Maintain array after function terminates

[Dr. Demento]

I have a function that identifies and then will either hide or unhide hidden columns. However, I'm at a loss how to maintain the array between times it's called. For example, immediately below is an example of the processes I would perform.

AutoFilter table
arr_col_unHide  'Identify/unhide columns
Delete visible rows
arr_col_unHide  'Rehide columns

How do I maintain the array between the first time and second time the arr_col_unHide function is called??

Public gbl_arr_unHide_col() As Long

Function arr_col_unHide(ths As Worksheet, _
                        Optional nlbAction As Boolean = False, _
                        Optional nlbHide As Boolean = False) As Variant
' ~~ Create array of columns that are hidden
' ~~ How to hide the columns in excel sheet based on prior hidden columns

Dim rng As Range, _
    rngUsed As Range
  Set rngUsed = rng_Used(ths)

Dim cntr As Long

  ' ~~ Test if array has values in it; if empty, fill array
  If IsError(Application.match("*", (gbl_arr_unHide_col), 0)) = True Then
    ReDim gbl_arr_unHide_col(1 To rngUsed.Columns.Count)
    
    ' ~~ Identify hidden columns and store in array
    For Each rng In rngUsed.Columns
      If rng.EntireColumn.Hidden = True Then
        cntr = cntr + 1
        gbl_arr_unHide_col(cntr) = rng.column
        Debug.Print rng.column
      End If
    Next rng
  End If
  
  ' ~~ Un/Hide columns if needed
  If nlbAction = True Then
    ' ~~ Un/Hide columns
    For cntr = LBound(gbl_arr_unHide_col) To UBound(gbl_arr_unHide_col)
      If IsEmpty(gbl_arr_unHide_col(cntr)) = False Then
        .Columns(gbl_arr_unHide_col(cntr)).EntireColumn.Hidden = nlbHide
      Else
        Exit Function  ' ~~ Terminate function when no more array elements
      End If
    Next cntr
  End If 'nlbAction
  
End Function

 

[=ODIN=]

I may be way off the mark here, but I think what you are describing requires you to create a custom class object to hold your array so that it persists between calls.

 

[Dr. Demento]

=ODIN=

Thank you for the direction. Apologies for the late reply. I will definitely look into that.

 

[Norie]

Isn't gbl_arr_unHide_col() retaining it's values?

Where have you declared it?