Web Databases Microsoft Access can be used to create non-interactive HTML reports. This is the easiest way to present database information on the Web. The steps involved are as follows:
Create a report using the Access Report Wizard Microsoft Access provides many built-in wizards which allow you to create database objects, such as reports, quickly and easily. The following steps demonstrate the process of creating a very simple report. If you desire more detail about creating reports, consult the on-line Help in Access. 1. You will begin by going to the "Reports" tab and selecting the option "Create report by using wizard"
2. When the wizard launches, you will be asked to supply the fields that should be included in the report. Add the fields by highlighting them in the left-hand pane, and then clicking the single-headed arrow in the middle of the window. You should add the fields in the order in which you would like them to appear in your final report.
3. If you have a relational database, you may add fields from more than one table (use the Tables/Queries drop down to display fields from an alternate table). For our example, fields from the Employees, Computers, and Inventory tables have been added.
4. Once you have added all the relevant fields, click on the "Next" button at the bottom of the dialog box. You will then be prompted to specify how you want to view your data. For our database, the "Inventory" table will be used.
5. Click "Next" to proceed to grouping options. For our database, we will not use a grouping option.
6. Click "Next" to proceed to sorting options. For our database, we will sort by Last Name, and then by First Name.
7. Click "Next" to proceed to layout options. For our database, we will accept the default settings.
8. Click "Next" to proceed to style options. For our database, we will choose the "Formal" style.
9. Click "Next" to proceed to the final step. In this step you will be asked to supply a name for your report. You may accept the default title, or supply any title you choose.
10. Click "Finish" to create your report. You will then see a preview of your report. If you wish to change the formatting, consult the on-line Help in Access for tips. Once you are satisfied with your report, save and close the file. Export the report as an html file 1. To export your report as an html file, click once to select the report, and then choose "File -- Export".
2. You will then be prompted to specify a saving location. If you are using Dreamweaver to manage your site, place the file in the appropriate directory. The other change you will need to make before saving the file is the file type. By default, the file type will be .mdb, which is the Access file format. Change the file format to .html in the "Save as type" drop-down menu at the bottom of the dialog box.
3. You may be prompted for a design template to apply. You do not need to specify a template. Simply click OK and your report will be exported. If your report contains more than one page, additional files will be created for each page using a page number following the file name. For example, if you named your report "Inventory" and it was a three-paged report, after exporting you would have three files: "Inventory.html", "InventoryPage2.html", and "InventoryPage3.html". Upload the report to your Web site You are now ready to publish your html report. You may use whatever secure file transfer utility you prefer (Dreamweaver, Home Directory Service, SecureFX, Fugu, etc). You may now view your html reports on the Web. Take a look at our example of an Access-generated report.
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