Auto numbering.....again
- Thread starter Red Devil
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It is but I wouldn't recommend it
The main reason people want to do it is for some kind of invoice or sequential number, the only problem is, as you play with the database and delete test records, your numbers will jump up in stages. It will be forever a headache.
Please consider looking at more programmatic way to add 1 to the previous max number in the table.
The main reason people want to do it is for some kind of invoice or sequential number, the only problem is, as you play with the database and delete test records, your numbers will jump up in stages. It will be forever a headache.
Please consider looking at more programmatic way to add 1 to the previous max number in the table.
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Rabbie
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Access only guarantees that autonumbers will be unique in a table. they should only be used as a primary key without any other meaning. If you want an invoice number then calculate it as DMax(existinginvoice,...) + 1. You can start this from any convenient starting point.
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If the value of the number has meaning to you before the fact of creating it, then it should not be an autonumber.
The only valid meaning I've EVER found for an autonumber - outside of its value as a guaranteed unique value suitable as a prime key - is when AFTER the fact of creation, you report the autonumber as a validation code or confirmation number. (Like what you see on a bank or sales transaction done online.) Any other time, an autonumber probably should have no meaning. if you need it to start somewhere, it has SOME meaning.
The only valid meaning I've EVER found for an autonumber - outside of its value as a guaranteed unique value suitable as a prime key - is when AFTER the fact of creation, you report the autonumber as a validation code or confirmation number. (Like what you see on a bank or sales transaction done online.) Any other time, an autonumber probably should have no meaning. if you need it to start somewhere, it has SOME meaning.
