Get Excel VBA Training And Forget The Macro Recorder
by: AndrewWhiteman |
Total views: 1 |
Word Count: 459 |
View PDF | Print View
Share This Article
Most users' first exposure to Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) involves recording a macro. As the user carries out a series of steps (for example opening a workbook going to a particular worksheet, copying some data, and so on) Excel faithfully records each step by generating the necessary Visual Basic code. Each time the user plays back the macro, these same steps are performed exactly as they were recorded.
Recording macros is excellent for really simple operations such as producing a simple report. However, there are definite limitations to this approach. Firstly, because Excel plays back the steps just as they were originally performed by the user, recorded macros are notoriously slow to play back.
Secondly, recorded macros will only run correctly under the conditions in which they were first recorded. For example, if a certain worksheet needs to be active at a given point and it is not active when the macro is run, there will be an error and the macro will stop running.
This means, effectively, that recorded macros can only really be used by the person who recorded them. They cannot be distributed to one's work colleagues.
One of the first things we do when we run an Excel VBA training course at our London training centre is to attempt to wean users off the recorder. We provide them with a good grasp of the Excel object model, a way of programmatically representing all of the elements that make up the Excel environment such as cells, workbook and worksheets.
True, there is a bit of a steep learning curve for those users who have done little or no programming. This is one reason why we run a five day intensive Excel VBA training course for new users. We find that it gives everyone a chance to gain confidence and familiarity with this challenging environment.
After weaning users off the macro recorder, we explain to them the syntax and structure of VBA. They learn how to use variables to store both data and references to Excel objects, how to code logical and iterative structures and how to allow the person running a macro to choose between different options.
Getting some training on Excel VBA is definitely worth the effort. It can take greatly increase one's productivity. For example, monthly procedures and reports which used to take ages to complete can suddenly be accomplished at the click of a button.
Getting trained on Excel VBA is the only real way of losing one's initial reliance on the macro recorder. However, the recorder should not be disregarded altogether. For example, if you find yourself working with an Excel object or procedure you find difficult to code, recording a few steps then examining code Excel generates is an excellent way to learn new VBA syntax.
Share This Article
Rating: Not yet rated Next Article - A honest real review of Spyzooka and Previous Article - Satellite TV for PC Software
About the Author
Author is a developer and trainer with Macresource Computer Solutions, a UK IT training company offering Microsoft Excel VBA training courses at their central London training centre.
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
Popular Articles about: Software
1: Viagra2: Adobe Illustrator: Getting Past The Blank Canvas
3: Enhance Your Web Pages With Dreamweaver's Javascript Behaviors
4: How to use a poker software
5: MyCafeCup.com launched new AIO Internet Cafe Software + WiFi HotSpot Gateway Billing.
6: The Easy Way To Write An E-book
7: How to convert swf to Avi, iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune
8: Optimize Your PC With Registry Cleaner
9: A new version of contextual German-English and English-German dictionary TranslateIt! for Windows
10: Pre-packaged vs. Custom Software
11: Getting Rid Of The This Nasty Philippine Made Virus
12: DOCUMENT SCANNING STORAGE of RECORDS DIGITIZING ARCHIVING PAPERLESS OFFICE NYC.
13: Using Personal Computers to Solve Humanitarian Problems
14: Your Reaction to the Idea of Paying Students
15: The Story of Finding Longitude: It Was All a Question of Timing
16: Choosing the Turnkey Software for your Business
17: Find Home Renovation Software
18: Tokenless Two Factor Authentication Ensures Secure Remote Access
19: The Way People Communicate Has Changed Over Time
20: Windows Vista Ultimate OEM Software
21: How To Safely Clean Windows Registry
22: Commercial Driver’s License CDL Manual
23: Does iBuzzPro Automatic Recruiter Software Actually Work?
24: How To Use Article Marketing For Free Unlimited Traffic
25: Big Ticket to Wealth Retail Store-- Is It Worth A Visit?
26: Management Software To Drive Your Bottom Line
27: Multiple Streams of Income...Surefire Way to Success
28: How to find an email address easily
29: Don't Buy a Myspace Friend Adder: Compare Consumer Ratings First
30: Cleaning Your Windows Registry Effectively