FAO computer geeks/software developers.

The Northern Monkey

Just wonder what software i can use to create the following programme...

A heirarchical database that i can use for calculations.

I can do all my calculations through excel, but i cant create a full database where i can allocate the results of the calculations to a particular place.


I dont really know how to explain what i want lol. I know what i want to do, i know the logic behind it, but explaining it is difficult

We have software in work that is developed by computer people thay arent clued up on utilities.
Some of their logic is really vague so i want to try and create my own database from a utility analyists point of view..... Which would hopefully work better!

delta5

Take a look at MS Access - usually part of MS Office, and imo somewhat underrated, but actually quite good (if you split the db as described below) and relatively easy to get up and running with basic input forms. It has loads of wizards that can help you develop queries and reports, and the front-end is hugely configurable with mouse actions, conditional formatting, Active-X controls, etc.
As with any DB the main thing is to design your tables carefully, including your field names, data types and field sizes, and any variable names you code into the VB back-end. Once it grows and these get embedded into your code they can be a pita to alter.
What is particularly nice about Access is you can split the database into a front-end (gui with forms, queries, reports, macros) and the back-end (tables). This lets people share one copy of the back-end tables. You can create .mde files from your development front-end - these look the same but are RO - each user runs their own local .mde front-end, all pointing to the back-end on a server, but they can't see your code or alter the way it works.
If the tables are very big or it grows enough to require sharing by more than two or three people, it's best to convert the back-end to a SQL database which obviously offers much more robust sharing, replication, etc. You can still develop your front-end in MS Access which is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Hope this helps

jklash1987

Delta5 wrote:

Take a look at MS Access - usually part of MS Office, and imo somewhat underrated, but actually quite good (if you split the db as described below) and relatively easy to get up and running with basic input forms. It has loads of wizards that can help you develop queries and reports, and the front-end is hugely configurable with mouse actions, conditional formatting, Active-X controls, etc.
As with any DB the main thing is to design your tables carefully, including your field names, data types and field sizes, and any variable names you code into the VB back-end. Once it grows and these get embedded into your code they can be a pita to alter.
What is particularly nice about Access is you can split the database into a front-end (gui with forms, queries, reports, macros) and the back-end (tables). This lets people share one copy of the back-end tables. You can create .mde files from your development front-end - these look the same but are RO - each user runs their own local .mde front-end, all pointing to the back-end on a server, but they can't see your code or alter the way it works.
If the tables are very big or it grows enough to require sharing by more than two or three people, it's best to convert the back-end to a SQL database which obviously offers much more robust sharing, replication, etc. You can still develop your front-end in MS Access which is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Hope this helps

I Second this, Does OpenOffice feature a program with the same princiable? cos then he can download it for free, rather than pay over £150 for the full suite, or have to get hold of a cracked version like mine lol

delta5

The database in OpenOffice is called BASE - its a front-end DB app which uses MySQL (or other open source engine) as its back-end search and data repository. Haven't used it myself though.

A lot of workplaces that use Windows / MS Office already have Access, although they might not use it or even know it's there. Some IT depts don't install it on users' PCs unless it's specifically needed. As Northern Monkey is using Excell he might already have Access available. It would make the data import / integration easier.