VBA newcomers are often overwhelmed by the terminology that is used in VBA. I’ve put together some key

definitions to help you keep the terms straight. These terms cover VBA and UserForms (custom dialog

boxes)—two important elements that are used to customize Excel:

Code: VBA instructions that are produced in a module sheet when you record a macro. You also

can enter VBA code manually.

Controls: Objects on a UserForm (or in a worksheet) that you manipulate. Examples include buttons,

check boxes, and list boxes.

Function: One of two types of VBA macros that you can create. (The other is a Sub procedure.) A function

returns a single value. You can use VBA functions in other VBA macros or in your worksheets.

Macro: A set of VBA instructions performed automatically.

Method: An action taken on an object. For example, applying the Clear method to a Range

object erases the contents and formatting of the cells.

Module: A container for VBA code.

Object: An element that you manipulate with VBA. Examples include ranges, charts, drawing

objects, and so on.

Procedure: Another name for a macro. A VBA procedure can be a Sub procedure or a Function

procedure.

Property: A particular aspect of an object. For example, a Range object has properties, such as

Height, Style, and Name.

Sub procedure: One of two types of Visual Basic macros that you can create. The other is a function.

UserForm: A container that holds controls for a custom dialog box and holds VBA code to manipulate

the controls. (Chapters 41 and 42 explain UserForms in depth.)

VBA: Visual Basic for Applications. The macro language that is available in Excel, as well as in the

other applications in Microsoft Office.

VB Editor: The window (separate from Excel) that you use to create VBA macros and UserForms.