Lost-How to search forms

[dfisch8]

I am using access to create a dictionary of terms, using two fields: “term”
and “definition.” The data type for the term is text and memo for definition
(so I can use an unlimited number of characters).

I created a query to search the terms and pull up the definition; however,
it is not very “visually friendly” when the term comes up and it is hard to
read a longer definition as the text continues on one line.

For that reason, I wanted to create the same search function; however,
instead of the term coming up in the table, have it come up in a form (since
those can be presented much nicer). Is their any easy way to do this so I do not have to set it up each time (as this will be used by many other people who have no clue how to use access).

Thanks for your help and advice.

 

[trucktime]

Search

There are some nice example db's around containing search functions.
Please search the Forum.

 

[dfisch8]

I did and had no luck.

 

[godofhell]

Here is a search database that I have created that allows you to see how the search fields work. Note that you can use the same form simply change the sub form from datashee view to Single Form view to get the effect you are trying to achieve.

 

[dfisch8]

Thanks for your help. I spent a few hours trying to apply some of functions of your access file to mine with no luck. What I am basically trying to do is create a form that when I click on it a box will pop up, allowing me to enter a term and search for it's definition (by pressing a search button). Additionaly, I would not like the definition to show up in a table view. I hope I am coming across clear. I have attached the access document I am working with and was hoping you lend me some additional help. I am new at access and I feel like this is a little beyond me. Thanks!

 

[The_Doc_Man]

What you need to do is create a form. With the control wizards enabled, create a combo box. The wizard will ask you what you wanted to do with the combo box. You have choices: Store the value, lookup a value and store that, or FIND A RECORD.

Obviously, you want the latter.

Then, once the record is found, what you store for a definition - and how you display said definition - are your call.

 

[godofhell]

dfisch8, I have modified your database so that you have 2 different ways to implement your search.

1. You get the popup box, select a Term from the list, and the definition shows up on a seperate popup form. I added the search button on the search popup form but I like triggering the search the moment the next term is selected. If you want the user to use the Search button just remove the After Update event on the Dropdown list. I opted to provide a dropdown list instead of a text box since having a text box will not let the user know what terms are already listed. Having it this way as the user types in the search the term will be found and they can click the search button to trigger the search. It provides the benifit of a text box but the control of a list. I wrote code to close the Definition form when the search form is closed.

2. You use the Master Search form I created where the search and the results are in the same page. I prefer this setup better since it keeps things in 1 form and there is not need to have the user move of the page or close indivual forms. You can convert this form to a popup box if you like so that it opens on top of other forms you might create.