I am very new to Access. I have always used Visual dBase 5.6. for all of my database needs. But we are recognizing that times are changing and it may be time for some updating. In dBase, I have my command window where I can use a table, browse a table, set indexes and do replaces. Is Visual Basic kind of the same?? Would I have the same capabilities that I have/had in dbase as far as the command window? I know VdB is pretty old, but I was always able to understand it as far as the language and code of the various programs we use. Any help would be appreciated.

Heather

The best way to answer this question is for you to try out Access. It handles table design, indexes, primary keys, composite keys, etc.

For a clearer question, you should try out Access first, and then post back with questionsfor things you couldn't find. By that, I mean you know everything you can do in dBase. See what you can recreate in Access, and for the parts you get stuck on (can't find it in Access, etc.), ask and you'll get an answer.

We have gotten a few books that I am going to work through to get more familiar with Access. I should have been a little more clear. Does Access have a command prompt where I can do some of the functions I mentioned above? I haven't been able to find anything on it.

I do agree though I need to check it out a little further, that was a pretty broad question. Most here seem really helpful and knowlegeable. I am sure it won't be too hard to figure stuff out.

Thanks,

Heather

There's not really a command prompt or CLI, per se, but this is 2007, not 1991. ;)

The immediate window (Ctrl-G) sort of provides some of that functionality, but the Access interface is much more graphical. You can still do straight SQL in you like (and sometimes have to, like with data definition and pass-through queries). You can actually use code to create tables and queries and forms and such, although it's goofy to do it that way in Access, not to mention a pain to maintain.

The best way to do it is to install Access and start playing around. You should see a lot of things that seem familiar (Tables, Queries, etc.) and perhaps some things hat aren't familiar. Access 2007 is different enough from Access 2000/2002/2003 that I'm having to "relearn" pieces of it (almost all interface pieces). However, I can figure it out by reverting between the two versions.

If you can install Access on the same machine where you have dBase, the alt-tabbing between the two will help a lot.

Sorry I jumped in on this message. An employee had used my password, as I requested, to send this thread. I will have her get a password.

The first thing I did on reading this message: Contol "G". For sure, we all feel a bit safer with the command prompt. It's our security blanket. I'm sure in time we will not have much use for it as you stated. From what I have seen of the program I'm impressed. I thought Excell was amazing, that’s what got me to Access2007. I waited a long time to make this jump from dbase. We’ve been a jump up from DOS for years with thousands of hours invested in programming.

Thanks for the help. Where is the scale so I can do it right. On the right???

Bob
:)