Excel/VBA 101 (RESOLVED)

[CyberJar]

Hello,

I'm new to Excel programming. I have to write an application to crunch numbers so I'll use Excel.

Here's where I'm confused:

How do you deploy/distribute VBA macros to Users? (do you put it in XLstart folder or as an add-in?)

Can Excel generate reports?

I want to purchase this book, Excel 2002 Power Programming with VBA by John Walkenbach. Do people reccommend this book?

Thanks,
CyberJar

[Shattered]

How do you deploy/distribute VBA macros to Users? (do you put it in XLstart folder or as an add-in?)

Depends on the nature of the macros your are distributing. Add-ins are great but may be excessive. Often its enough to simply store the macros in modules and then add then to the workbooks as required.. a loty depends on the type of users and the volume of macros / nature of macros.

Can Excel generate reports?

Sort of. There are some custom solutions available on the net (add-ins) or you can of course create your own (Simpler and cheaper option).

I want to purchase this book, Excel 2002 Power Programming with VBA by John Walkenbach. Do people reccommend this book?

Definately. Both books by John are well worth having and if you have the money another useful book is Excell 2002 VBA by John Green (from Wrox Press). Power programming is easier to follow though and well worth the investment.

[CyberJar]

Shattered, thanks for the very helpful responses. I'm getting those books tomorrow!

On deployment:
If I distribute the .xls (workbook) and the macros are contained in that workbook, isn't that all I would need to do to distribute the project to User's?

Thanks,
CyberJar

[Shattered]

yes, the only thing you may have to do is remind users about security levels (sounds simple but in the past I've dsitributed workbooks and had calls to say they don't work - when I've investigated the user had turned the macros off when they loaded it...).