Creating a Search Engine with Access 2007

[sm105]

I have been trying to experiment with methods from within Access 2007 by
which I can develop a simple search engine (like the type found on the
Internet) from data tables or queries. So far, I've managed to create
point-and-click forms out of queries. One problem I've encountered is that
the forms only allow you to input new data into a field or record; not simply
allow you to find data in a static format. Has anyone else tried to do this?
If so, are there any suggestions?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Allen Browne]

There are several tools in Access 2007 for finding data:

a) In the horizontal scrollbar of a datasheet, you can type a value to find.

b) There's a find icon (Binoculars) on the ribbon (Home.) This dialog
supports full and partial matches, on a specific field or on any field.

c) There are Filter-By-Form and Filter-By-Selection icons on the ribbon.

d) You can right-click any field to filter it. (The A2007 filters for dates
are much better than in previous versions.)

e) The combo box wizard (in form design view) can add a navigation combo to
a form for you.

Once you have all of those techniques under your belt, you may be ready to
program some of your own. Here's a downloadable example that shows you how
to create a multi-field search, on different data types, for ranges and
discrete values, full and partial matches:
Search form - Handle many optional criteria
at:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-62.html

 

[sm105]

Thanks for your help!

There are several tools in Access 2007 for finding data:

a) In the horizontal scrollbar of a datasheet, you can type a value to find.

b) There's a find icon (Binoculars) on the ribbon (Home.) This dialog
supports full and partial matches, on a specific field or on any field.

c) There are Filter-By-Form and Filter-By-Selection icons on the ribbon.

d) You can right-click any field to filter it. (The A2007 filters for dates
are much better than in previous versions.)

e) The combo box wizard (in form design view) can add a navigation combo to
a form for you.

Once you have all of those techniques under your belt, you may be ready to
program some of your own. Here's a downloadable example that shows you how
to create a multi-field search, on different data types, for ranges and
discrete values, full and partial matches:
Search form - Handle many optional criteria
at:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-62.html