Noobish Question

[Michael Thomas]

Hi all

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between VB and VBA and how
does this impact on Microsoft Access?

Thanks,
Michael

[Deano]

Michael Thomas wrote:

Hi all

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between VB and VBA and
how does this impact on Microsoft Access?

Thanks,
Michael

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the variant of Visual Basic
integrated into Microsoft Office including Access. You use it to write
office apps, automate Office tasks etc. It will be around for a while yet
though I read somewhere that it's lifespan is limited due to developments in
VB.

Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language in it's own right - there are
various versions out there. Because Microsoft is the heavy hitter of the
industry it's recent revamp of languages including VB.NET means that anyone
using VB or even VBA will be considering the pros and cons of moving to
VB.NET.

You will use VBA when creating an Access database. There are advantages in
moving to VB.NET or even VB but there are significant disadvantages; Access
allows you to create a nice database app quite quickly and the report
generator is superb. Of course you could manipulate Access from VB if
desired but that's not something I know much about.

The long-term affect of VB.NET on the lifepan of VBA will be interesting. I
suspect Microsoft would like everyone to buy their dev tools and start
coding everything up in VB.NET. I have been looking at moving for a while
but time and money is finite at the moment. Either that or I want to learn
Java.

[Larry Daugherty]

Hi Michael,

The main difference is in object models. VBA is the application development
language for the Microsoft Office suite and for lots of 3rd party
applications. Each VBA based application has a unique object model and most
include unique functions and properties not applicable outside their
environments. VB uses essentially the same language engine as VBA but VB is
enhanced and is a complete development language that can create DLLs and
executable (well, sort of) files. I say sort of because even though you can
create a ".exe" file you have to include a few extras to make sure your
application will run on the host machine.

VBA is the development language for Access and due to the commonality across
the Office suite and other applications you learn the language once and
thereafter you master the next application by learning its object model and
special functions and properties. Most office applications can function as
Client or Server via Automation.

HTH
--
-Larry-
--

"Michael Thomas" <mi*****@cocknbull.co.za> wrote in message
news:41********@news1.mweb.co.za...

Hi all

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between VB and VBA and how
does this impact on Microsoft Access?

Thanks,
Michael