new to VB and just a few simple questions

[buratti]

I have no practical application that I need help with but just a few questions on function of VB. I am obviously new to VB programming, but I have used VBA in many ways in my Access databases (although in no way an expert in VBA though).

My first question is, well I figured out how to link to other databases, but can you store your own data tables when creating a vb application? If it is possible, I understand that probably in many cases it would be unpractical to do so and linking would be the way to go, but then that would bring up my next question...

Lets just say I were to recreate one of my Access databases in VB (I plan on doing so BTW, but just for sake of learning), linking to the original Access tables. When I distribute my application, do those computers need Access installed anyway? For example, lets say I create a "tables only" db in access, then transfer that .mdb file to a PC (or server) that DOES NOT have Access installed, I also copy my VB app to workstations WITHOUT Access but linking to that .mdb file. Would that work? Or what would be the correct way accommodate the scenario of not having Access installed?

A different question is when assigning different references when designing your app in VB, when you put your app on a different PC, how does it work if those references ARE NOT available on those PC's. Is there any way to include them when compiling an .EXE

Thanks for answers. There is no need for detailed explanation for these questions yet (unless you want to). When the time comes, I may repost for detailed explanations.

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

do those computers need Access installed anyway?.

MS Access is not required...

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

I think you should consider learning VB.Net as opposed to learning just VB.

 

[buratti]

I think you should consider learning VB.Net as opposed to learning just VB.

thanks... what is really the difference between the 2? what can be done in one that cant be done in the other??

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

When you say VB I am assuming you mean VB6.

It is said that it takes about 10 years to learn programming properly. I think a certain amount of skill is transferable, but you still have to do your 10 years! VB & VBA are on the way out, they have been superseded by VB.Net, and the other net technologies, which are all linked to the .net framework.

 

[DCrake]

Question 1

Lets just say I were to recreate one of my Access databases in VB (I plan on doing so BTW, but just for sake of learning), linking to the original Access tables. When I distribute my application, do those computers need Access installed anyway? For example, lets say I create a "tables only" db in access, then transfer that .mdb file to a PC (or server) that DOES NOT have Access installed, I also copy my VB app to workstations WITHOUT Access but linking to that .mdb file. Would that work? Or what would be the correct way accommodate the scenario of not having Access installed?

Answer

The main difference is that in VB you will be working primarily with unbound forms. Access does not need to be installed on either the server or the local workstation. You are only accessing the Jet Engine not the Access Interface.


Question 2

A different question is when assigning different references when designing your app in VB, when you put your app on a different PC, how does it work if those references ARE NOT available on those PC's. Is there any way to include them when compiling an .EXE

Answer

When you compile the project into an .exe the next step is to use the Package and Deployment Wizard (PDW) to bundle all the mdb's, exe's, ocx's, etc together. This then creates a setup file. This is then deployed either via a CD or accross a network. The PDW then unbundles all the components into the relevant folders and sub folders as defined when it was bundled.