TntMPD Add-On Developer Page

    If TntMPD doesn't do exactly what you want, and you know how to use Access 2000, you can develop custom solutions to enhance TntMPD.  TntMPD has a special feature called "Link to Access Database".  This takes an existing database and adds links to tables within TntMPD.  This way you can add your own tables, queries, forms and reports and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code modules.

    For a better explanation follow this link:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa141493(office.10).aspx

    Keep in mind in this illustration that the "Back End" database is the TntMPD file (*.mpd) and the "Front End" database is the Access 2000 database (*.mdb) that you told TntMPD to link.

    More advanced developers will appreciate the fact that TntMPD provides programmatic ways to create and update linked Access databases via the command line.  For help on this feature, run "TntMPD.exe /?" from the command line.  The location of TntMPD.exe can be found in the registry at "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TntWare\TntMPD\InstallPath".  Thus, each add-on should create and maintain its own link to the database, and the user shouldn't have to be involved.  (Note: The MLC add-on was designed before this feature was available and thus requires the user's involvement in setting up the link.)

    As to the layout of the underlying tables. You will find that most tables use the first field as their primary key. For example, the main table is called "Contact". The primary key is "ContactID". The gift table has a field called "ContactID" that links back to the person who gave the gift.

    If your add-on changes data in TntMPD tables in Access 2000 using your linked database, be sure to perform this task when you are done. Open TntMPD. Click on the "File" menu ... select "Maintenance". From the maintenance screen, recalculate mailing, money and history data. These steps are recommended for the program to operate correctly.  Also, each table has a "LastEdit" field that needs to be updated for TntSync to work correctly.

    If you wish to submit your add-on please contact Troy Wolbrink (troy.wolbrink@tntware.com) with your submission.  If your add-on changes data in TntMPD tables, please mention that.  I may have a few questions!  :^)

    There are some add-ons currently available for TntMPD.