In order to get a better idea of how macros work, let's look at the VBA-coded version of the DataSorter macro we just created. The only distinction is that the macros we recorded can only be run from Excel. The code that is generated when a macro is recorded is Visual Basic and VBA code since the language syntax is nearly identical. VBScript is the newest dialect of Visual Basic, and it competes with JavaScript in the dynamic HTML/Internet area. VBA must always be run from within the program that created it. It is pseudo-compiled, meaning that it cannot be used to create separate, stand-alone programs. Visual Basic is for developing stand-alone programs, while VBA is the programming language in the Office suite of programs (Excel, Access, Word etc.). All three languages use similar commands and syntax, but each serves a different functional purpose. There are three major Visual Basic programming products that can be purchased: Visual Basic, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and Visual Basic Script (VBScript). The distinction between Visual Basic and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) has caused some confusion for programmers.

Overview of Visual Basic, VBA, and VBScript Recall that Excel translates recorded actions into VBA. VBA is very similar to the programming language Visual Basic. Macros are recorded in a programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

Using microsoft visual basic for excel