list determines what is displayed in the Classes window, and your selection in the Classes window determines what is visible in the Members Of panel.
After you select a library, you can search for a particular text string to get a list of properties and methods that contain the text. You do so by entering the text in the second drop-down list and then clicking the binoculars (Search) icon.
1 Select the library of interest.If you're not sure which object library is appropriate, you can select <All Libraries>.
2 Enter the object you're seeking in the drop-down list below the library list.
3 Click the binoculars icon to begin the text search.
The Search Results window displays the matching text. Select an object to display its classes in the Classes window. Select a class to display its members (properties, methods, and constants). Pay attention to the bottom pane, which shows more information about the object. You can press F1 to go directly to the appropriate help topic.
Object Browser may seem complex at first, but its usefulness to you will increase over time.
Pilfer code from the Internet
All the macro syntax you will ever need has likely been documented somewhere on the Internet. In many ways, programming has become less about the code one creates from scratch and more about how to take existing code and apply it creatively to a particular scenario.
If you are stuck trying to create a macro for a particular task, fire up your favorite online search engine and simply describe the task you are trying to accomplish. For the best results, enter Excel VBA before your description.
For example, if you are trying to write a macro that deletes all the blank rows in a worksheet, search for Excel VBA delete blank rows in a worksheet. You can bet two months' salary that someone out there on the Internet has tackled the same problem. Nine times out of 10, you will find some example code that will give you the nugget of information you need to jump-start some ideas for building your own macro.
Leverage user forums
If you find yourself in a bind, you can post your question in a forum to get customized guidance based on your scenario.
User forums are online communities that revolve around a particular topic. In these forums, you can post questions and have experts offer advice on how to solve particular problems. The folks answering the questions are typically volunteers who have a passion for helping the community solve real-world challenges.
There are many forums dedicated to all things Excel. To find an Excel Forum, enter the words Excel Forum in your favorite online search engine.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of user forums:
Always read and follow the forum rules before you get started. These rules often include advice on posting questions and community etiquette guidelines.
Use concise and accurate subject titles for your questions. Don't create forum questions with abstract titles like “Need Advice” or “Please Help.”
Keep the scope of your questions as narrow as possible. Don't ask questions like “How do I build an invoicing macro in Excel?”
Be patient. Remember that the folks answering your questions are volunteers who typically have day jobs. Give the community some time to answer your question.
Check back often. After posting your question, you may receive requests for more details about your scenario. Do everyone a favor and return to your posting either to review the answers or respond to follow-up questions.
Thank the expert who answered your question. If you receive an answer that helps you, take a moment to post a thank you to the expert who helped you out.
Visit expert blogs
There are a few dedicated Excel gurus who share their knowledge through blogs. These blogs are often treasure troves of tips and tricks, offering nuggets that can help build up your skills. Best of all, they are free!
Although these blogs will not necessarily speak to your particular needs, they offer articles that advance your knowledge of Excel and can even provide general guidance on how to apply Excel in practical business situations.
Here is a starter list of a few of the best Excel blogs on the Internet today:
http://chandoo.org http://www.contextures.com http://www.datapigtechnologies.com/blog http://www.dailydoseofexcel.com http://www.excelguru.ca/blog http://www.mrexcel.com
Mine YouTube for video training
Some of us learn better if we watch a task being done. If you find that you absorb video training better than online articles, consider mining YouTube. There are dozens of channels run by amazing folks who have a passion for sharing knowledge. You'll be surprised at how many free high-quality video tutorials you'll find.
Go to www.youtube.com and search for the words Excel VBA.
Learn from the Microsoft Office Dev Center
The Microsoft Office Dev Center is a site dedicated to helping new developers get a quick start in programming Office products. You can get to the Excel portion of this site by going to
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp179694.aspx
Although the site can be a bit difficult to navigate, it's worth a visit to see all of the free resources, including sample code, tools, step-by-step instructions, and much more.
Dissect the other Excel files in your organization
Like finding gold in your backyard, the existing files in your organization are often a treasure trove for learning. Consider cracking open those Excel files that contain macros and take a look under the covers. See how others in your organization use macros. Try to go through the macros line by line and see if you can spot new techniques. You may even stumble upon entire chunks of useful code that you can copy and implement in your own workbooks.
Ask your local Excel genius
Do you have an Excel genius in your company, department, organization, or community? Make friends with that person today. Most Excel experts love sharing their knowledge. Don't be afraid to approach your local Excel guru to ask questions or seek out advice on how to tackle macro problems.
CHAPTER 3 VBA Programming Fundamentals
IN THIS CHAPTER
