On the other hand, modern businesses replace outdated systems with advanced alternatives that provide a competitive advantage. If you are a business owner who wants to convert your MS Access database to a web app, this article will teach you how. However, first and foremost:
Why Convert To A Web Application?
Most companies migrate to web applications after their business has grown to the point where the old system can no longer handle it reliably.
Because of their structure, web applications are far easier to deploy. The application runs on the website server, providing standardized services to many users simultaneously. Simply put, users can access it from nearly any device with an internet connection and a browser.
Web apps facilitate collaboration because they can handle multiple devices at once. Web applications are automatically convenient for remote working.
Web apps are also easier to maintain because only one update is required on the server for all users to begin enjoying a new version. Web applications are also more secure than MS Access databases.
Converting MS Access Database To Web Application
Although automated tools exist to assist with such tasks, they provide subpar services that may harm growing businesses in the long run. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Move Data
Import Data From Access Tables Begin by importing data from Access tables to an MS SQL, MySQL, or other DBMS of your choice. However, even the free SQL Server Express can meet all your requirements. At this point, there is no harm in using migration assistant software.
Resurrect Queries as Views
In this case, you must manually convert queries, which are common in MS Access, to views. Access queries may contain user input or form entries, necessitating a holistic recreation.
However, Migration Assistants can only assist with a few queries in this case. You must re-create the INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE queries.
Remake Forms
After transferring data to a SQL Server, you should build a website linked to the database. You can use any programming language here.
However, despite the ease of creating UI with prototyping tools, manual programming has a slew of advantages that even the most successful corporations cannot ignore.
Revamp Reports
Reports go through the same process as forms. Whatever programming language you choose, tools and libraries are available to handle simple reports based on a single query. Complex reports, on the other hand, must be recreated from scratch.
Translate the Visual Basic code
Translate the MS Access Visual Basic code, which was used as the primary programming language, into your newly selected coding language. Remember that not all of the codes in modules and macros are necessarily linked to specific forms or reports.
Microsoft makes it difficult to leave its platforms by, for example, employing a proprietary programming language.
Converting an MS database to a web application is a time-consuming process that is best left to specialized professionals.
Even if you want to merge several Access databases into a web app, the possibilities are endless.
