Online Resources 1

[CBFISH]

I am working with Excel and Visual Basic for Applications. I don't know any code other than interpreting the script for macros I've created.

I've searched through forums to find similar questions as I run into problems, but if my problem is even a little diferent, I don't know how to adjust the code people provide to suit my needs.

***Does anyone know of any FREE resources for learning the meanings of basic code?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[byundt]

CBFISH,
I recommend John Walkenbach's Excel 2003 Power Programming With VBA. It's part of a series of books, with a new edition released at the same time as each new version of Excel.

Rather than studying a 1000 page book (no matter how good it is), you'll learn more & faster trying to figure things out on your own. Take a look at your recorded macros and try to understand what each statement is doing. Also ask yourself the question whether many of the statements or properties could be deleted. Experimentation works wonders here.

Do learn how to step through a macro a line at a time (using the F8 key) or continue to the next break (using the F5 key). You set a break by clicking in the margin to the left of a statement. The VBE responds by putting a big maroon dot in the margin to represent the break.

The on-line help is excellent, but it's an optional install--so you may need to revisit the Add/Remove programs control panel. It provides a good description of each keyword as well as many examples showing how the statements are used. In addition, there are conceptual topics discussing basic programming issues like ranges.

Most experts at sites like this are delighted to explain their code--it's like being asked to show off.

You will also find most experts quite willing to help you debug code that you've been struggling with. Especially if you provide sample data and expected results, and can describe what the code is notdoing.

Besides searching the old questions at this site, take a look at the discussion in these popular Excel web sites:

http://j-walk.com/ss/excel/tips/index.htm

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/topic.htm

http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm

 

[CBFISH]

Thanks for the great info! I've noticed that with most things computer related expirimentation and collaborating with other users through forums like this are the best ways to learn.
JK

 

[PHV]

An excellent tool to learn is also the Object browser (F2 key when in VBE) in conjunction with the VBA help engine.

Hope This Helps, PH.
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