VBA Book recommendation

[SailFL]

I am learning to code VBA and will be creating some code for a specific application that will be updating master workbooks from individual excel sheets. I want to add additional functionality. I am learning a lot just by reading the post here.

I also am no stranger to coding. I have 15 years experience coding in numerous languages like C, C++, Java, Ada, Fortran etc.

I don't need to understand how to code and the basic structures of programming but understanding the VBA capabilities.

I am open to suggestions.

Thanks

[Zack Barresse]

Hi SailFL! How are you?

I would suggest 'VBA and Macros for Microsoft Excel', 'Excel 2000 Power Programming with VBA', Excel 2003 Power Programming' (the 2000 is still good though, but the 2003 is newer, both by J-Walk), 'Microsoft Excel 2003 Programming [Inside Out]', Professional Excel Development' (more geared towards spreadsheet design), 'Excel VBA Programming for Dummies' and 'Mastering Excel 2003 Programming with VBA'.

I've got a copy of the 'VBA and Macros for Microsoft Excel' by Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad; great book. Check out the Book Reviews forum for some additional information on them.

HTH

[Ken Puls]

Hi SailFL!

I woudl recommend John Walkenbach's "Power Programming With VBA" series, hands down. I have had the 2002 version for a couple of years now, and still refer back to it. There is a HUGE amount of info in there, and it is written very well to not be overwhelming to a new programmer, and yet still has a ton of information for the advanced programmer as well.

Honestly, can't say enough about that book. I usually buy my books from the clearance table when a new version comes out. This one I paid top dollar for, though, on the recommendation of a friend, and it was worth far more than what I paid for it.

My impression: You want to learn VBA? Go J-Walk!

[Bob Phillips]

Well, seeing as it's a party, I'm joining.

Excel 2002 VBA Programmer's Reference
Author(s): John Green
Rob Bovey
Stephen Bullen
Robert Rosenberg
Format: Paperback, 2nd ed., 600pp.
ISBN: 1-861005-70-9
Publisher: Wrox
Pub. Date: September 2001

Synopsis This book presents a full reference to the Excel object model, which is essentially the object-oriented system of organizing the functional capacities that make up the Excel program. There is a short introduction to VBA itself, and the rest of the book documents aspects of programming Excel through that object model.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
My view: The only 'Excel' book in the list.

In my view there are not many good Excel books around, too many re-hash the same old stuff which most intelligent Excel users are perfectly capable of acquiring from their own skills. But this one goes beyond all of that, it's about programming. I often say to people that VB is easy, it's understanding the various object models that is difficult and where the power lies. This book takes you through the Excel object model, and show you many great techniques to harness it for your code. The Object Model Reference is quite handy too!

And you get a nice picture of Stephen Bullen and John Green .

Avoid the 2003 version though, the edit has been done very badly IMO.

[Zack Barresse]

Ah! Knew I was forgetting a book Bob! You should write that up in the Book Reviews forum..

[Ken Puls]

And you get a nice picture of Stephen Bullen and John Green

The most ringing endorsement ever! LOL!

Thanks for joining the party, Bob! I've never purchased that one, but I have to say that you've got me thinking it might be worth a read some day as well. Can never have too much info!

[Zack Barresse]

I've picked it up at Barnes and Nobles (on one of my all-day excursions .. LOL) and it is an excellent book. Really has a good grasp on the Excel Object Model and puts it in good perspective with easy to follow material. A great book by some extremely knowledgable authors.

[Bob Phillips]

The most ringing endorsement ever! LOL!

As I said Ken, it is the only Excel book I have ever bought (tons of VB, COM, API, but just one Excel), so there had to be something. Actually, I bought the 2000 version and the 2002 version is even better (shame about the 2003).

[Bob Phillips]

I've picked it up at Barnes and Nobles (on one of my all-day excursions .. LOL) and it is an excellent book. Really has a good grasp on the Excel Object Model and puts it in good perspective with easy to follow material. A great book by some extremely knowledgable authors.

Wow, I am impressed by a man that doesn't hesitate!

For interest Zack, two other great books (which I don't own yet, I am looking for bargains) are

VBA Developers Hanbdook
by Ket Getz & Mike Gilbert
Sybex International

and

Doing Objects in Microsoft Visual Basic 6
~Deborah Kurata
Sams
Paperback - July 1998

The second is more generic, but makes for a good read.

And of course, if you want hard-core stuff

Hardcore Visual Basic
Bruce McKinney
Paperback, 2nd ed., 760pp.
1-572314-22-2
Microsoft Press
July 1997

Advanced Visual Basic 6: Power Techniques for Everyday Programs
Matthew Curland
Paperback, 2nd ed., 528pp.
1-201707-12-8
Addison-Wesley
July 2000

The McKinney book went out of print years ago, I picked mine up from a street vendor. He had 6, I wished I had bought them all. But beware, these are not bedtime reading.

[Bob Phillips]

Professional Excel Development' (more geared towards spreadsheet design)

Zack,

Interested by that comment. I don't have the book (was hoping to get a free one, but too late to that party ), and only glanced at it in a shop, but I thought it was geared at Excel applications, intrinsically requiring VBA, not spreadsheet design. Agreed, the spreadsheet design is a fundamental of a good application, but I didn't think it was primarily aimed there.

And of course, it is probably more advanced than SailFL needs at this point.

[Ken Puls]

... thought [Professional Excel Development] was geared at Excel applications, intrinsically requiring VBA, not spreadsheet design.

I haven't read all of it yet. After about chapter 6, it ceased being bedtime reading! The first few chapters are specifically based on good spreadsheet modelling, and after that it went into some heavy code. I'm only up to around chapter 8 or so, though, so don't know what the rest holds.

[Zack Barresse]

.. I think I should have said, good spreadsheet design integrated with good structured code. Of course, XL-Dennis' write up on it is much better.

[Ken Puls]

.. I think I should have said, good spreadsheet design integrated with good structured code.

Wouldn't that be well structured code? I you think that the way you said it is gooder though, that's okay with me!

[Zack Barresse]

As long as it's okie dokie with Ken, then I am bestest with it.

[SailFL]

Thank you to all for the excellent suggestions. I think I can mark this as solved unless you want to continue to add your comments.

[Ken Puls]

Hi SailFL,

If the thread is solved to your satisfaction, then by all means, please mark it so.

So you know, everyone can still post to a solved thread if they have more input. It's just a way of keeping our coders focussed on issues that are still outstanding.

Cheers!