Converting

[hstreff]

I hope this is the correct place to post this.

We currently use dBase for all our databases and programming. We were curious how difficult it would be to start converting everything over to VBA. Or if VBA is even the right route to take. We may be way off...

Just from poking around in Access I am thinking it will do what I need. It has a ton of capabilities.

Can anyone offer some insight on how difficult it may or may not be to convert from dBase to Access? Obviously I would need to find someone who is familiar with both.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Or if someone could point me in the proper direction for an answer, that would be great as well.

Heather

 

[deBassMan]

dbase -> Access

hi there

first - wow - I'm surprised ANYONE still uses dbase!!!

I used to write a lot of scripts in good ol' dBase - but I'm talking late '80's.

The flavour I used to use was dbXL - which was like dbase on steroids but still required reams of code to achieve - well, not very much actually.

When MS Access 2 came along I grabbed it with both hands - immediately realising that at last here was a tool I could use to create fast, powerful business apps with relational tables, attractive forms and meaningful reports. Best of all, when designed right, the app could be readily expandable. When I subsequently embraced VBA - I had the power to make it sing & dance.

However your question relates to moving from dBase to Access.
If you've never used a modern relational database management system it will be a 'sea change' for you.

You can rapidly master the first level of using Access (there are wizards to guide you), you can import your existing data and you'll be away.

However to design and create a fast, robust, expandable, multi-user business app is a different prospect and takes much dedication and experience.

Whilst Access is an excellent tool for workgroup-based applications, I'm currently tending to move away from Access to browser-based applications using technologies like PHP, MySQL, AJAX. These offer global availability which many of my clients increasingly request.

I still teach and develop in Access but the World moves on ...

good luck