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Microsoft Access Articles & Tips
Access Object Naming Conventions

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No matter which version of Access you're using, considering naming conventions for tables, queries, forms, reports, fields and controls is time well spent.

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Let's say you've got two tables called Customers and Employees that both contain fields named LastName and FirstName.

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When you begin to built objects that refer to the fields, which LastName and FirstName is which? You may also have a table, query, form and report all named Customers. More confusion for you - and for Access.

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Below are some examples of naming conventions we use. You may decide on something a bit different, or may use two or three prefix characters, depending on how many tables you have in your database that may contain similar fields. 

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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you use naming conventions and that they are consistent.

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Do not use symbols and spaces. They cause all kinds of problems, so avoid them completely.

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I prefer Proper Case, but you can also use the underscore character. For example: tlbCustomers or tbl_customers.

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There are also reserved words that you cannot use, such as Month, Date and Name. For a complete list, view Allen Browne’s exhaustive list of reserved words at Problem names and reserved words in Access.

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What’s in a name? Quite a bit, when it comes to Access!

© 2012 DJH Training & Application Solutions Inc.

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