This article aims to examine the similarities and differences between VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) and BASIC, two programming languages commonly used in the context of Microsoft Office applications.
While VBA is a specialized version of BASIC specifically designed for extending Microsoft Office applications, BASIC has a broader history and has been implemented in various forms since its inception in 1964.
VBA offers a range of features for manipulating Excel data and automating tasks, running inside Excel itself using COM (Component Object Model).
In contrast, BASIC programs, including Visual Basic (VB), can be executed independently of Microsoft applications.
This article will explore the specific characteristics of VBA and BASIC, their usage in different contexts, and their popularity among Excel power users and developers.
By providing an objective analysis of these two programming languages, this article aims to clarify whether VBA and BASIC are indeed the same thing.
VBA vs BASIC
VBA and BASIC are distinct languages, with VBA being the language used specifically for coding in Excel, while BASIC is a language that was created in 1964 and has multiple implementations.
VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is primarily used for creating macros in Excel and other Microsoft applications. It is a specialized version of the BASIC language and offers a range of features for manipulating Excel data and automating tasks.
On the other hand, BASIC is a language that has different versions with varying syntax and semantics. While BASIC was widely used on microcomputers in the 80s, it is not as popular among professional programmers today.
In contrast, VBA is widely used by Excel power users and developers, making it a popular choice for those familiar with object-oriented programming languages like Java.
Differences and Similarities
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and the BASIC language differ in terms of their origins and implementations.
VBA is a specialized version of the BASIC language that is used for extending Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. It offers a range of features for manipulating Excel data and automating tasks, including visual UI design. VBA runs inside Excel and controls it using the same objects as outside programs, utilizing COM to interact with Excel.
On the other hand, BASIC is a language that was created in 1964 and has many implementations. While Microsoft developed Visual Basic (VB) as a similar language to VBA, VB programs can be run outside of Microsoft applications. BASIC has different versions with different syntax and semantics, and it was widely available on microcomputers in the 80s.
While BASIC is considered the most widely used language in the world, VBA is popular among Excel power users and developers, particularly those familiar with object-oriented programming languages like Java.
Usage and Popularity
BASIC is a widely utilized language that has a significant presence in the programming community. It is one of the most widely used languages in the world, although it is not as popular among professional programmers.
On the other hand, VBA is widely used by Excel power users and developers. It is a popular choice for those who are familiar with object-oriented programming languages like Java, as VBA provides a familiar syntax for Java programmers. VBA’s popularity stems from its ability to extend and automate tasks in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
Despite their similarities, such as being based on the BASIC language, VBA and BASIC differ in terms of their usage and popularity within the programming community.
