What is the difference between the two. I always thought VBA is somewhat 'crippled' version of VB, but when a friend asked me the other day I had no idea what the actual differences are.
Also, when you use, for example, Excel, is that VB or VBA ?
Answers
The terms Visual Basic (VB) and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) refer to two different, but related, programming languages developed by Microsoft. Here's a breakdown of the differences between them, their purposes, and their usage:
Visual Basic (VB)
1. Full-Fledged Programming Language:
- Visual Basic, particularly VB6, is a standalone programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) used for building Windows applications. It allows developers to create both graphical user interface (GUI) applications and console applications.
2. Compiled Code:
- VB6 compiles code into standalone executable files (.exe). This means that applications created with VB6 can run independently of the development environment.
3. Richer Feature Set:
- VB6 offers a more comprehensive set of tools and features for application development, including advanced controls, external libraries, and more extensive file I/O operations.
4. Historical Context:
- VB6 is part of the Visual Studio suite and was widely used for developing Windows applications before .NET languages (like VB.NET and C#) became prevalent.
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
1. Scripting Language:
- VBA is a scripting language embedded in Microsoft Office applications like Excel, Word, and Access. It's used for automating tasks within these applications and for building complex macros.
2. Integrated within Host Applications:
- VBA code runs within the context of the host application (e.g., Excel or Word). It cannot create standalone executables and relies on the host application for execution.
3. Limited Scope:
- VBA has a more limited set of features compared to VB6. Its primary focus is to provide automation capabilities within Office applications, manipulating documents, spreadsheets, databases, etc.
4. Security and Access:
- Because VBA is designed for macro automation, it has specific security settings in Office applications to prevent malicious code execution. Users can enable or disable macros based on their security preferences.
Comparison Table
| Feature/Aspect | Visual Basic (VB6) | Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Create standalone Windows applications | Automate tasks within Office applications |
| Environment | Standalone IDE | Integrated in Office applications |
| Code Execution | Compiles to .exe files | Runs within the host application |
| Feature Set | More comprehensive and feature-rich | More limited, focused on Office automation |
| Typical Use Cases | Desktop applications, tools, utilities | Automating Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, Access databases |
| Security Model | Standard Windows security | Macro security settings in Office applications |
Usage in Excel: VB or VBA?
When you are using Excel and writing macros or automating tasks, you are using VBA. The VBA editor in Excel allows you to write, edit, and run scripts that automate tasks within the Excel application.
Example in Excel VBA:
Sub ShowMessage()
MsgBox "Hello, World!"
End Sub
This simple VBA macro displays a message box with the text "Hello, World!" when run from within Excel.
Summary
- VB6: A standalone programming environment for creating Windows applications.
- VBA: A scripting language for automating tasks within Microsoft Office applications.
VBA is embedded in Office applications like Excel, Word, and Access, and is used for creating macros and automating repetitive tasks within those applications. It is not designed to create standalone applications, whereas VB6 is a full-fledged programming language capable of doing so.
