What’s a VBA programmer’s job?

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VBA programmers use Microsoft Visual Basic to develop and modify Windows-based software, using object models and DLLs. They analyze code and use debugging tools to understand how software works, and may use OLE automation to manage communications between applications. They may also be responsible for presenting findings and making changes to software programs.

A Visual Basic for Applications, or VBA programmer, usually works with the specific VBA edition of Microsoft Visual Basic. Visual Basic is an object-oriented programming language with its own Windows-based interface, popular for creating a wide variety of Microsoft desktop applications. Visual Basic for Applications is tailored for the development of specific applications, be it office resources, graphics programs, file sorting programs, or any other type of Windows-based software.

In general, VBA programmers are responsible for using VBA to develop existing applications or craft new projects. They should know how to use all parts of Visual Basic’s complex interface, as well as how to use DLLs (dynamic-link libraries) to provide references to code modules. They also need to know about object models, which are specific language constructs that Visual Basic uses to work with an application.

It can be a bit difficult for VBA programmers to figure out the specific object model for an existing application. This element of the software was coded by the original creators. A VBA programmer can use something called a macro recorder that can help figure out parts of the object model. Some debugging tools can also be helpful in this process.

Some of the higher-level cognitive tasks for VBA programmers involve evaluating an object model and analyzing the syntax and logic of existing code. These individuals can run Windows-based or Visual Basic applications repeatedly to decipher how the code works during runtime. They may use extensive debugging or testing to learn more about how specific software works.

To manage a complex set of communications with applications, a VBA programmer can use tools such as the OLE automation feature. This type of tool helps users examine how applications share functions. Here again, the nature of Microsoft Visual Basic as an object-oriented language is important. Some code functions can be described as “automation objects”, which are sometimes shared between multiple applications.

A VBA programmer will generally be responsible for analyzing the workings of a specific software program and presenting findings as needed. This professional may be called upon to manipulate various specific parts of a software program or change it in different ways. VBA experts often help an IT team manage necessary changes to a set of applications.




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