How to use Left function with MS Access 2007

Question

Alright, I am attempting to use a basic left() function with a MS Access query, in order to create an inner join between two tables. The two columns that will be joined contain the first 3 character of a given street address.

I have attempted to use the function as shown:

I simply want to take the first 3 characters (from the left obviously) of this column, and join it to the "Left 3 of adress" column in my Branch Management sheet. Every time I attempt to run this query however, I get a syntax error. The left function is pretty straightforward in almost every language/RDBMS, what am I doing wrong?

EDIT: here is a screen shot of the error: The error is wonderfully vague.

Answer 1

You left out a close parenthesis. Change this ...

ON ([Branch Mgmt].[Left 3 of address] = left([SalesPage Offices w/CRD].ADDRESS_LINE_1,3)

to this ...

ON ([Branch Mgmt].[Left 3 of address] = left([SalesPage Offices w/CRD].ADDRESS_LINE_1,3))

Answer 2

I don't think you can use the LEFT() function in your join statement. Instead run a sub query to get the field you want and then link them together. Something like the following:

SELECT M.TRADE_FIRM, M.POSTAL_CODE_1, M.ADDRESS_LINE_1, 
       M.OFFICE_ID, M.STATE_PROVINCE, M.CITY, B.*
FROM
(
  SELECT S.*, LEFT(S.ADDRESS_LINE_1, 3) AS Left3Addr
  FROM [SalesPage Offices w/CRD] AS S
) AS M
INNER JOIN [Branch Mgmt] AS B ON B.[Left 3 of address] = M.Left3Addr
AND B.State = M.State
AND B.City = M.City
WHERE M.TRADE_FIRM = 'WHATEVER'