Best way to learn VBA.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

Normally I would concede that. In fact, all my "how to kick course X's ass" have that disclaimer, but in the case I feel too strongly. A good VBA book (vs. the macro recorder) is by far and away a much better place to start for someone that is looking to learn VBA. Why? Simple - there is tons of code for the reader to scan in the book. And guess what, that code is going to be a HELLUVA lot better than the code from the recorder. So if you learn by reading code, then read the code in a good book (vs. reading the code produced by the macro recorder). You will learn more and faster.

A few years ago, I would have agreed with you. And I would have been trashing the recorder even more strongly than you are now. But many people learn better by doing, especially doing practical work (re ST:TNG episode 113: The Masterpiece Society).

So to someone seeking advice on how to learn VBA, I would say "Here are several different methods. Try them all out and see what works best for you."

[MNBridge]

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

To those who voted for macro recorder - have you read an Excel VBA book? If so, which book?

I haven't really 'read' it, though I should. But I use Walkenbach's book for reference consistently.

[Bama Gambler]

But trust me when I say you could have learned to write those simulation macros and building functions much quicker if you have started with a book. AND they would have been much cleaner code, which comes in handy if you or anyone else ever needs to make changes to the code.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

To those who voted for macro recorder - have you read an Excel VBA book?

Yes, several in fact. (Including VB and other flavors of VBA)

If so, which book?

I like the stuff published by O'Reilly the best.

[Bama Gambler]

Alright, I'm giving up. It doesn't look like I'm going to change anyone's mind and I'm sure not changing my mind. So we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

Till next time.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by Bama Gambler

But trust me when I say you could have learned to write those simulation macros and building functions much quicker if you have started with a book. AND they would have been much cleaner code, which comes in handy if you or anyone else ever needs to make changes to the code.

I didn't start with a book or a macro recorder. I started with Lotus 2.1 and a one-line macro someone showed me during my third week on the job.

[Lewick]

I have learned VBA trough VB (i took a VB class in university), which gave me the basics only for VBA. As you get better, HELP will be your best friend.

Or just write VBA in google and you'll get a thousand forums talking about VBA, functions, etc.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by Lewick

Or just write VBA in google and you'll get a thousand forums talking about VBA, functions, etc.

And you quickly learn to identify which sites will, after you've gotten there, say "Want the answer to this question? Pay us some money!"

[Expunge]

I've never read a VBA book. yet i know about cells(r,c). I started by recording macros, and adding in the various loops as needed. As so an i needed to loop through various cells (even down rows as opposed to columns) I knew there had to be some sort of cells(r,c). Now I use the help files when needed, and I still will read through other peoples code from time to time to see how they tackle the problems.

[Arlie_Proctor]

I agree with IMP. IMO, the best way to learn is from a coworker or from a coworker's code.