MS Access SQL Append Queries: Inserting Data from Multiple Sources

Introduction to MS Access and SQL Append Queries

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system that allows users to create, edit, and manage databases. One of the key features of Access is its ability to perform SQL (Structured Query Language) queries on the data stored in the database. In this article, we will explore how to use SQL append queries with multiple data sources in MS Access.

Understanding SQL Append Queries

A SQL append query is used to add new records to an existing table in a database. It allows users to select data from one or more tables and insert it into another table. The INSERT INTO statement is used to specify the destination table, while the SELECT statement is used to specify the source tables and fields.

Using Multiple Data Sources with SQL Append Queries

In the provided example, the user wants to run a whole SELECT command for additional data points that are in text boxes in a form. These text boxes are not connected to the existing database table, but they do contain relevant information that needs to be inserted into the database.

To achieve this, the user uses a technique called “concatenating” or “referencing” the textbox values in the SQL query. This involves using the & operator to concatenate (join) the textbox value with the rest of the query string.

Understanding Concatenation and Reference in MS Access

In MS Access, concatenation and reference are used to combine strings and references to data elements, such as text boxes or fields. The & operator is used to join two or more strings together.

When referencing a textbox value in a SQL query, the value must be enclosed in square brackets ([]) to prevent any potential errors caused by commas or other special characters in the string.

Writing the SQL Append Query

To write the SQL append query, we need to specify the destination table (Netting_Determinations_List), the source tables (Repository_Redux), and the fields that need to be inserted. We also need to concatenate the textbox values with the rest of the query string using the & operator.

Here is an example of how the SQL append query could look like:

AppendSQL = "INSERT INTO Netting_Determinations_List ([Counterparty ID], [Counterparty Name], [Counterparty Type], [Counterparty Subtype], [DTCC_AVOX_Registered_LEI_CICI], [Data Point 1], [Data Point 2],[Data Point 3],[Data Point 4],[Data Point 5], [Matrix Legal Form], [Matrix Governing/Authorizing Power], [OnBoardings Color Determination], [Matrix Clarification]) " & _
            "SELECT Repository_Redux.[Counterparty ID], Repository_Redux.[Counterparty Name], Repository_Redux.[Counterparty Type], [Counterparty Subtype], [DTCC_AVOX_Registered_LEI_CICI], " & _
            "[Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Input_1] AS [Data Point 1], [Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Input_2] AS [Data Point 2], " & _
            "[Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Input_3] AS [Data Point 3], [Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Input_4] AS [Data Point 4], " & _
            "[Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Input_5] AS [Data Point 5], [Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Cbo_LegalForm] AS [Matrix Legal Form], " & _
            "[Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Cbo_Status] AS [Matrix Governing/Authorizing Power], [Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Color] AS [Color], " & _
            "[Forms]![Frm_Master_Form]![Txt_Matrix_Clarification] AS [Matrix Clarification] FROM Repository_Redux " & _
            "WHERE Repository_Redux.[Counterparty ID] IN (" & strCriteria & ")"

Using the `AppendSQL` Variable to Run the Query

In the provided example, the user creates a variable called AppendQdf and sets it to the query definition using the following code:

Set AppendQdf = db.QueryDefs("Qry_Append_Counterparty_Data")

They then use this variable to run the SQL append query by calling the ExecuteQuery method of the query definition object.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MS Access allows users to perform SQL append queries with multiple data sources. By concatenating textbox values with the rest of the query string using the & operator, we can insert new records into a database while referencing additional data points that are not connected to the existing table. This technique is useful when working with forms and tables in MS Access.

Additional Tips and Variations

When concatenating strings in MS Access, make sure to use square brackets ([]) around the reference values to prevent errors caused by commas or other special characters.
You can also use other methods to concatenate strings, such as using the & operator with string literals or using the STR() function to convert data types to strings before concatenation.
When referencing multiple textbox values in a SQL query, you may need to use subqueries or aggregate functions (such as GROUP BY) to handle the data correctly.

By following these tips and techniques, you can write efficient and effective SQL append queries with multiple data sources in MS Access.

Last modified on 2025-02-09