Macros and VBA

Macros - No-Code Automation

Create → Macro opens the designer. Actions like OpenForm, RunSQL, MessageBox and SetValue chain with conditions:

If [Balance] > 1000
   MessageBox: "High value customer"
Else
   GoToRecord: New
End If

Attach macros to command buttons, forms' OnOpen or the database's startup so manual steps happen automatically.

VBA - Real Code

Create → Macro → Visual Basic (Alt+F11) for the VBA editor. Click an event property (e.g. button’s OnClick) and choose [Event Procedure]:

Private Sub cmdSave_Click()
    If IsNull(Me.[LastName]) Then
        MsgBox "Last name is required" , vbExclamation
        Me.[LastName].SetFocus
        Exit Sub
    End If
    DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdSaveRecord
End Sub

The Object Model (Top 3)

• DoCmd - run commands: OpenForm, OpenReport, RunSQL.
• Forms / Reports - the open UI: Forms!frmCustomers, Me is the current form.
• CurrentDb - the database: CurrentDb.Execute "...SQL...".

Error Handling

On Error GoTo ErrHandler
... your code ...
ErrHandler:
    MsgBox "Error " & Err.Number & ": " & Err.Description

Security and Trust

Access shows a security warning for databases with code. Set Trust Center → Macro Settings → Disable all macros with notification and only enable databases you trust. Signed databases and VBA passwords add extra protection.

Key Points

• Start with macros; graduate to VBA when logic grows.
• Control everything from the form’s event properties.
• Handle errors and keep macro security at notification level.