Database range

Although a database range can be used as a regular named range, a database range also defines a range of cells in a spreadsheet to be used as a database. Each row in a range corresponds to a record and each cell corresponds to a field. You can sort, group, search, and perform calculations on the range as if it were a database.

A database range provides behavior that is useful when performing database related activities. For example, you can mark the first row as headings. To create, modify, or delete a database range, use Data > Define Range to open the Define Data Range dialog. When you first define a range, the Modify button shown in the example is labeled New.

Define a database range.

In a macro, a database range is accessed, created, and deleted from the DatabaseRanges property. The macro in Listing 4 creates a database range named MyName and sets the range to be used as an auto filter.

Listing 4. Create a database range and an auto filter.

Sub AddNewDatabaseRange()
  Dim oRange 'DatabaseRange object.
  Dim oAddr  'Cell address range for the database range.
  Dim oSheet 'First sheet, which will contain the range.
  Dim oDoc   'Reference ThisComponent with a shorter name.
 
  oDoc = ThisComponent
  If NOT oDoc.DatabaseRanges.hasByName("MyName") Then
    oSheet = ThisComponent.getSheets().getByIndex(0)
    oRange = oSheet.getCellRangeByName("A1:F10")
    oAddr = oRange.getRangeAddress()
    oDoc.DatabaseRanges.addNewByName("MyName", oAddr)
  End If
  oRange = oDoc.DatabaseRanges.getByName("MyName")
  oRange.AutoFilter = True
End Sub