Should I Learn MS Access in the AI Era?

[SachAccess]

Maybe it’s time you start using Access. But I recommend checking the latest Stack Overflow survey, where they list the most used technologies. The MS Access/VBA stack usually ranks around 30th, and that’s been consistent. Keep an eye on the 2025 survey coming out in a few months, if it drops lower, it might be worth considering another tech stack.

Thanks a lot. I was not aware of such survey.

 

[GPGeorge]

My only regret is that kids don't understand the validity of signatures on contracts. My youngest grandson reads and writes in cursive only because his grandma practically taught him with a frying pan in one hand as incentive.

We might have had an ancestor in common, but mine used a thimble on her index finger as a "reminder".

 

[Jason Lee Hayes]

The choice to use MS Access ultimately depends on your initial purpose. If your goal is financial gain, MS Access may not be the ideal solution. However, if your focus is on fulfilling specific database requirements, platforms like Caspio might be worth considering. Personally, if I were starting from scratch, MS Access wouldn't be my first choice for various reasons.

If I were to dive into learning a programming language for database creation, I'd consider SQL first. It's the foundation for interacting with most relational databases, and knowing SQL would give you the ability to work with database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Microsoft SQL Server.

For more versatility, learning Python would be an excellent choice. Python not only supports database creation and management with libraries like SQLite, SQLAlchemy, and pandas, but it also integrates well with various data analysis and web development tools.

Languages like Java or C# are worth exploring if you're focusing on enterprise-level applications that require robust database integration.

 

[Edgar_]

That list compares database engines, NOT software development platforms. So it is NOT Access, it is Jet/ACE they are talking about.

That list was generated based on the following survey question:

Which database environments have you done extensive development work in over the past year, and which do you want to work in over the next year? (If you both worked with the database and want to continue to do so, please check both boxes in that row.)

The list we'd like Access to appear in is Other frameworks and libraries, but Access isn't even there, sadly.

The lists are attached.

By the way, the survey includes enough data to make an informed decision about AI and how it's being used right now by professionals and enthusiasts in general. Here's the section.

AI | 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey

survey.stackoverflow.co

 

[Edgar_]

I mean, just go to the survey, there is a wealth of data to make an informed decision about AI and what to learn.

Benefits of AI tools

Accuracy of AI tools

AI tools' ability for complex tasks

AI in the development workflow

 

[Edgar_]

Well, let's say it's complicated. Access does not have it easy. But those who learned it know it can do lots of things very well, despite doing a few things really bad.

 

[LarryE]

I am thinking about learning MS Access, but I have doubts because of the rise of AI. AI can now write complex queries, process data instantly, and provide high-speed results based on simple prompts. Given this, I’m wondering—is it still worth learning MS Access?

My concern is that by the time I become skilled, AI will be 10 times better and faster than me. I don’t want to give up learning due to fear of AI, but I also don’t want to invest time in something that might become outdated.

How do I convince myself that learning MS Access is still valuable? Have experts here faced similar doubts? Would love to hear real experiences rather than just relying on AI-generated answers.

Looking forward to your insights! Please help with your valuable inputs if you get time.

Do not bother. AI is just another passing fad, just like home computers. It will never be popular or even understandable by the regular person.

 

[SachAccess]

Do not bother. AI is just another passing fad, just like home computers. It will never be popular or even understandable by the regular person.

I saw a video on LinkedIn yesterday, saying coding will be over in next 12 months due to AI. I do not believe the time period but am concerned about the perceived threat.

 

[GPGeorge]

I saw a video on LinkedIn yesterday, saying coding will be over in next 12 months due to AI. I do not believe the time period but am concerned about the perceived threat.

Someone has been drinking the Kool-Aid of AI. I get it, though.

Human Code Monkeys will no longer be needed. AI Code Monkeys will take their place.

Software design and development itself? Not so much.

 

[Jon]

I see AI as a lever. Over time, as AI gets better and better, the lever gets longer and longer. Eventually, a mere gust of wind will be enough to lift a mountain. After that, AI will be using the lever and we all become couch potatoes.

 

[AccessBlaster]

Without the architect, the construction worker has no purpose. It's symbiotic, without YOU the program has no form, you are the designer of the application the vision comes from the human element not the AI.

 

[LarryE]

I see AI as a lever. Over time, as AI gets better and better, the lever gets longer and longer. Eventually, a mere gust of wind will be enough to lift a mountain. After that, AI will be using the lever and we all become couch potatoes.

Maybe, but AI engineers have been known to delete themselves. And remain unrecoverable!

 

[GPGeorge]

AI's can't actually think as a human can think. All they know is what they have seen done before. I've known a lot of programmers like that. My husband and I used to joke about Dick, who was a very nice person but had the same 2 years of experience 10 times and so was barely better than a trainee so no one wanted him on their team. He was undesirable because he didn't have the ability to conceive something he had never seen before and so was only useful for trivial tasks. When AI's can actually think, humans will be redundant and only then.

As I said before somewhere, AI Code Monkeys might replace Human Code Monkeys, but the people who tell them what to do are safe.

 

[DickyP]

I just agree with Terry Pratchett in 'Hogfather'.

"Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time."

 

[DickyP]

young generation is not able to read an analog watch, because every recent watch is digital.

I would argue that if they can't read an analogue watch they can't actually tell the time!

To teach analogue tme is a matter of minutes - it's , by definition, a picture of reality. A digital watch / clock is just numbers.

After your original post I didn't reply immediately but first did a little practical research. In my town 60% of all public clocks are still analogue and a larger percentage of all the watches on sale in the major stores.

Lastly how do explain what a digital time is without an analogue description? The answer is you can't.

 

[AccessBlaster]

When a digital clock breaks, it's just rubbish; but when an analog clock breaks, it's right twice a day.

 

[Mark_]

When a digital clock breaks, it's just rubbish; but when an analog clock breaks, it's right twice a day.

But the broken digital clock could always be telling you how long until NOW!

 

[Mike Krailo]

Watches might make a comeback in all the schools that are banning the use of cell phones during school hours. Ain't it great? Invest in watches and learning Access.

I'm glad I jumped onto the Access learning train yeas ago, but I would still learn it all over again if I had to.

 

[KitaYama]

To teach analogue tme is a matter of minutes - it's , by definition, a picture of reality. A digital watch / clock is just numbers.

For you maybe. but not for someone who has born in a digital world. What does it mean "a picture of reality" or "just numbers"? Time is a number. How long has been passed since 0:00.

In my town 60% of all public clocks are still analogue and a larger percentage of all the watches on sale in the major stores.

I didn't talk about your town. I don't know where you live. I talked about what's started to happen world wide. Your town may be too old fashion.
But since you're from UK (I assume) here some for UK news:

Schools are throwing out analog clocks because kids can't read them

Some schools in the U.K. are reportedly ditching traditional analog clocks because students aren't able to tell time during tests.

www.today.com

U.K. schools getting rid of analog clocks because teens "cannot tell time"

Schools in the U.K. have decided to remove analog clocks because smartphone-dependent teens can't read them, a teacher's union said

www.cbsnews.com

Schools are removing analogue clocks from exam halls as teenagers 'cannot tell the time'

Schools are removing analogue clocks from examination halls because teenagers are unable to tell the time, a head teachers’ union has said.

www.telegraph.co.uk

British Schools Are Removing Analog Clocks From Classrooms Because Kids Can't Read Them

British school officials have begun removing traditional clocks from exam halls as students have been complaining that they can't read them

people.com

Or do Google : schools are removing analogue clocks

Lastly how do explain what a digital time is without an analogue description? The answer is you can't.

I really am failing to understand your point. Digital time? What is digital time?
A clock or a watch is a device to show the time. Different types of clocks use different methods.
Measuring Time existed from the beginning and man kind has created different devices from several thousands years ago to describe it.
It didn't start with an analogue clock with two or three hands and surely it won't stop with it.

Here's different types from ancient methods:

1. Sundial – Uses the shadow of a gnomon (a stick or triangular piece) cast by the sun to indicate the time.
2. Water Clock (Clepsydra) – Measures time by the regulated flow of water from one container to another. Used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
3. Hourglass (Sand Clock) – Uses sand flowing from an upper chamber to a lower one to measure fixed time intervals.
4. Candle Clock – A candle marked with intervals burns at a steady rate, showing time as it melts.
5. Incense Clock – A timed-burning incense stick with markers for timekeeping, used in China and Japan.
6. Obelisk – Large stone pillars used by the Egyptians that functioned as giant sundials.
7. Nocturnal (Star Clock) – A device used to tell time at night by measuring the position of stars.
8. Oil Lamp Clock – Similar to candle clocks, these measured time by the steady consumption of oil in a lamp.

Evolution of Clocks:

• First mechanical clock was invented in late 13th century.
• First clocks with hands was introduced from late 14th and first 15th century.
• Minute hand was added in late 16th century and improved its accuracy in 1577 by Jost Bürgi
• Second hand was introduced in 1680s as a result of better gear mechanisms being available.
• The modern-style analogue clock, with clear hour and minute hands moving smoothly around a 12-hour dial, was widely used by the 17th century and became common in homes by the 18th century.

Do your really think this evolution will stop with our current clocks and won't change in future? If your answer is yes, then I have nothing more to say.

 

[jdraw]

Future clock may already be designed.
Nuclear Clock