Programming with MS Access

CuriosityKilled

Background: I'm currently working with a piece of Stock Control software and for some reason I've a desire to write a little program that would recreate some of its basic functions just to get a better understanding of what is happening in the background. In the past I did know a bit of C and Java but haven't used the skills in a couple of years.

I intend on designing a database and want a front end to allow user interaction. I know I could just use the forms etc in Access itself but I'm looking for a challenge and to get back and relearn some of the programming skills I once had.
What programming language would people recommend using to interact with Access databases. Speed would be key as the sql queries would be on very large product tables.

I could be showing huge naivety in thinking I have the knowledge or skills to attempt this so any pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated.

bonkey

CuriosityKilled wrote:

What programming language would people recommend using to interact with Access databases. Speed would be key as the sql queries would be on very large product tables.

At the risk of pointing out the obvious....

Whatever language you write the app in will have absolutely no effect on how fast your SQL queries run against the database....even for a file-based DB like Access. They may determine how fast the returned results can be visualised, but thats a seperate issue.

What will impact your performance is how well you've designed your DB (e.g. table indexes etc.), and how well you've written your queries (if they're non-trivial).

Oh - and I'd be curious to know what you consider "very large". For me, thats into the hundreds of thousands of rows...and - TBH - while Access can handle that size, its not in any way optimal. I'd suggest that you have a look at using something like MSSQL Desktop Edition (aka MSDE) instead...or one of the other free DBs like MySQL etc. Hey, if you want real fun (and want to stick the MS tech) then download the beta of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, and use that as your back end.

As for a language recommendation....you're right in not wanting to use Access Forms. Stay the hell away from them...they're the work of the devil, as is AccessBasic.

Personally, with C and Java background....I'd recommend you go check out C#. And shur...why not pull down the Visual C# 2005 Express Edition Beta for that.

I mean....if you're gonna play with MS tech, why not get ahead of the game instead of playing catchup while you learn

jc