SQL.REQUEST Function for Excel - Very Useful!!! 3

[Bowers74]

I would like to inform you about an Excel function not many know about that helps you to return smaller amounts of data from a database:

The SQL.REQUEST() function gives you SQL Query functionality directly in Excel!

The use of this Function is a little in depth, so I am not going to try to explain it all in this thread.

If you want to know more about this function then go to the following website:

http://www.bygsoftware.com/examples/sqlrequest.html

You can download an example Workbook at this link:

http://www.bygsoftware.com/examples/zipfiles/UsingSqlRequest.zip

This is a great example and definately worth looking into. ;-)

You will need to activate or install the ODBC Add-in (XLODBC.XLA) to be able to use this function.


For those of you who have Excel XP, you need to know that the Excel ODBC Add-in is no longer included with Office XP, but you can download it from MS at this link:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/excel2002/xlodbc/2002/w98nt42kmexp/en-us/xlodbc.exe

I have experienced that this function works great for returning smaller amounts of data from Access databases. I say smaller amounts, but you can also return relatively larger amounts as well. But be warned, as with every Query process, the larger the data, the longer it takes to return the data.

I use this function to create "VLOOKUP()'s" from Access database. It has also come in really handy when creating reference tables for pivot tables and charts as well!


Enjoy, and have fun!


I hope this helps!


Peace!

Mike

Never say Never!!!
Nothing is impossible!!!

 

[fneily]

Mike,

Excellent tip! Just used it. It's easy and quick. The downloads are pretty straight forward. Easier to explain to students then using Ms Query or VBA. Just point to the database, write a little SQL and bam - you're finished. And like you said, you can nest the function. Nice going.

Neil

 

[Bowers74]

Thanks for the star Neil, I'm glad you found it helpful.

Peace!

Mike

Never say Never!!!
Nothing is impossible!!!

 

[Bowers74]

Has anyone else tried these files?

I have this posted in three separate forums, because it pertains Excel, VBA and Access SQL Queries. I have only received about 4 replies til now. I can't believe that no one is interested in this function!??



Peace!

Mike

Never say Never!!!
Nothing is impossible!!!

 

[WAR40K]

I actually tried out the above files, because I am currently working on a worksheet that needs to reference an Access Database. Problem is I cannot get the SQL.REQUEST to work with a file located on a network drive. It works great with local files but all I get is #N/A when I try to use a remote file. I guess it is back to VB.

 

[ChrisBurch]

I was filling in time, just cruising the posts, and had a look at your thread. I can see some HUGE!!!!!! benefits for me. Have a star.

Chris

It worked yesterday.
It doesn't work today.
That's Windows!

 

[MJPPaba]

I have been looking for a way of distributing spreadsheets linking to an SQL server without having to setup an ODBC on each users pc, looks like this could be the one.

Cheers

Matthew

The only bad question is the question you dont ask!

 

[barryrowe]

Hi,

I need xlodbc.xla form wondows 2000. From which site can it?

Thanks.

 

[petrosky]

Hi Mike,

Thanks very much for the heads up...very useful.
A star from me as well.

Regards,

Peter

Remember- It's nice to be important,
but it's important to be nice