Viewing SQL Query on a Form in MS Access 2013

As a developer, it’s often useful to view the actual SQL query that is being executed by your application. In the context of MS Access 2013, this can be particularly challenging when dealing with complex queries and variable filters. In this article, we’ll explore two approaches to displaying the SQL query as it was run, along with practical examples and code snippets.

Introduction

MS Access 2013 is a powerful database management system that allows users to create and manage databases, as well as build custom applications using its Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor. When working with complex queries, it’s often useful to view the actual SQL query being executed by your application. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with variable filters, where the value of a control is used to construct the SQL query.

Approach 1: Using VBA

One approach to displaying the SQL query as it was run is to use VBA code in conjunction with the Control Source property on form controls. In this approach, you can create a custom control that constructs the SQL query using dynamic values from other controls.

Here’s an example of how this might work:

1. Create a new form control named txt_SQL and add a text box to it.
2. Create another form control named txt_LastName and set its data type to Text.
3. In VBA, create a custom function that constructs the SQL query using the value from the txt_LastName control.

For example:

Function GetSQLQuery() As String
    Dim LastName As String
    
    ' Set the value of LastName control
    LastName = Me.txt_LastName.Value
    
    ' Construct the SQL query using dynamic values
    Dim SQLQuery As String
    SQLQuery = "Select * where name = '" & Chr(34) & LastName & Chr(34)
    
    GetSQLQuery = SQLQuery
End Function

4. In the Control Source property of the txt_SQL control, set it to:

="GetSQLQuery"

This will call the GetSQLQuery function and pass its result to the text box.

Example Usage

When the value of the txt_LastName control is set to “Jones”, the resulting SQL query in the txt_SQL control will be:

Select * where name = “Jones”

By using this approach, you can effectively display the SQL query as it was run on your form.

Approach 2: Using Forms Controls

Another approach to displaying the SQL query is to use forms controls that are specifically designed for constructing SQL queries. In MS Access 2013, one such control is the SQL Query text box.

Here’s an example of how this might work:

1. Create a new form control named txt_SQL and add a text box to it.
2. Set its data type to Text.
3. In the Control Source property of the txt_SQL control, set it to:

="SELECT * FROM table WHERE [name] = ""&[txt_LastName]&""""

This will construct the SQL query using dynamic values from the txt_LastName control.

Example Usage

When the value of the txt_LastName control is set to “Jones”, the resulting SQL query in the txt_SQL control will be:

SELECT * FROM table WHERE [name] = “Jones”

By using this approach, you can effectively display the SQL query as it was run on your form.

Conclusion

Displaying the SQL query as it was run on a form in MS Access 2013 requires some creative thinking and coding. In this article, we’ve explored two approaches to achieving this goal: using VBA code and forms controls. By understanding how these approaches work and implementing them effectively, you can gain valuable insights into your application’s SQL queries and improve your overall database management skills.

Further Reading

For more information on working with MS Access 2013 and its Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor, see the following resources:

• MSDN Documentation: Access VBA Editor
• MSDN Documentation: Access Forms

We hope this article has been helpful in explaining how to view SQL queries on a form in MS Access 2013. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Last modified on 2023-09-05