ACC: Sample Function to Reverse a String

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 7.0, 97

SUMMARY

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

This article demonstrates a function called ReverseString() that you can use to reverse the characters in a string, and describes how to use the ReverseString() function to sort records in a query with the results of the function.

This article assumes that you are familiar with Visual Basic for Applications and with creating Microsoft Access applications using the programming tools provided with Microsoft Access. For more information about Visual Basic for Applications, please refer to your version of the "Building Applications with Microsoft Access" manual.

NOTE: Visual Basic for Applications is called Access Basic in Microsoft Access versions 1.x and 2.0. For more information about Access Basic, please refer to the "Introduction to Programming" manual in Microsoft Access version 1.x or the "Building Applications" manual in Microsoft Access version 2.0

MORE INFORMATION

The ReverseString() function will return a string with the characters reversed from the original argument string. For example, if the string "ABCD" were passed to the function, the string "DCBA" would be returned.

The following example demonstrates how to create and use the ReverseString() function:

1. Open the sample Northwind.mdb database (or NWIND.MDB in versions 1.x and 2.0).

2. Create a module and type the following line in the Declarations section, if it isn't already there:

         Option Explicit
   

3. Type the following procedure:

         Function ReverseString (MyString As String)
             Dim StringReversed As String
             Dim MyStringLength As Integer, X
             MyStringLength = Len(MyString)
             For x = 1 To MyStringLength
               StringReversed = Mid(MyString, x, 1) & StringReversed
             Next x
             ReverseString = StringReversed
         End Function
   
   

4. Create the following new query based on the Categories table:

         Query: Query1
         -------------------------------------------
         Field: CategoryName
            Show: (selected)
         Field: Expr1: ReverseString([CategoryName])
            Sort: Ascending
            Show: (not selected)
   
         NOTE: In version 1.x and 2.0, type a space in Category Name.
   
   

5. On the Query menu, click Run. Note that the following items are returned:

         CategoryName
         ------------
         Seafood
         Produce
         Beverages
         Grains/Cereals
         Confections
         Dairy Products
         Condiments
         Meat/Poultry
   

REFERENCES

For more information about the Mid() function, search the Help Index for "Mid Function," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.