General VBA Question, non technical


Posted by Smith on April 04, 2001 4:27 PM

Hello Everyone, I'm writing to ask for general advice. I have been trying to learn VBA for sometime now, and excel as well. I have realised the place where I work that such knowledge helps you alot in your work. I have learnt to use formulas, its basic, buts its all I need.
The problem is with Macros, I have bought some VBA books, but I just dont seem to learn it. I admit I'm a slow learner, so it doesnt make it easy as well.
I have just been made redundant, so I was thinking in enrolling in college. Not many places teach VBA. There are some distance learning organisations, but for a slow learner, its a pointless exercise. I need to see someone do it, then , maybe, if, I will learn.
There are lots of places where there teach VB(not VBA), do you think it will be as good as learning VBA. Also all you macro experts, how did you learn it, through VB, VBA, another language, was it self taught, college, etc.
Sorry for the long post, but I've reached a dead end here, I just dont seem to be able to learn macros, apart from creating a message box.
Please answer. Thankyou in advance




Posted by Dave Hawley on April 05, 2001 2:02 AM

Hi Smith

Don't be disheartend, VBA is not the piece of cake some would lead you to believe. I am a largely a self taught VBA programmer and I found that books, while good, are not the best way to learn (you cannot ask a book questions). They are also written to sell to as many people as possible so you may/well struggle to find one that is written for you.

The macro recorder in Excel is a pretty good way to pick up the fundamentals, but it can only do so much. The other problem is with the macro recorder is the code is usually inefficient as it only does as the name suggests i.e; plays back your steps.

You are certainly correct that not too many places teach VBA and those that do give a broad outlook on VBA as applied to Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Access and now Outlook. The other problem I found was they are VERY structured, which means 'if it is not in the course notes, don't ask!'

My company 'OzGrid Business Applications' specialises in Excel and VBA for Excel and we tailor-make courses to suit the individual. All our courses are run at the pace you are comfortable with which can range from 1 day to 6 months or more. We also focus on teaching only what you want to learn and don't fill your head with stuff that will serve no purpose to you.

Follow my link to my Website and click the "Training" link for course levels. Should you be interested drop me an e-mail and I will send you the details including cost etc.


DaveOzGrid Business Applications