How do i build a data dictionary in Access?

[Cynthia]

Anybody knows how i can build a data dictionary in Access 2003?

 

[Jeff Conrad]

in message:

Anybody knows how i can build a data dictionary in Access 2003?

Hi Cynthia,

Here are a few options for you:

1. You can use the built-in Access Documentor
(Tools | Analyze | Documentor) to get a huge list of just about everything
you ever wanted to know about the database. At the same time, you can
keep the logging and paper manufacturing industry going strong in Oregon!
Depending upon the options you select, you could fell several trees.


2. I created an Access Add-In called the "John Viescas Table Documentor"
that does exactly this. It is even easier to use than the built-in Access
Documentor and creates a slick report that will list each table (including
linked ones) and their field properties in an easy-to-read format. I recently
finished Version 2.0 of the add-in. This version even works on MDE files.

Once installed (takes less than a minute) all you have to do is
Tools | Add-Ins | John Viescas Table Documentor. Poof!
After a few seconds a slick report is displayed on the screen. Easy as pie!

The report will list each Field Name, Description, Type, Length, and which
field(s) compose the Primary Key.

The display output will be something like this:

Table: tblVendors
Field Name: Description Type Length Primary
VendorID ID Field Autonumber 4 X
VendorName Vendor's Name Text 50
etc...

Will this work for you?

I am awaiting word back from John about the possibility of having him post
it on his web site where anyone can download it. In the meantime, I do not
believe he would have a problem if I sent you a copy. If you do wish to have
a copy please let me know where you would like it sent to (please mung the
e-mail address so you won't get spammed!). There is one version for Access
97 and one for 2000 which works with Access 2000, 2002, and 2003.
I will need to know which version you need.

3. David Hare-Scott has also written a simple table documenter. You can
download it here:
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/OtherLibraries.asp#Hare-Scott,David

4. Armen Stein has something here as well:
http://www.jstreettech.com/cartgenie/pg_developerDownloads.asp
(Look for Data Dictionary Report Utility)

5. MVP Allen Browne has some TableInfo code here:
http://allenbrowne.com/func-06.html

6. FMS has utilities that can do this as well:
http://www.fmsinc.com/

Hope that gives you some ideas,

 

[Cynthia]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks so much for your help. Yes i'd like a copy of your add-in if you
don't mind. It sounds interesting My email address is
cynthia(DOT)sciberras(AT)btintZrnZt(DOT)com.

Thanks once again and don't forget to replace Z with an e in my address.

Regards

Cynthia

 

[Cynthia]

Jeff, sorry i forgot to give you the version i require. It's for Access 2003!

Regards

Cynthia

 

[Jeff Conrad]

in message:

Hi Jeff,

Thanks so much for your help. Yes I'd like a copy of your add-in if you
don't mind. It sounds interesting My email address is
<snipped>

Jeff, sorry I forgot to give you the version I require. It's for Access 2003!

Hi Cynthia,

Sure, I'd be happy to pass along a copy.
I will do that shortly.
Please post back here so I know you received the files.

 

[Cynthia]

Hi Jeff,

I received the copy that you sent me. Thanks, it's just what i needed.
Congrats on your brilliant idea. It's very easy to use.

Thanks, you've been a GREAT help to my project! ;-)

Best regards,

Cynthia

 

[Jeff Conrad]

in message:

Hi Jeff,

I received the copy that you sent me. Thanks, it's just what I needed.
Congrats on your brilliant idea. It's very easy to use.

Excellent, I'm glad you found the add-in useful.
The nice thing is you can use it on all your databases now.

Thanks, you've been a GREAT help to my project! ;-)

You're very welcome, I'm glad I could help.
And thank you for the kind words.

 

[lecaballero]

Hello Jeff and Cynthia...

I have to build a Glossary and I think that this tool would be very useful
for me.

If you can send it to me, it would be very kind of you

my e-mail is lecaballero(AT)hotmail(dot)com

Thaks a lot for your help!

 

[Jeff Conrad]

in message:

Hello Jeff and Cynthia...

I have to build a Glossary and I think that this tool would be very useful
for me.

If you can send it to me, it would be very kind of you

my e-mail is <snipped>

Thaks a lot for your help!

I'd be happy to send along a copy of my add-in.
Do you need the 97 version or the 2000 version?
The 2000 version works with Access 2000, 2002,
and 2003.

 

[Allen Browne]

Bill, I think Jeff's database documenter has now grown to this:
http://home.bendbroadband.com/conradsystems/accessjunkie/csdtools.html

If you just wanted an example of how to programmatically list the fields in
a table, copy this code:
http://allenbrowne.com/func-06.html