user account. When you install Microsoft Access, the Setup program automatically includes the Admin user account in the workgroup information file it creates. The Admin account is the same for every copy of Microsoft Access and for other applications, such as Microsoft Visual Basic, that use the Microsoft Jet database engine. By default, Microsoft Access automatically logs you on at startup using this account and gives you full permissions to database objects.


Admins group

The system administrator's group account that retains full permissions on all databases used by a workgroup. The Setup program automatically adds the default Admin user account to the Admins group. There must be at least one user in the Admins group at all times.


Advanced Filter/Sort window

A window in which you can create a filter from scratch. You enter criteria expressions in the filter design grid to restrict the records in the open form or datasheet to a subset of records that meet the criteria. You can also specify a sort order on one or more fields in the design grid.

To open the Advanced Filter/Sort window from Datasheet view or Form view, point to Filter on the Records menu and click Advanced Filter/Sort. To open the Advanced Filter/Sort window from the Filter By Form window, click Advanced Filter/Sort on the Filter menu.


application background

The background area of an application window. In Microsoft Access, this is the screen area behind the Database window or any other open windows, but contained within the Microsoft Access application window.


autoformat

A collection of formats that determines the appearance of the controls and sections in a form or report. You can apply an autoformat to a form or report by clicking  [image]  on the toolbar, or you can select an autoformat when you create a form or report with a wizard.


AutoNumber data type

A field data type that automatically stores a unique number for each record as it's added to a table. Three kinds of numbers can be generated: sequential (increment by 1), random, and Replication ID (used by the Replication Manager to ensure the integrity of data in replicated databases). Numbers generated by an AutoNumber field can't be deleted or modified.


  Close button

A button on the title bar that closes an application, a window, or a dialog box.


color square

A square that appears on the Back Color, Fore Color, and Border Color buttons on the Formatting toolbar and on the Back Color, Fore Color, and Gridline Color buttons on the Datasheet Formatting toolbar.

When you click a color in the palette for one of these buttons, Microsoft Access adds this color to the color square. If you want to apply the same color to another form or report element or to another datasheet, you can just click the color square; you don't have to open the palette again.


  Commands And Settings button

A button in the File Open dialog box that displays commands that you can use to specify how to list and search for files.


custom control

In addition to the built-in controls which appear in the toolbox, Microsoft Access supports custom controls. A custom control, like a built-in control, is an object that you insert on a form to enable or enhance a user's interaction with an application. The Calendar control is an example of a custom control.


Datasheet Formatting toolbar (Datasheet view)

A toolbar that you can display beneath the Table, Query, and Form Datasheet toolbars. It includes buttons to change characteristics of cells, including fonts, font sizes, font styles (bold, italic, and underlined), colors, gridlines, and special effects. If you choose to display this toolbar, it will automatically be docked beneath the datasheet toolbar, but you can drag it to create a floating toolbar.


default value

A value that is automatically entered in a field or control when a new record is added. You can accept the default value or type a new value over it. For example, in an address table you might set the default value for the City field to New York if most of the addresses are in New York. When users add records to the table, they can either accept this value or enter the name of a different city.


Design view

A window that shows the design of a table, query, form, report, macro, or module. In Design view, you can create new database objects and modify the design of existing ones.


Debug window

A window consisting of an Immediate pane and a Watch pane that you use to debug your Visual Basic code. You can use the Immediate pane to run individual lines of code. You can use the Watch pane to monitor the values of one or more expressions while debugging your code.


Filter By Form

A technique for filtering records that uses a version of the current form or datasheet with empty fields in which you can type the values you want the filtered records to contain.


Filter By Selection

A technique for filtering records that uses a value or part of a value selected in a form or datasheet field to find only records that either contain or don't contain that value.


form selector

The box where the rulers meet in form Design view. Click this box to select the form. Double-click this box to open the form's property sheet.

Note   If the form selector does not appear, click Ruler on the View menu.


format

Specifies how numbers, dates, times, and text are displayed and printed. Microsoft Access provides standard formats for the Number, Date/Time, and Yes/No data types. You can also create a user-defined format using formatting symbols. How the standard formats print and display depends on the country specified in the Regional Settings section of the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. For example, when you are using the Currency format, 1234.56 displays as $1,234.56 when you are using the English (United States) regional setting, but it displays as £1,234.56 when you are using the English (British) regional setting.


Formatting toolbar (form and report Design view)

A toolbar that is displayed beneath the Form and Report Design toolbars. It includes buttons to change characteristics of controls, including fonts, font sizes, font styles (bold, italic, and underlined), alignment, colors, borders, and special effects. By default, the Formatting toolbar is docked beneath the Form or Report Design toolbars, but you can drag it to create a floating toolbar.


  Help button

A toolbar button that you can click to get help on the next item you click. After you click the Help button, the mouse pointer changes to the question-mark pointer. Once you get help by clicking an item, the pointer returns to its original state.

The Help button is particularly useful for getting help on menu commands, toolbar buttons, toolbars, and screen regions. To get help on dialog box options, click  [image]  in the title bar of the dialog box.

Note   Double-clicking the Help button opens the Answer Wizard, which gives you access to additional help.


image control

A control you use to add a picture to a form or report. For example, you could use an image control for a logo on an invoice report.

Control   	Tool


import

To copy data from a text file, spreadsheet, or database table into a Microsoft Access table. You can use the imported data to create a new table or you can append (add) it to a preexisting table with a matching data structure. You can also import database objects from a Microsoft Access database to another open database.


import/export specification

Stores the information Microsoft Access needs to import or export a fixed-width or delimited text file. For a fixed-width file, the specification contains the name you want to assign to a field, its data type, its starting position (column) in the file, and its width. For a delimited text file, the specification stores the field and text delimiter. Both kinds of specifications also store the file's type (Windows [ANSI] or MS-DOS text), and its date, time, and number format. An import/export specification is generated by running the Text Import or the Text Export Wizard, and is stored in the database you import to or export from.


link (tables)

To establish a connection to data from another application so that you can view and edit the data in both the original application and in Microsoft Access. You can also link tables from other Microsoft Access databases so you can use them without opening the other database. In previous versions of Microsoft Access, this process was referred to as attaching.


Lookup field

A field that displays one of the following types of lists:

•	A list that looks up data from an existing table or query. You can select a value in the list to store in the field. Any updates to the table or query are reflected in the list.

•	A list that stores a fixed set of values that won't change. You can select a value in the list to store in the field.


main form

A form that contains one or more subforms.


many-to-many relationship

In a many-to-many relationship between two tables, one record in either table can relate to many records in the other table. To establish a many-to-many relationship, you need to create a third (junction) table and add the primary key fields from each of the other two tables to this table. The Order Details table in the Northwind sample database is an example of a junction table used to establish a many-to-many relationship between the Orders table and the Products table.


modeless

A window or form state. With a modeless form, you can click in any other window without closing the form.


move handle

The large, solid square in the upper-left corner of a selected control that you drag to move the control to a new position. If the control is a compound control (for example, a text box and its related label), dragging the move handle of one part of the compound control moves that part of the control independently of the other part.


Navigation mode

The mode in which an entire field is selected and the insertion point is not visible. In Navigation mode, you can move between fields by using the arrow keys.


  New Object button

A button on the toolbar that you can click from any window to create a new database object of any type. The graphic on the button changes depending on which object you last selected.


ODBC data source

Data and the information needed to access that data from programs and databases that support the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft SQL Server. For example, a SQL Server data source is the SQL Server database, the server on which it resides, and the network information required to access that server. The information required to define an ODBC data source varies depending on the requirements of its ODBC driver. You must create a data source definition for each ODBC database you want to import from, export to, or link to Microsoft Access.


owner

When security is being used, the user account that has control over a database or database object. By default, the user account that created a database or database object is the owner. Group accounts can't own databases, but can own database objects, in which case all members of that group own the object. An account that owns an object has irrevocable permissions for that object and can assign permissions for that object; an account that owns a database can always open that database.


PivotTable

An interactive worksheet table that quickly summarizes large amounts of data using a format and calculation methods you choose. It is called a PivotTable because you can rotate its row and column headings around the core data area to give you different views of the source data.

To create a PivotTable, click the arrow next to the New Object button, and then click New Form.

Note   When the PivotTable Wizard creates a PivotTable, the PivotTable is placed in an unbound object frame.


  plus pointer

The pointer that appears when you move the pointer to the left edge of a field in a datasheet. When the plus pointer appears, you can click to select the entire field.


primary table

The "one" side of two related tables in a one-to-many relationship. The primary table should have a primary key and each record should be unique. For example, in the Northwind sample database, the Categories table has a single record for each product category (beverages, condiments, and so on), whereas the Products table has many records for products in each category. In the relationship between the Categories and Products tables, the Categories table is the primary table and the Products table is the related table.


product

The number or expression resulting from multiplying two or more numbers or expressions.


  Query Type button

A button on the Query Design toolbar that lists the types of queries you can create in the query design grid. The button displays the type of query that's currently active. To change to a different type of query, click the arrow next to the button, and then click the type of query you want.


quotient

The number resulting from dividing one number by another.


related table

The table containing the foreign key in a relationship. Most commonly, the "many" side of a relationship in a one-to-many relationship. For example, in the Northwind sample database, the Products table contains the CategoryID field as a foreign key used to establish a relationship with the Categories table. The Products table can have many records for each product category listed in the Categories table. In the relationship between the Products and Categories tables, the Products table is the related table and the Categories table is the primary table.


report selector

The box where the rulers meet in report Design view. Click this box to select the report. Double-click this box to open the report's property sheet.

Note   If the report selector does not appear, click Ruler on the View menu.


section selector

The box to the left of a section bar in form or report Design view. Click this box to select the section. Double-click this box to open the section's property sheet.

Note   If the section selector does not appear, click Ruler on the View menu.


shortcut

A feature of Windows 95 that allows you to quickly open documents or programs by double-clicking an icon. A shortcut icon specifies a link to a program or document. Shortcut icons can be placed on the desktop or in folders, or they can be added to the Start menu.


Snap To Grid

A tool that you can use to align new or existing controls to the grid in forms or reports.


stored procedure

One or more SQL statements that can accept user-declared variables, conditional execution, and other control-flow statements, and that reside on a server.


subquery

An SQL SELECT statement inside another select or action query. You can use a subquery as an expression in a field cell, or to define criteria for a field.


Table window

A window in which you work with tables in Design view or Datasheet view.


unbound form or report

A form or report that isn't connected to a table, query, or SQL statement. (The form's or report's RecordSource property is blank.) A dialog box is an example of an unbound form.


unique index

An index defined by setting a field's Indexed property to Yes (No Duplicates). A unique index will not allow duplicate entries in the indexed field. Setting a field as the primary key automatically designates the field as a unique index.


universal naming convention (UNC)

The standard format for paths that include a network file server:

\\server\share\path\filename


user-defined function

A custom function that you can use in place of an expression. For example, if you repeatedly use the same expression in forms, reports, or queries, you might want to create a custom function that calculates that expression and then use the function in place of the expression.


user-level security

The most powerful and flexible form of security used in Microsoft Access. When using user-level security, a database administrator or object's owner grants specific permissions on the objects (tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules) in a database to individual users and groups of users. Different users can have different permissions on the same objects. Users are verified when they start Microsoft Access and log on with their user name and password. A user is also identified as a member of one or more groups at this time. After logging on, every time a user performs an action, Microsoft Access checks to see if the user, or any of the groups of which the user is a member, has permission to perform that action.


Users group

The group account that contains all user accounts. Microsoft Access automatically adds user accounts to the Users group when you create them. By default, this account has full permissions on all newly created objects. Part of the process of creating a secure database involves revoking selected permissions for members of the Users group.


  View button

A button located at the far left of the toolbar in the Table, Query, Form, and Report windows. You can click the button to change to the view displayed by the picture on the button, or you can click the arrow next to the button to display a list of different views to choose from. The list of views displayed depends on whether you're in a Table, Query, Form, or Report window. For example, if you click the View button in a Form window, it looks like this:

For forms, the views that are available in the list depend on the settings specified for the DefaultView and ViewsAllowed properties. For example, if you disable Datasheet view through the ViewsAllowed property, Datasheet view appears dimmed in the list.


watch expression

An expression you define in the Watch pane of the Debug window to be monitored while you are debugging Visual Basic code. When execution of your code is suspended, you can observe the values of the watch expressions you specify as you step through the code.


Watch pane

A pane of the Debug window displayed above the Immediate pane that shows the current values of watch expressions while code is running. The Watch pane is displayed only if you have specified a watch expression.


  What's This button

A button in a dialog-box title bar that you can click to get help on items in the dialog box. After you click the What's This button, the mouse pointer changes to the question-mark pointer. You can then click an item to get help on it.

Note   You can add your own What's This button to your forms and reports by using the WhatsThisButton property.


What's This tip

A tip that appears beside a control, screen region, menu command, or toolbar button. To display a What's This tip, click  [image]  on the toolbar or  [image]  in the dialog box's title bar and then click the item you want help on. You can also display What's This tips by clicking an item with the right mouse button and then clicking What's This? on the shortcut menu.

Note   You can create your own What's This tips for your applications.


workgroup ID (WID)

A case-sensitive alphanumeric string 4 to 20 characters long that you enter when creating a new workgroup information file with the Workgroup Administrator. The WID ensures that a workgroup information file can be recreated only by someone who knows the name, organization, and WID that was entered when the file was originally created.


workgroup information file

A file, which Microsoft Access reads upon starting up, that contains information about the users in a workgroup. This information includes users' account names, their passwords, and the groups of which they are members. Preference information (specified in the Tools Options dialog box) is also stored for each user. If you have not explicitly joined a workgroup for security purposes, this file contains only your preference information.

Note   In previous versions of Microsoft Access, this file was named System.mda and was sometimes referred to as the system database.


Glossary

A

access key action action argument action list action query action row add-in Add-in Manager Add To Favorites button Admin account Admins group Advanced Filter/Sort window aggregate function alias American National Standards Institute	American Standard Code for Information Interchange ANSI character set append query application background Application Note argument array ASCII character set asterisk autoformat automatic link AutoNumber data type
B

Binary mode bit mask bitmap Bookmark Boolean bound control	bound object frame breakpoint Build button builder built-in toolbar
C

calculated control calculated field caption cascade delete cascade update cascading event case-sensitive cell channel number chart check box class name Clipboard Close button Code Builder collection Color Builder color square column column selector combo box command button	command line Commands And Settings button commit comparison operator compile time compound control conditional expression connection string constant container application continuous form control Control menu criteria crosstab query Currency data type current database current record custom control custom dialog box custom toolbar
D

data access object data type database database objects Database window data-definition query datasheet Datasheet Formatting toolbar (Datasheet view) Datasheet view DDE Debug window debugging Declarations section default control style default value delete query	delimited text file design grid Design view Design view -- forms Design view -- queries Design view -- reports Design view -- tables detail section (forms) detail section (reports) disabled field DLL docked domain domain aggregate function Double data type dynamic data exchange dynamic-link library
E

embed Empty equi-join event event procedure event property	exclusive expression Expression Builder external database external table
F

field Field Builder field data types field list field selector filter Filter By Form Filter By Selection fixed-width text file floating focus font foreign key	form form footer form header form module form properties form selector Form view Form window format Formatting toolbar (form and report Design view) function Function procedure
G

global level global variable grid group account	group footer group header group level
H-I

handle Help button icon identifier image control Immediate pane import import/export specification index	Indexes window indicator inner join in-place activation input mask insertion point installable ISAM Integer data type intrinsic constant
J-L

join keyboard handler key word label Layout Preview left outer join library database line link (OLE/DDE) link (tables) linked table	list box list index literal locked logic error Long data type Look In Favorites button Lookup field
M

macro Macro Builder macro group Macro window main form make-table query manual link many-only table many-to-many relationship measurement system Memo data type Memo object menu menu bar menu bar macro Menu Builder message metafile method	Microsoft Access object Microsoft Access window Microsoft Download Service Microsoft Jet database engine Microsoft Knowledge Base The Microsoft Network Microsoft Software Library modal modeless module module level Module window move handle multiuser (shared) database
N-O

navigation buttons Navigation mode New Object button normalize Null null field Number data type numeric expression object object application Object data type object-naming rules ODBC ODBC Connection String Builder OLE	OLE Automation OLE Automation object OLE/DDE link OLE object OLE Object data type one-to-many relationship one-to-one relationship Open Database Connectivity operator option button option group outer join owner
P

page page break page footer (forms) page footer (reports) page header (forms) page header (reports) palette parameter query parse pass-through query permissions personal identifier (PID) Picture Builder PivotTable	pixel plus pointer point point size pop-up form preview primary key primary table Print Preview procedure product property property sheet
Q

query Query Builder query parameter data types Query Type button	Query window question mark pointer quotient
R

RAM disk read-only record record number box record selector recordset rectangle recursive referential integrity refresh related table relationship Relationships window repaint	report report footer report header report module report selector Report window requery result set right outer join row selector ruler run time run-time error
S

section section properties section selector secure workgroup security select query self-join separator session shared database shortcut shortcut menu Single data type single stepping sizing handle Snap To Grid snapshot sort order Sorting And Grouping box source SQL	SQL-specific query SQL string/statement SQL view standard deviation statement status bar stored procedure string string comparison String data type string expression Structured Query Language Sub procedure subform subform/subreport control submenu subquery subreport syntax error system object
T

tab order table table properties Table window text box Text data type text query (Microsoft Knowledge Base) title bar toggle button	toolbar toolbox ToolTips topic totals query transaction twip two's complement type-declaration character
U-V

unbound control unbound form or report unbound object frame union query unique index universal naming convention (UNC) update update query user account user-defined function user-level security	Users group validation validation rule variable variance Variant variable data type verb view View button Visual Basic for applications
W-Z

watch expression Watch pane What's This button What's This tip WHERE clause wizard workgroup	workgroup ID (WID) workgroup information file Yes/No data type zero-length string Zoom box