Quote Originally Posted by pdeshazier
I was an RPG IV programmer, but VBA is very different. Can you suggest how I should get started learning it? Thanks sooooooo much!!!
Sorry I don't know your name, so I can't address you properly

If you have programmed in RPG IV you must have the basic concepts of programming understood, loops, functions, variables, etc. (I say must, but as I have no idea of RPG IV that should really be assume ).

As such, the thing you will probably find the hardest is Object Orientatied coding (does RPG IV work on objects?) and the Excel object model. Once you have gotten to grips with these, you will be well on your way.

To help with this I would recommend

'-----------------------------------------------------------------
Excel VBA Programming For Dummis



Author: John Walkenbach

ISBN: 0-7645-7412-4

Publisher: Wiley, 2004, 390 pp., List price $24.99 (US)

Status: Available

Target Reader:This book is intended for experienced Excel users who want to learn the basics of VBA programming. It's good for Excel 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Comments: This is a light-hearted guide to learning VBA programming. Despite the title, you'll find lots of useful information, tips, and techniques. The book doesn't have a CD, but the sample files are available to download from the Web.

Publisher's Web Site: Contains downloads and a sample chapter.
'-----------------------------------------------------------------

Don't be put off by the 'For Dummies' title, it is quality stuff. I append a chapter list at the end for you to see the topics covered.

After that, when you have achieved some proficiency, you might want to move onto

'-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
'-----------------------------------------------------------------

Be careful with this one though. There is a revised 2003 version. Do NOT buy the 2003 version, the revision has been badly done, not a patch on the 2002 version.

You might also think this covers much of the same ground as John's book, so check out for yourself.

The other thing to do is to visit newsgroups and/or forums like this and check out what questions are being asked and the responses, and have a go at answering some yourself. Even if your reply gets kicked back (hopefully nicely), you will learn something.

And most important of all, get yourself a meaningful project. something you want to automate, that will allow you to learn productively.

Anyway, the ToC as promised




Table of Contents

Part I: Introducing VBA
  • Chapter 1. What is VBA?
  • Chapter 2. Jumping Right In
Part II: How VBA Works With Excel
  • Chapter 3. Introducing the Visual Basic Editor
  • Chapter 4. Introducing Excel's Object Model
  • Chapter 5. VBA Sub and Function Procedures
  • Chapter 6. Using the Excel Macro Recorder
Part III: Programming Concepts
  • Chapter 7. Essential VBA Language Elements
  • Chapter 8. Working With Range Objects
  • Chapter 9. Using VBA and Worksheet Functions
  • Chapter 10. Controlling Program Flow and Making Decisions
  • Chapter 11. Automatic Procedures and Events
  • Chapter 12. Error-Handling Techniques
  • Chapter 13. Bug Extermination Techniques
  • Chapter 14. VBA Programming Examples
Part IV: Developing Custom Dialog Boxes
  • Chapter 15. Custom Dialog Box Alternatives
  • Chapter 16. Custom Dialog Box Basics
  • Chapter 17. Using Dialog Box Controls
  • Chapter 18. Dialog Boxes Techniques and Tricks
Part V: Creating Custom Menus and Toolbars
  • Chapter 19. Customizing the Excel Toolbars
  • Chapter 20. When the Normal Excel Menus Aren't Good Enough
Part VI: Putting It All Together
  • Chapter 21. Creating Worksheet Functions - And Living to Tell About It
  • Chapter 22. Creating Excel Add-Ins
  • Chapter 23. Interacting With Other Office Applications
Part VII: The Part of Tens
  • Chapter 24. Top Ten VBA Questions (and Answers)
  • Chapter 25. (Almost) Ten Excel Resources