Beginning SQL Programming: Pt. 2 - Page 3

Front Ends

In this book we will use different front ends in chapters in order to help you become more versatile. The differences are not very great; the SQL statements remain the same regardless of the front end. In Chapter 2 we will talk you through setting up various combination of front ends and back ends as well as showing samples of code.

The syntax of how each front end sends those SQL statements may vary occasionally. Likewise, each front end has its own syntax or tools for handling the data that is returned when a SQL statement asks for information. We will point such differences out where they may occur.

Access

Microsoft's desktop database uses SQL in many places.  You can write and store queries as SQL statements. You can use SQL to define the source of a report or form. One option puts the actual SQL statement into the report as the value of the Record Source property. A second option stores the statement in a query and uses the query name as the value for the Record Source. SQL statements are also valid sources for list boxes on Access forms. Although Access never requires a user to employ SQL, in many places SQL can be used instead of Access object names.

The query grid contains a very powerful feature for students of SQL with Access experience. You can use the drag and drop interface of the grid to create a query, the same as you have already done many times in the past. But you can then click on View/SQL and see that visual interface expressed as a SQL statement, ready to cut and paste. Similarly a query can be created as a SQL statement and then viewed as a grid. At any time the query can be run to check the results.

You may be familiar with the Access Query Grid view:

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We can click on Menu:View | SQL View to see the same request written as a SQL statement:

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