We have a challenge in our VBA class. Many of the students who join our VBA program have no formal programming background. They may have written a few simple programs long time ago, but most of them lack basic understanding of programming. Teaching VBA can be difficult if we do not address this problem.
So, we have added a lesson on “Introduction to Programming”. In this lesson, our aim is to introduce programming to non-programers.
Since many of you are considering to join our VBA classes, it is appropriate that we give this introduction to programming lesson as a demo lesson. Please watch it below.
Introduction to Programming lesson
What is in this lesson?
In this lesson, we will learn,
- What do the terms program and programming mean?
- Hello World Programs in VBA
- Programming Concepts – Variables
- Operators
- Conditions
- Loops
- Exception Handling
- Modularization
- Commenting
- Graphical Elements
Watch the lesson [55 Min, Part 1]:
Download the Presentation & Workbook
Click here to download the presentation slides [pdf]
Click here to download the workbook with HelloWorld example macros (you need to view code on the workbook).
To Watch the second part of this video + more on VBA:
There is more to this lesson. In Part 2 (30 more mins), we discuss various programming jargon & share tips on how to start programming.
You can get the part 2 and more lessons on VBA by joining our VBA classes.
Click here to learn more about VBA Classes & Enroll.
Please note that registrations will be closing next Friday – 20th May.
How would you introduce programming to a layman:
Please tell me how you would introduce programming to a layman, using comments. I would like to learn from your perspective.
PS: Go ahead and join our VBA Class if you want to become awesome in VBA.
PPS: Check out introduction to Excel too.
18 Responses to “Introduction to Programming – Demo Lesson from our VBA Class”
Chandoo, the link to download the workbook file pulls up the PDF presentation slides file instead of the Excel workbook.
Please load the workbook....both links lead to the pdf file.
When I have given training in the past I have several VBA modules that demonstrate a message box, an input box, validating input, and basic error handlers.
Even rudementary coding is beyond most users who just want to use Excel to get a task/job done and could not be bothered to go beyond that. I asked someone to give me an example of a task/job they do daily/weekly/monthly and then I demonstrate how to plan and record a macro that would do the same thing for them.
I have sparked an intrest in a few users over the years - but most come to me to do my magic for them.
Yes, the link to download the workbook is the same as the PDF slides. Can you fix it? I would like the link to the workbook files. Thanks.
Sorry for the bad link. Fixed it now. Please download the workbook from here:
http://img.chandoo.org/vba/first-program.xlsm
Hi Chandoo
I am having trouble opening the workbook.
Please help.
Thanks.
Chandoo,
I'm watching the programming demo video and noticed that the part showing Excel (Hello World) is hard to read. (small and blurry.) The powerpoint slides are fine. If I sign up for the VBA class, will it be clearer?
Kathleen
@Navin... Trouble?!? Oh dear, What trouble?
@Kathleen: You can watch the code clearly in YouTube too. Just view the video in HD (here is link: http://youtu.be/LPLRek1oDOE?hd=1 )
Of course, when you join VBAClasses, you can view the lessons clearly (and if you go for the download option, you can download 1280x720 pixel videos for even more clarity).
Chandoo,
Thanks, the YouTube version is much clearer. I'm also having trouble downloading the workbook. (By workbook you mean an Excel spreadsheet, right?) It downloads with several folders containing XML files, no Excel workbook.
Kathleen
@Kathleen... You need to just drag and drop the whole file (do not double click on it) in to Excel 2007 or above.
Thanks Chandoo
I am all good now.
OK, I think I'm all set now. I see an Excel spreadsheet with the words Hello World! on it.
Kathleen
How would I introduce programming to a layman? Well I would send them to Chandoo to enrol in his upcoming VBA classes!
In the past I have conducted a six sigma style exercise. Record a long procedure and show them the time taken to execute. I then turn off screen updating and re-run the procedure. show and explain how a single line of code can reduce execution time. challenge the group to find a way to cut the time in half through identifying process bottlenecks.
For each bottleneck work through a programming solution. This keeps engagement and when complete and the group have cut the execution time considerably there is a sense of owenership. Especially when you mention other groups have been able to reduce execution further.
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I am new to vba
Thanks chandoo for The lesson