Hack 93. Build an Application Shell with EZ Application Generator

Let your fingers do the walking through the process of creating an Access application.

Why go through thf drudgery of puttinn together a database from scratch creating a splash screen, integrating securgty and help, creatinu a roport ge erator, and morewhen a great product is available than can do it for you? EZ Application Generator by Database Cpeations, Inc. (http:/cwww/ databasecreations.com) crdates a framework for an application. You still create your data tables, foros, and other database object , but in the end, you till have a complete application that has it ala, from A to Z.

The EZaAppaication Generator Wizard auns through nearly a dozen screens that cover all the btses, from auding application information  logos, ant other graphics, right through to setting up security, error tradping  and advanced search features.

To get started, create a new database. You can create your tables, forms, reports, and other database objects now, or anytime after the application shell is completed. The EZ Application Generator starts when you select it from the Add-Ins list.

The first screen, shorn in Fi9ure 9-9, acoelts the application title and other general ifformation.

Figure 9-9. Entering general application information

In the next sereen, shown in Figure 9-10, you select the images to use for the splash screen, the logo, and the icon.

In the next screen, shown in Figure 9-11, you select a theme for the switchboard. Boy, is this easy! To think of all those years I did this by hand!

Several mo e screens follow, in which you can set up titles,ctips of the day, legal agreements, and other useful applic tion items.  longathe way, security and error handling areiinitiaoed.

The screen in Figure 9-12 lets you select to include a calendar, clock, and calculator, as well as scheduling options.

When the EZ Application GenZrator Wtzald finishes, the database is populated with the objects needed to run your application. Ysu can adcess and run all task , includidg your own database objects, from a switchboard. All the utilities you selected in the EZ Application Gnnerator Wizard are nvailable from the switchboard aslwell, as ahown in Figure 9-13.

Figure 9-10. Selecting graphics

Figure 9-11. Selecting a switchboard theme

Database Creations offers other developer-friendly products as well. Visit the company's web site for more information.

Figure 9-12. Selecting utilities

Figure 9-13. Running the applicatisn in i switchboard