Is learning MS Access worth my time?

[MissouriTiger]

I would be grateful for some advice. I'm a web dev/programming student at Spokane Community College, and am currently learning VB & VBScript. Next Quarter is Active Server Pages. Would it be worth my while to take a course in MS Access? Seems like it would integrate well with other MS technologies, and might be a good intro to the world of databases. But it won't count toward my degree. What are the advantages/disadvantages to Access? Any advice???



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[davidd]

More and More Intranet Access applications are becoming Internet applications using ASP or Cold Fusion. I develope Access applications for a large public library system and have started putting my application on the internet. Without a strong understanding of Access the original design and development of applications work require some major rework. HTH [sig][/sig]

 

[Rohdem]

A strong understanding of Access and how to develop on it is a very marketable skill in the technical job market. Let's face it, if it is a Microsoft product, you are likely to work with it at some point in your career. [sig]<p>Mike Rohde<br><a href=mailto:rohdem@marshallengines.com>rohdem@marshallengines.com</a><br>[/sig]

 

[Waynest]

Personally, I wouldn't take on any extra work just for the sake of it, I'd concentrate on the things that will get you a better grade. Yes, you'll no doubt have to use access at some point in the future, but I would cross that bridge when you come to it. You might go to the trouble of learning ADO techniques now, but find Microsoft has replaced it by the time you get your hands on Access.

Your target now should be to get the best mark you can. Keep your focus as narrow as possible

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[drosenkranz]

Go for the Access course. If you're looking for, as you said, an &quot;intro to the world of databases&quot; courses, Access is a pretty good choice. It's demonstrates all of the basics for database design, provides easy to use tools for organizing and manipulating data, and can come in handy for personal applications for your own use as well. The report generator is a little awkward- Crystal Reports is better!

Although we use Access databases here at work (35 - 40 users), make no mistake it is not capable of handling large numbers of users. If you want database basics, its the ticket! If you don't have time for the course- try picking up one of the Access Tutorial Manuals and that should get you up and running. [sig][/sig]

 

[kjonnnnn]

Access is worth it. Im not a programmer or anything like this. But Im new to my company and my little knowledge of access is really redefining how they work around here and making me more valuable. Previously, everyone was entering stuff into Excel. [sig][/sig]

 

[crystalized]

If you are learning VB and VBscript and ASP you will have a good handle on the coding part of Access (it is not exactly the same but it is similar). As to the database basics they will be essential for you to understand to do any type of application development that involves a database. Personally I would look for a class teaching database theory like normalization etc. rather than an Access class which will probably focus on the tool rather than teaching you the underlying database theory. The tool itself is easy to use once you have a bit of time with it, it is the underlying concepts that are important that you should consider taking a class in.

This is of course just my opinion. [sig]<p>Crystal<br><a href=mailto:crystals@genesis.sk.ca>crystals@genesis.sk.ca</a><br><a href= > </a><br>--------------------------------------------------<br>
Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing.<br>
-Oscar Wilde<br>
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[MissouriTiger]

Thanks to all of you for your input. I'm really grateful for all the advice! [sig][/sig]