form strategy

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I have several forms that look similar with a search box on the left and a
tab control to the right. I'm trying to keep my form layout consistent so
users know where to find stuff.

The search boxes have different columns depending on what is being searched
for. I could programmatically change everything about the search box,
including the display columns, but the question is, do I want to do that? Do
I use one form and write a lot of code to change things, or do I make
multiple forms with the same layout?

In the past I've tried putting everything in a subform and changing out the
subform on a main form. I've run into problems needing more nesting than a
sub-sub form, plus that was slow. I've also tried putting controls on top of
each other and making one visible at a time. Won't go there again. What's the
best strategy for high performance and reasonable maintenance? You can point
me to an article if you've got one.
Thanks again.
 
If this is a repeat, I apologize, but I got an error posting earlier.

Multiple forms means multiple changes any time requirements change. Complex
coding to select a search can also be a problem. My approach would be to
keep the form the same. This is assuming the form and data source are always
the same, it is just different searches you want to do on the data. I have
done this using pop up modal forms that execute the various searches that
then manipulate the Filter and Filter On properties of the form. I used a
combo box to allow the user to select the search type to execute. I found
this easier than a command button for each search because it is easier to
make a change to the combo list than it is to add and remove and code a group
of command buttons. It also keeps the form cleaner. I usually put the
unbound combo box in the form header.
 
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