Getting the column name that appears to the user

[jalexm]

I'm on MS SQL but I think you need to do the leg work yourself. I don't see how the database can know what aliases you are using in queries and VB code unless they were actually assigned on the DB (if possible).
I'd be interested to know if it can be done with a simple report.

In fact, the names are assigned on DB and I need to get them in my app using VB code. It´s possible to get real/internal names but I don´t know how to get the names that appears to the user. That´s the problem.

If I create that list I have mentioned before and in the future someone (or myself) changes the DB, then I will need to remember to update that list. That´s why I´m trying to avoid creating that list.

[TysonLPrice]

In fact, the names are assigned on DB and I need to get them in my app using VB code. It´s possible to get real/internal names but I don´t know how to get the names that appears to the user. That´s the problem.

If I create that list I have mentioned before and in the future someone (or myself) changes the DB, then I will need to remember to update that list. That´s why I´m trying to avoid creating that list.

I don't know Access but you lost me here. Where does TabDepts.CodDept display as "Dept. Code"? What would you see if you ran this query against the DB?

Select TabDepts.CodDept from Mytable where TabDepts.CodDept = 'VBForums'

Would you see:

CodDept
VBForums

or

Dept. Code
VBForums

I guess what I'm thinking is selects are using aliases or what the user sees is manipulated in the program and you will need to find them there, not on the DB.

Otherwise...I'm all wet

[jalexm]

I don't know Access but you lost me here. Where does TabDepts.CodDept display as "Dept. Code"? What would you see if you ran this query against the DB?

Select TabDepts.CodDept from Mytable where TabDepts.CodDept = 'VBForums'

Would you see:

CodDept
VBForums

or

Dept. Code
VBForums

I guess what I'm thinking is selects are using aliases or what the user sees is manipulated in the program and you will need to find them there, not on the DB.

Otherwise...I'm all wet

Sorry for the delay.

In fact, my app uses a DB created in Access but everything is made by my app.

When an error occurs, Access send a message to my app and it shows something like "TabDepts.CodDept is not valid." (I can't remember exactly). I can trap the error and get its number and message.

This way I can avoid to show the original message to the user. Next step is to find "TabDepts.CodDept" string in original error message and replace it by "Dept. Code" and show the new message: "Dept. Code is not valid."

I can do all of these things, but I don't have a way to get the column names that appear to the user. I can get only internal/real names although both are defined in Access.

No problem if I have few fileds/columns. But there are many. That's the problem.