How is SQL Server better than Access 2003?

[neillovell]

Nevermind all the "holds more records, faster, more users at once" etc. I would like to know how much easier it is to do things.

For example, right now in Access I am trying to write some VBA code to look at some combo boxes and based on those selections build up an SQL string (e.g. if the second box is blank don't use it in the string). That's the easy part. The hard part is getting Access to display the result to the user - the only function to do so works only on saved queries not dynamically built ones (but updating tables this way is fine, you just can't immediately see the result).

Does SQL Server have annoying limitations like these?

 

[Connatic]

The first thing you need to realise about SQL Server, is that it does not have VBA inbuilt into it, like Microsoft Office Products(access / Excel e.t.c), so the question you are asking comes a bit redundant.

To do what you are asking with SQL Server, you would need to use VB (Full version) as the Front End & Use SQL Server as the Database.

Are You Using Databound Controls in Access ??

SQL Server is alot more powerful than any version of Access & i personnaly would always use it ahead of access with out question !!

 

[johnherman]

Well, SQL Server does not have a built-in user interface, so if you want to display records to the end user, you would still need to put Access or something else on the front end.

If you know Structured Query Language, you will find that SQL Server is easier to use than Access.

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because there is more manure there - original.

 

[Jacqui1811]

In what ways is sql server not better !!!
That would be a lot shorter answer.
Not so much a FAN of sql server but more against Access (any release).
Jacqui.

 

[donutman]

It's cheaper. And you pay for what you get.
-Karl

 

[xtendscott]

SQL Server doesn't crash the database on a somewhat busy web server(I had a site that crashed about once a month till it was converted to SQL: fine since).

I don't have to know VB to make it work, and you can connect in nearly any programming language or web scripting languages to create the front end. Access can be used this way also but not sure why you really would.

SQL Server conforms to Standard ANSI SQL language(Access is fairly close) and SQL Server has T-SQL to perform advanced query functions.

For low-use application, Access really can be a good solution. It costs less and an experienced Access VBA programmer can create applications fairly quickly. Thats why MS has both applications, they fill different needs.

 

[ArtieChoke]

And security in Access is a joke. In SQL Server, you can set up security on individual tables, use NT groups, etc.

In Access, it makes you jump through hoops to do it with a special workgroup file - it is not at all easy to do or even understand!

"I think we're all Bozos on this bus!" - Firesign Theatre