Excel VBA Programming - The Excel Object Model | 1 - Object Oriented Programming in Real Life

Summary

This video script introduces the fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP) in the context of VBA coding. It emphasizes the importance of understanding OOP as a foundation for more complex VBA applications. The script explains objects as entities with properties and methods, using relatable examples like books, apples, and basketballs to illustrate these concepts. Properties are described as characteristics of an object, while methods are actions that can be performed on an object. The lesson also covers basic VBA syntax for accessing properties and invoking methods, preparing viewers for practical application in subsequent lessons.

Takeaways

• 📘 Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a development paradigm that treats software applications as collections of objects that interact with each other.
• 🔍 An object in programming is an entity with its own set of properties and methods, similar to how physical objects have attributes and functions.
• 🏷 Properties are attributes or characteristics of an object that define its appearance and behavior, like a book's author or a car's color.
• 🛠 Methods are actions that can be performed on or with an object, such as reading a book or throwing a basketball.
• 📚 VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is an OOP language, which means it differentiates between various data structures like workbooks, worksheets, and cells.
• 🔑 Properties in VBA can be either read-only, meaning they can only be accessed, or writable, allowing new values to be assigned.
• 📝 Syntax in VBA for accessing a property involves the object name followed by a dot and the property name, e.g., `book.author`.
• 🖊️ To set or change a property's value in VBA, use the syntax `object.property = newValue`, such as `book.price = 14.99`.
• 🗣️ Calling a method in VBA is done using the object name, a dot, and the method name, like `apple.eat` or `basketball.throw`.
• 📌 Different objects can share the same properties or methods, indicating that while they are unique entities, they may have common characteristics or functionalities.
• 📝 Understanding the concepts of objects, properties, and methods is foundational for learning VBA and applying these ideas to more complex technical concepts within the language.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the fundamental section of the course?

The main focus of the fundamental section is to lay a good foundation in VBA programming by covering key concepts such as object-oriented programming, properties, and methods before writing actual VBA code.

Why is it important to cover the fundamentals before writing VBA code?

It is important to cover the fundamentals to ensure that students have a strong base that will pay off when applying these concepts to more technical aspects within VBA, making the learning process more effective and efficient.

What is object-oriented programming?

Object-oriented programming is a development paradigm that views a software application as a collection of objects that communicate and interact with each other.

What is an object in the context of programming?

An object in programming is an entity or a data structure that has its own set of properties and methods, representing a thing that can be interacted with within the context of an application.

What is the difference between a property and a method in object-oriented programming?

A property is an attribute or characteristic of an object that defines its state or appearance, while a method is an action or command that can be performed with or on an object.

How can properties be described in the context of language?

In the context of language, properties can be described as adjectives that provide details about the object, such as the color of a car.

How can methods be described in the context of language?

Methods can be described as verbs in the context of language, representing actions that can be performed with an object, such as driving a car.

Can objects share the same properties or methods?

Yes, different objects can share the same properties or methods. For example, both a book and an apple can have a 'price' property, and both can have a 'sell' method.

What is the syntax for getting a property value in VBA?

The syntax for getting a property value in VBA is to use the object name followed by a dot and then the property name, like 'object.propertyName'.

What is the syntax for setting a property value in VBA?

The syntax for setting a property value in VBA is to use the object name, followed by a dot and the property name, an equal sign, and then the new value, like 'object.propertyName = newValue'.

How is calling a method on an object different from getting a property value in terms of syntax?

The syntax for calling a method on an object is the same as getting a property value, using the object name followed by a dot and then the method name. The difference lies in the action being performed, which is executing the method rather than retrieving a property value.