Data Dictionary

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cindy H
  • Start date Start date
C

Cindy H

Hi,



I need to create a list of all the data elements used in my project. The
list needs to include the descriptions that I typed into the description
column of the table design view. I've tried the Tools->Analyze->Documenter,
but it does not show the description column data. Any ideas how to extract
the description so I don't have to retype all this info to create a data
element dictionary?



Thanks, Cindy H
 
Public Sub ListDescriptions()

Dim db As DAO.Database
Dim tdf As DAO.TableDef
Dim fld As DAO.Field

Set db = CurrentDb
For Each tdf In db.TableDefs
If Left$(tdf.Name, 4) <> "MSys" Then
For Each fld In tdf.Fields
Debug.Print tdf.Name, fld.Name, ;
On Error Resume Next
Debug.Print fld.Properties("Description");
On Error GoTo 0
Debug.Print
Next fld
End If
Next tdf

End Sub
 
I created an Access Add-In called the "John Viescas Table Documentor"
that does exactly this. It is even easier to use than the built-in Access
Documentor and creates a slick report that will list each table (including
linked ones) and their field properties in an easy-to-read format. I recently
finished Version 2.0 of the add-in. This version even works on MDE files.

Once installed (takes less than a minute) all you have to do is
Tools | Add-Ins | John Viescas Table Documentor. Poof!
After a few seconds a slick report is displayed on the screen. Easy as pie!

I am awaiting word back from John about the possibility of having him post
it on his web site where anyone can download it. In the meantime, I do not
believe he would have a problem if I sent you a copy. If you do wish to have
a copy please let me know where you would like it sent to (please mung the
e-mail address so you won't get spammed!). There is one version for Access
97 and one for 2000 which works with Access 2000, 2002, and 2003.
I will need to know which version you need.
 
Thanks Brendan, worked!

Brendan Reynolds said:
Public Sub ListDescriptions()

Dim db As DAO.Database
Dim tdf As DAO.TableDef
Dim fld As DAO.Field

Set db = CurrentDb
For Each tdf In db.TableDefs
If Left$(tdf.Name, 4) <> "MSys" Then
For Each fld In tdf.Fields
Debug.Print tdf.Name, fld.Name, ;
On Error Resume Next
Debug.Print fld.Properties("Description");
On Error GoTo 0
Debug.Print
Next fld
End If
Next tdf

End Sub
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jeff,

I couldn't seem to email you directly, but I'd sure appreciate a copy of
your Add-in"

My email is the one you see on a reply. Thanks
 
Hi Dave,

My posted e-mail address goes to Never-Never Land.
Keeps the SPAM down.

Sure I can send you a copy.
Do you need the Access 97 version or the 2000 version?
The 2000 version works with 2000, 2002, and 2003.
 
Hi Duane,

That link is for my "Doug Steele Object Documentor" which will
give a nice slick report of all the database objects. Dave was looking
for my "John Viescas Table Documentor" which produces a real nice
report of each table's Fields, Descriptions, Type, Length, and which
field(s) is the Primary Key. I am still awaiting word back from John
on the possibility of him posting it on his web site.

Would you like a copy as well?
 
2000 - thanks again.

Jeff Conrad said:
Hi Dave,

My posted e-mail address goes to Never-Never Land.
Keeps the SPAM down.

Sure I can send you a copy.
Do you need the Access 97 version or the 2000 version?
The 2000 version works with 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Dave,

Files have been sent to the address you provided.
Follow these steps to install the Add-In and/or read the attached
Word document:

1. Unzip the file JVTableList.MDA to your Office or Access directory
to easily find it when we install the Add-In.

2. Now open any Access database and go up to "Tools" on the main
Access menu bar. From there go down to the option called "Add-Ins".
This sub-menu will list any installed Access add-ins on your system, as
well as an option called "Add-In Manager". Click on the option called
"Add-In Manager" and a new screen will appear.

3. The box will display a list of available add-ins on the left side. Depending
upon where you unzipped the add-in file, you may see the John Viescas
Table Documentor already listed in this box. If the file is listed, click on the
option to highlight it and then press the "Install" button to complete the installation.
There should now be a little "x" next to the option meaning it has now been
installed. If you do not see the add-in listed in this box simply click the button
called "Add New..." where you can browse for the location of the file. Once
you find the file and click on it in the browse window, you will be taken back
to the Add-In Manager screen. Now you should see our add-in listed in the
box with a "x" by it meaning it has been successfully installed. If not, highlight
the option and then press the "Install" button to complete the installation. Hit the
"Close" button on the Add-In Manager when finished.
That's it, now we're ready to use the utility!

4. To launch the add-in, simply open any database you wish to document and go
up to Tools | Add-Ins and click on the new option "John Viescas Table Documentor".
Depending upon the number of tables in your database (and whether they are linked
or not), the utility should only take a few seconds to create the report and display it
on the screen. Once on screen you can either print the report or just view the different
pages. Doesn't get any easier than that!

Please post back to the newsgroup when you receive the files and if you have any
problems. The e-mail was being sent from a "dump" e-mail account and will not be
checked if a reply is sent. The ONLY way I will know if you received the file is
through the newsgroup.

Hope you find it useful.
 
Hi Jeff,

Thanks very much! I got the file and installed it - it's great - just what
I was looking for and totally painless to install. Is it useful?? You bet -
100% useful. Thanks Again, DaveH
 
Excellent, that is very good to hear Dave!
Glad it is just what you were looking for.
Thanks for the feedback.
 
Jeff,

Can you send me the add-in also. I've used the Access built-in
documentor, but woulld be interested in trying what you have.

My address is "spydor AT mindless.com"

Thanks,
Scott
 
Hi Scott,

Sure, I'd be happy to send along a copy of the
"John Viescas Table Documentor."

Do you need the 97 version or the 2000 version?
The 2000 version works with Access 2000, 2002, and 2003.
 
The 2000 version.

Thanks again,
Scott

Hi Scott,

Sure, I'd be happy to send along a copy of the
"John Viescas Table Documentor."

Do you need the 97 version or the 2000 version?
The 2000 version works with Access 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Scott,

Files have been sent to the address you provided.
Subject line will be:
"Access Add-In You Requested From The Newsgroup"
Follow these steps to install the Add-In and/or read the attached
Word document:

1. Unzip the file JVTableList.MDA to your Office or Access directory
to easily find it when we install the Add-In.

2. Now open any Access database and go up to "Tools" on the main
Access menu bar. From there go down to the option called "Add-Ins".
This sub-menu will list any installed Access add-ins on your system, as
well as an option called "Add-In Manager". Click on the option called
"Add-In Manager" and a new screen will appear.

3. The box will display a list of available add-ins on the left side. Depending
upon where you unzipped the add-in file, you may see the John Viescas
Table Documentor already listed in this box. If the file is listed, click on the
option to highlight it and then press the "Install" button to complete the installation.
There should now be a little "x" next to the option meaning it has now been
installed. If you do not see the add-in listed in this box simply click the button
called "Add New..." where you can browse for the location of the file. Once
you find the file and click on it in the browse window, you will be taken back
to the Add-In Manager screen. Now you should see our add-in listed in the
box with a "x" by it meaning it has been successfully installed. If not, highlight
the option and then press the "Install" button to complete the installation. Hit the
"Close" button on the Add-In Manager when finished.
That's it, now we're ready to use the utility!

4. To launch the add-in, simply open any database you wish to document and go
up to Tools | Add-Ins and click on the new option "John Viescas Table Documentor".
Depending upon the number of tables in your database (and whether they are linked
or not), the utility should only take a few seconds to create the report and display it
on the screen. Once on screen you can either print the report or just view the different
pages. Doesn't get any easier than that!

Please post back to the newsgroup when you receive the files and if you have any
problems. The e-mail was being sent from a "dump" e-mail account and will not be
checked if a reply is sent. The ONLY way I will know if you received the file is
through the newsgroup.

Hope you find it useful.
 
Jeff,

Thanks, I received the files. It seems like something I will be able
to put to use. Been one of those weeks, so just got around to actually
looking at it.

Scott
 
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