replicate a database?

[GK22]

Is it necessary to replicate a database in a multi-users environment? Or is it enough to split in a back-end and front-end database. This is the first time a make a multiuser database, so I hope someone have experience with troubles when you replicate or not.

Thanx in Advance
Gerard

 

[Francescina]

You do not need to replicate your application if you have designed it properly:
Backend on the server contains only the tables.
Frontend on each client contains all other database objects.

If you want to update you application then replace the frontend files.
If you want to update the backend you use SQL-DDL-queries.

 

[GK22]

thanx for you're quick reaction
I understand you're answer, but only one question more.
I know what is SQL but what's DDL?
And in what case should I update my back-end db?
Is it possible some vb-code doesn't work in a multiuser environment?

Gerard

 

[Francescina]

SQL-DDL=Data Definition Language, this means that you can change the structure of a table with "simple" SQL statements. You should find code examples on the net or in professional books about ACCESS.
Important: these SQL statements can not be created in the Query Window!
Updating your backend might become necessary if you realize that a certain table/field/query/relationship... has to be modified, deleted or added.
Concerning the VBA question: some code will definitely not work in a network environment.
Attention: did you integrate a special error trapping for lock conflicts? This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT in a network environment especially in ACCESS 2000 (4kB locking area).

 

[GK22]

I locked all edited records (pessimistic locking).
Isn't this enough?
In my humble opinion there can't be lockerror when edited records are locked. Or am I not true?