Microsoft Office

Part VI
Programming Excel with VBA
FIGURE 39.6
This VBA function returns the cube root of its argument.
Creating VBA functions that you use in worksheet formulas can simplify your formulas and
CROSS-REF
enable you to perform calculations that otherwise may be impossible. Chapter 40 discusses
VBA functions in greater detail.
Some Definitions
VBA newcomers are often overwhelmed by the terminology that is used in VBA. I’ve put together some key
definitions to help you keep the terms straight. These terms cover VBA and UserForms (custom dialog
boxes) — two important elements that are used to customize Excel:
n Code: VBA instructions that are produced in a module sheet when you record a macro. You also
can enter VBA code manually.
n Controls: Objects on a UserForm (or in a worksheet) that you manipulate. Examples include buttons,
check boxes, and list boxes.
n Function: One of two types of VBA macros that you can create. (The other is a Sub procedure.) A function
returns a single value. You can use VBA functions in other VBA macros or in your worksheets.
n Macro: A set of VBA instructions performed automatically.
n Method: An action taken on an object. For example, applying the Clear method to a Range
object erases the contents and formatting of the cells.
n Module: A container for VBA code.
n Object: An element that you manipulate with VBA. Examples include ranges, charts, drawing
objects, and so on.
n Procedure: Another name for a macro. A VBA procedure can be a Sub procedure or a Function
procedure.
n Property: A particular aspect of an object. For example, a Range object has properties, such as
Height, Style, and Name.
n Sub procedure: One of two types of Visual Basic macros that you can create. The other is a function.
n UserForm: A container that holds controls for a custom dialog box and holds VBA code to manipulate
the controls. (Chapters 41 and 42 explain UserForms in depth.)
n VBA: Visual Basic for Applications. The macro language that is available in Excel, as well as in the
other applications in Microsoft Office.
n VB Editor: The window (separate from Excel) that you use to create VBA macros and UserForms.
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