Microsoft Access VBA Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Third Edition

If you are new to programming with Microsoft Access VBA and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. Developed by computer science professors, books in the for the absolute beginner series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. Covering Access 2007, Microsoft Access VBA Programming for the Absolute Beginner focuses on VBA programming, but also covers beginning database concepts for those who lack that cursory knowledge of relational databases and/or Microsoft Access. Topics range from beginning SQL concepts, user interface upgrades, new data types, essential programming constructs, and much more. The book not only shows you how to apply the concepts learned to real-world Access 2007 scenarios, but by the time you finish the book, you'll be able to apply the basic principles learned to the next programming language you tackle.

User review
Review within context
This book starts with a great explanation of how VBA is tied directly toward enhancing an Access database. Programming concepts build upon themselves in each chapter with an end of chapter exercise. The work is involved for those not exposed to programming and moderate for those with some object oriented programming experience. In the beginning a lot of discussion must be taken for granted with the 'I believe button' pressed often for the inexperienced. But this gray area is quickly cleared up toward the end when all the building blocks start fitting together. All end of chapter programming exercises relate toward some type of game to make the final key takeaways for a chapter fun and exciting.

There have been reports already made that it isn't for a beginner but be wary of these accusations! Programming at any degree requires an individual to understand discrete logic. If you're serious about learning VBA for access this is a great primer. It will lead toward a fundamental understanding of VBA allowing for more advanced programming books such as Access 2007 by WROX and Access Inside Out by Viescas to make more sense.

User review
Don't buy this book
I purchased this book from Barnes and Noble because I was stuck with VBA. I sat on a chair at B/N and on cursory reading in the shop all seemed well after all the book is in its 3rd edition; it was also for Absolute Beginers.

The truth is that the title for Absolute Beginers is an Absolute Lie. I think the author wants newbies to buy this book.

The book is poorly written, many examples just do not work.

On the other hand if you know the basics of Access VBA say by learning from a primer like the dummies book, this book can be great. But for beginers, my advice is that you should not spend the money. I know it is not the money but the frustration it will cause you.

Computer books are notorius for errata and poor writing. I have learned that the best course is to have a small library of books, where you can learn a bits and peices. I am still looking for a one book that teaches everything about access VBA.

Do not buy the book. A good alternative for beginers is Access 2007 VBA byScott Diamond

M Khan

User review
Me. They explained and then they moved on. I like it.
I have never used VBA as I have no background in programming. I called in my wife, look at this darling as I made very simple magic on the computer. I have not completed the book yet. I am still working on it, but I am enjoying it. I started at chapter three where the actual programming started and got on with it.

I have spent some time reading `Access 2003 Inside Out` so I was a seasoned beginner with Access basics. I do like this book and I will recommend it for people who want to start at the beginning and move on from there.

Good luck and good hunting.

Traveling HT

User review
Great for beginners
I have tried several books to help me with coding in Access and was never able to full grasp it. This book made the basics very easy to understand. I even found better ways to code in VBA through this book than I had learned from other people that we considered seasoned experts in VBA. I would suggest this book for anyone that has never programmed in VBA and those of you that have been thrown into a position at work that you have to design a DB or taking over someone else's project. A majority of the information can be used in prior version of access as well.

User review
One of the better programming books I've read
This book is pretty fun to read. That being said, it is certainly not geared towards those who know nothing of Access.

Knowing both VB and Access fairly well, I was looking for a book that would show me how to integrate VB functionality into Access applications. This book does that pretty well.

Before purchasing this book (or any other programming book for that matter) I recommend skimming the first three chapters and the table of contents to determine whether the subject matter is acceptable to you.