ACC2000: Function to Reverse String Characters in a Query

ID: Q210439

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Access 2000

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

This article applies only to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb).

SUMMARY

Microsoft Access 2000 includes a new function, StrReverse(), that returns a string with the characters reversed from the original argument string. For example, if you were to pass the string "ABCD" to the function, the function would return the string "DCBA."

This article shows you how to create a function called ReverseString() that uses the StrReverse() function, so that you can sort records in a query with the results of the function.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: You will receive the following error message if you use the StrReverse() function directly in a query.

Undefined function 'StrReverse' in expression.

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, please see the following page on the World Wide Web:

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http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

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

Open the sample database Northwind.mdb.

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


Option Explicit

Type the following procedure:


Function ReverseString (MyString As String)
   ReverseString = StrReverse(MyString)
End Function

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)

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

The returned records are sorted in ascending order on the CategoryName field, but the field is sorted from right to left, rather than from left to right. For example, Seafood is sorted on "d," Produce on "e," Beverages on "s," and so on.

Additional query words: inf sorting backwards sample function

Keywords : kbprg kbdta AccCon KbVBA
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto