Solve : Alternatives to Excell for Visual Basic???

1.	Solve : Alternatives to Excell for Visual Basic???
Answer» Hello to all. I am wondering if there is an alternative (preferably open source) for creating Visual Basic and Macro Enabled files. This is part of school, and i do not have Microsoft Office, due to having to re-install operating system on my computer that did have it after it got severely infected with a virus. I know that the code itself can be created and written in Notepad++, but the design of the windows i am not sure about. Any help appreciated. ThanksThis is to create macros that work in Excel, right? Is the class focused on Microsoft Office?If this is for educational use, your University may be able to get you a copy of MS Office for free. Is the course focused on VBA or on Excell? Quote Visual Basic for Applications http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic_for_Applications Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is an implementation of Microsoft's event-driven programming language Visual Basic 6 and its associated integrated development environment (IDE), which are built into most Microsoft Office applications. VBA enables building user defined functions, automating processes and accessing Windows API and other low-level functionality through dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). It is also built into Office for Mac applications (apart from version 2008), other Microsoft applications such as Microsoft MapPoint and Microsoft Visio; as well as being at least partially implemented in some other applications such as AutoCAD, WordPerfect and ArcGIS. It supersedes and expands on the abilities of earlier APPLICATION-specific macro programming languages such as Word's WordBasic. It can be used to control many aspects of the host application, including manipulating user interface features, such as menus and toolbars, and working with CUSTOM user forms or dialog boxes. VBA can also be used to create import and export filters for various file formats, such as OpenDocument (ODF). From the above you see that the Word Perfect suite could be used as a replacement for MS Office. Some older versions of Word Perfect Office are available at very low cost. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 21, 2012, 11:30:21 AM If this is for educational use, your University may be able to get you a copy of MS Office for free. Free, not very likely, but at a very good discount compared to retail pricing. VISIT your college bookstore for academically priced software. Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 10:32:46 AM Hello to all. I am wondering if there is an alternative (preferably open source) for creating Visual Basic and Macro Enabled files. The closest alternative would be Visual Basic 6 and earlier, which allows you to reference the Office library and create UserForms. On the other hand, you need office installed to reference that library anyway. Short story is that there isn't an alternative Office suite that uses Visual Basic for Applications.I am not in a university, nor is the class focused on Microsoft Products. Simply, the class is a class my school has me in, basically being mentored by one of the IT techs. The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers. Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 02:04:44 PM I am not in a university, nor is the class focused on Microsoft Products. Simply, the class is a class my school has me in, basically being mentored by one of the IT techs. The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers. I would ask your instructer A) What are the exact requirements of this class...and B) What tools do i need to accomplish said tasks and where do i get them...A number of references indicate that Quattro pro has VBA built-in. http://quattro-pro.helpmax.net/en/automating-tasks/using-macros/creating-vba-macros/ If you get an early version of Word Perfect Office, it has Quattro Pro. I recall I used it years ago for a engineering program. Another reference. http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20786 I think there are sites where you can Download Quattro Pro older versions free. Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 02:04:44 PM The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers. If the current curricullum is Visual Basic, you should be using Visual Basic, not an Office application. Or is the class using VBA? If so typically the code written will be tied to the application you use. You could get a VBA host by way of acquiring another program such as quattro pro, but the fact is that VBA code is, with few exceptions, always tied to the application you write it for. Is this Visual Basic for Application, or is this "actual" Visual Basic?It seems to be Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets at the moment. Im sure this is more then less a spring pad to get into the pure visual basic itself. But for now, if i wish to work on the project at home (where i am the most productive) i will need some sort of alternative. Old versions of Visual Basic are available. They serve for a simple introduction to Visual Basic programming, but lack advanced features. You decide which molder version Visual Basic would serve lour needs. Some versions have a steep leaning curve. Some versions do not produce optimized code. Some versions only work as Windows programs, not command line programs. Some versions do not have ABILITY to do SQL applications. Specify what features you need and recommendations can be NAMED. Quote from: zeroburn on March 27, 2012, 09:34:23 PM It seems to be Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets at the moment. Im sure this is more then less a spring pad to get into the pure visual basic itself. But for now, if i wish to work on the project at home (where i am the most productive) i will need some sort of alternative. There is no alternative. Aside from earlier versions of excel, possibly. You could test certain segments of code using VB6 (the learning edition is available for free, as is the VB5 "Control Creation" edition), which is better than nothing; you could create a project in VB for a given project task and then be able to copy-paste segments of that code into the VBA module. Quote Some versions have a steep leaning curve. What does this mean? Quote Some versions do not produce optimized code. Most of the learning editions cannot compile at all; the VB5 Control Creation Edition can compile ActiveX Controls, but not executables. (interestingly, you can use the command line to compile executables with the control creation edition). I don't think the VB6 learning edition includes CL.EXE (which is the compiler one would use to create executables 'manually') Quote Some versions only work as Windows programs, not command line programs. All 32-bit versions of Visual Basic can be used to create Command-Line programs.... though you need to use dumpbin from the windows sdk to edit the executable and you need to call the console functions yourself... in a manner that it clearly wasn't intended for. (All versions of Visual Basic before .NET didn't support command line executables) Quote Some versions have a steep leaning curve. I was thinking of VB6. The OP started with wanting to use VBA. It seems some IT person told him it could be used to learn Visual Basic. It is not clear if the OP wants to learn VBA or just any edition of Visual Basic. If he is new to programming, I would not recommend VB6. Even if he could get it free. He needs to say if the instructor specifies a certain version of Microsoft Visual Basic. One would think an alert instructor would give his students a clue about how to download a free copy . Unless that was part of the first assignment. One of the reasons for not using recent versions of visual BASIC is the hassle of getting all that .NET stuff Quote Whether Visual Basic .NET should be considered as just another version of Visual Basic or a completely different language is a topic of debate. This is not obvious, as once the methods that have been moved around and that can be automatically converted are accounted for, the basic syntax of the language has not seen many "breaking" changes, just additions to support new features like structured exception handling and short-circuited expressions. Visual Basic .NET From Wikipedia, For a free version of Visual Basic, the 2005 and 2008 version is still available. Somewhere. Perhaps the OP will clarify what he needs. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 27, 2012, 11:09:48 PM I was thinking of VB6. I'm not sure I follow; VB6 can run the same code that works in all previous versions... in what way does it have a steep learning curve? I'm not trying to give you a hard time (isn't that a nice change? ) just trying to understand what you mean. Quote The OP started with wanting to use VBA. It seems some IT person told him it could be used to learn Visual Basic. It is not clear if the OP wants to learn VBA or just any edition of Visual Basic. Well, Zeroburn did mention Excel 2010. Clouding the issue is that Visual Basic versions 4 and later use Visual Basic for Applications, so there is quite a bit of overlap. Quote If he is new to programming, I would not recommend VB6. Even if he could get it free. I agree. No reason to start with something that everybody else has pretty much moved on from; especially since there are later versions that are fully supported (and free, too). Quote He needs to say if the instructor specifies a certain version of Microsoft Visual Basic. One would think an alert instructor would give his students a clue about how to download a free copy . Unless that was part of the first assignment. Given their note about Excel 2010, I think it' s possible that all classwork can be completed during class-time. Other than that, they could probably get a trial version of Excel 2010; or, get a version with a significant discount through their educational institution, which is probably their best bet. Quote One of the reasons for not using recent versions of visual BASIC is the hassle of getting all that .NET stuff Visual Basic .NET From Wikipedia, What do you mean? Most versions of windows now have a version of .NET preinstalled; Windows 7 comes with .NET 3.5; and even those that don't, the installers for the express versions include it. in this case they are dealing with VBA which is the "legacy" Visual Basic runtime that is still used in Office because of macro compatibility concerns. Quote Perhaps the OP will clarify what he needs. Quote Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets Excel 2010 VBA.

Answer»

Hello to all. I am wondering if there is an alternative (preferably open source) for creating Visual Basic and Macro Enabled files.
This is part of school, and i do not have Microsoft Office, due to having to re-install operating system on my computer that did have it after it got severely infected with a virus.

I know that the code itself can be created and written in Notepad++, but the design of the windows i am not sure about. Any help appreciated. ThanksThis is to create macros that work in Excel, right? Is the class focused on Microsoft Office?If this is for educational use, your University may be able to get you a copy of MS Office for free. Is the course focused on VBA or on Excell?

Quote

Visual Basic for Applications
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic_for_Applications
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is an implementation of Microsoft's event-driven programming language Visual Basic 6 and its associated integrated development environment (IDE), which are built into most Microsoft Office applications. VBA enables building user defined functions, automating processes and accessing Windows API and other low-level functionality through dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). It is also built into Office for Mac applications (apart from version 2008), other Microsoft applications such as Microsoft MapPoint and Microsoft Visio; as well as being at least partially implemented in some other applications such as AutoCAD, WordPerfect and ArcGIS. It supersedes and expands on the abilities of earlier APPLICATION-specific macro programming languages such as Word's WordBasic. It can be used to control many aspects of the host application, including manipulating user interface features, such as menus and toolbars, and working with CUSTOM user forms or dialog boxes. VBA can also be used to create import and export filters for various file formats, such as OpenDocument (ODF).

From the above you see that the Word Perfect suite could be used as a replacement for MS Office.
Some older versions of Word Perfect Office are available at very low cost.

Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 21, 2012, 11:30:21 AM

If this is for educational use, your University may be able to get you a copy of MS Office for free.

Free, not very likely, but at a very good discount compared to retail pricing. VISIT your college bookstore for academically priced software. Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 10:32:46 AM

Hello to all. I am wondering if there is an alternative (preferably open source) for creating Visual Basic and Macro Enabled files.

The closest alternative would be Visual Basic 6 and earlier, which allows you to reference the Office library and create UserForms.

On the other hand, you need office installed to reference that library anyway.

Short story is that there isn't an alternative Office suite that uses Visual Basic for Applications.I am not in a university, nor is the class focused on Microsoft Products. Simply, the class is a class my school has me in, basically being mentored by one of the IT techs. The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers. Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 02:04:44 PM

I am not in a university, nor is the class focused on Microsoft Products. Simply, the class is a class my school has me in, basically being mentored by one of the IT techs. The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers.

I would ask your instructer A) What are the exact requirements of this class...and B) What tools do i need to accomplish said tasks and where do i get them...A number of references indicate that Quattro pro has VBA built-in.
http://quattro-pro.helpmax.net/en/automating-tasks/using-macros/creating-vba-macros/

If you get an early version of Word Perfect Office, it has Quattro Pro. I recall I used it years ago for a engineering program.
Another reference.
http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20786

I think there are sites where you can Download Quattro Pro older versions free.
Quote from: zeroburn on March 21, 2012, 02:04:44 PM

The current curriculum is visual basic, and i do not have MS office, but the school does on their own computers.

If the current curricullum is Visual Basic, you should be using Visual Basic, not an Office application. Or is the class using VBA? If so typically the code written will be tied to the application you use. You could get a VBA host by way of acquiring another program such as quattro pro, but the fact is that VBA code is, with few exceptions, always tied to the application you write it for.

Is this Visual Basic for Application, or is this "actual" Visual Basic?It seems to be Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets at the moment. Im sure this is more then less a spring pad to get into the pure visual basic itself. But for now, if i wish to work on the project at home (where i am the most productive) i will need some sort of alternative. Old versions of Visual Basic are available. They serve for a simple introduction to Visual Basic programming, but lack advanced features.

You decide which molder version Visual Basic would serve lour needs. Some versions have a steep leaning curve. Some versions do not produce optimized code. Some versions only work as Windows programs, not command line programs. Some versions do not have ABILITY to do SQL applications.

Specify what features you need and recommendations can be NAMED.
Quote from: zeroburn on March 27, 2012, 09:34:23 PM

It seems to be Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets at the moment. Im sure this is more then less a spring pad to get into the pure visual basic itself. But for now, if i wish to work on the project at home (where i am the most productive) i will need some sort of alternative.

There is no alternative. Aside from earlier versions of excel, possibly. You could test certain segments of code using VB6 (the learning edition is available for free, as is the VB5 "Control Creation" edition), which is better than nothing; you could create a project in VB for a given project task and then be able to copy-paste segments of that code into the VBA module.

Quote

Some versions have a steep leaning curve.

What does this mean?

Quote

Some versions do not produce optimized code.

Most of the learning editions cannot compile at all; the VB5 Control Creation Edition can compile ActiveX Controls, but not executables. (interestingly, you can use the command line to compile executables with the control creation edition). I don't think the VB6 learning edition includes CL.EXE (which is the compiler one would use to create executables 'manually')

Quote

Some versions only work as Windows programs, not command line programs.

All 32-bit versions of Visual Basic can be used to create Command-Line programs.... though you need to use dumpbin from the windows sdk to edit the executable and you need to call the console functions yourself... in a manner that it clearly wasn't intended for. (All versions of Visual Basic before .NET didn't support command line executables)

Quote

Some versions have a steep leaning curve.

I was thinking of VB6.

The OP started with wanting to use VBA. It seems some IT person told him it could be used to learn Visual Basic. It is not clear if the OP wants to learn VBA or just any edition of Visual Basic.

If he is new to programming, I would not recommend VB6. Even if he could get it free.

He needs to say if the instructor specifies a certain version of Microsoft Visual Basic. One would think an alert instructor would give his students a clue about how to download a free copy . Unless that was part of the first assignment.

One of the reasons for not using recent versions of visual BASIC is the hassle of getting all that .NET stuff

Quote

Whether Visual Basic .NET should be considered as just another version of Visual Basic or a completely different language is a topic of debate. This is not obvious, as once the methods that have been moved around and that can be automatically converted are accounted for, the basic syntax of the language has not seen many "breaking" changes, just additions to support new features like structured exception handling and short-circuited expressions.

Visual Basic .NET From Wikipedia,

For a free version of Visual Basic, the 2005 and 2008 version is still available. Somewhere.

Perhaps the OP will clarify what he needs. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 27, 2012, 11:09:48 PM

I was thinking of VB6.

I'm not sure I follow; VB6 can run the same code that works in all previous versions... in what way does it have a steep learning curve?

I'm not trying to give you a hard time (isn't that a nice change? ) just trying to understand what you mean.

Quote

The OP started with wanting to use VBA. It seems some IT person told him it could be used to learn Visual Basic. It is not clear if the OP wants to learn VBA or just any edition of Visual Basic.

Well, Zeroburn did mention Excel 2010. Clouding the issue is that Visual Basic versions 4 and later use Visual Basic for Applications, so there is quite a bit of overlap.

Quote

If he is new to programming, I would not recommend VB6. Even if he could get it free.

I agree. No reason to start with something that everybody else has pretty much moved on from; especially since there are later versions that are fully supported (and free, too).

Quote

He needs to say if the instructor specifies a certain version of Microsoft Visual Basic. One would think an alert instructor would give his students a clue about how to download a free copy . Unless that was part of the first assignment.

Given their note about Excel 2010, I think it' s possible that all classwork can be completed during class-time. Other than that, they could probably get a trial version of Excel 2010; or, get a version with a significant discount through their educational institution, which is probably their best bet.

Quote

One of the reasons for not using recent versions of visual BASIC is the hassle of getting all that .NET stuff
Visual Basic .NET From Wikipedia,

What do you mean? Most versions of windows now have a version of .NET preinstalled; Windows 7 comes with .NET 3.5; and even those that don't, the installers for the express versions include it. in this case they are dealing with VBA which is the "legacy" Visual Basic runtime that is still used in Office because of macro compatibility concerns.

Quote

Perhaps the OP will clarify what he needs.

Quote

Visual Basic to run with Excel 2010 in macro enabled spreadsheets

Excel 2010 VBA.

Solve : Alternatives to Excell for Visual Basic???

Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions

Reply to Comment