VBA / Macros

Hi Kulwinder,

Thank you for the forum question.

Here’s a clear, helpful list of common Excel VBA / Macro terminology, plus the best places to look for deeper explanations. No browsing needed because VBA terminology is stable and well documented.
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Key Excel VBA & Macro Terminology
Macros
• Macro — A recorded or written set of commands that automates tasks in Excel.
• Macro Recorder — A tool that captures your actions in Excel and translates them into VBA code.
• Module — A container inside the VBA editor that stores macros and procedures.
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VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
• VBA — The programming language used for writing advanced macros in Excel and other Office apps.
• IDE / VBA Editor (VBE) — The environment where you write and run VBA code (ALT + F11).
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Code Structure
• Sub (Subroutine) — A block of code that performs actions.
Sub MyMacro()
End Sub
• Function — Returns a value (similar to Excel formulas).
Function Add(a, b)
End Function
• Procedure — A general term for either a Sub or a Function.
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Variables & Data Types
• Variable — A named location in memory to store values.
• Dim — Used to declare variables.
• Data types:
o String — text
o Integer, Long — whole numbers
o Double — decimals
o Boolean — True/False
o Variant — flexible data type
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Objects, Properties, Methods
VBA is object oriented.
• Object — Something in Excel that you can control (Workbook, Worksheet, Range).
• Property — A setting of an object (e.g., .Value, .Name, .Count).
• Method — An action an object can perform (e.g., .Copy, .Clear, .Add).
Example:
Range("A1").Value = "Hello"
• Range = object
• .Value = property
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Object Model
Excel has a hierarchical structure:
Application → Workbooks → Workbook → Worksheets → Worksheet → Range
Useful terms:
• Collection — An ordered set (e.g., Worksheets, Workbooks).
• With…End With — Shortcut for repeated object references.
• Set — Used to assign object variables.
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Flow Control
• If / Else
• For / Next loops
• Do While / Until
• Select Case
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Events
• Events — Code triggered automatically (e.g., sheet change, workbook open).
o Worksheet_Change
o Workbook_Open
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Error Handling
• On Error Resume Next
• On Error GoTo …
• Debugging tools:
o Watch Window
o Immediate Window
o Breakpoints
________________________________________ Best Places to Learn VBA Terminology
1. Microsoft Official Documentation
• Microsoft Learn (VBA reference):
https://learn.microsoft.com/office/vba/api/overview/
2. Practical Guides
• Excel VBA Programming for Dummies
• Automate the Boring Stuff with VBA (online examples)
3. Examples & Community
• StackOverflow (VBA tag)
• Reddit r/vba
• MrExcel forums
4. Macro Recorder (built into Excel)
One of the best ways to learn terminology is to:
1. Start recording a macro
2. Perform actions
3. Look at the generated code
4. See how objects/methods are used
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Kind regards

Jens Bonde
Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer

Tel: 0207 987 3777
STL - https://www.stl-training.co.uk
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