Excel VBA Programming for Dummies : Book Review

"Excel VBA Programming for Dummies" by John Walkenbach is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for beginners and intermediate users who want to learn Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) within the context of Excel. The book is structured in a logical manner, providing a solid foundation in VBA and gradually building upon that knowledge with more advanced concepts.

What sets this book apart is the author's clear and concise writing style, which makes even complex concepts easy to grasp. Walkenbach expertly utilizes practical examples and step-by-step instructions to demonstrate how to solve common Excel problems using VBA. This hands-on approach allows readers to immediately apply what they've learned and strengthens their understanding of the material.

A standout feature of this book is the inclusion of numerous practice exercises and quizzes at the end of each chapter. These exercises not only help reinforce readers' knowledge, but also test their comprehension of the material. Additionally, the author provides downloadable files and code examples that readers can use to follow along with the exercises and practice on their own.

Furthermore, "Excel VBA Programming for Dummies" covers a wide range of topics, including working with worksheets, ranges, and cells; utilizing loops and conditional statements; handling errors; and creating user forms. The author also delves into more advanced topics such as interacting with other Office applications and automating tasks with macros.

Overall, "Excel VBA Programming for Dummies" is an outstanding resource for individuals looking to learn VBA specifically for Excel. The book's clear explanations, practical examples, and interactive exercises make it an ideal choice for self-study. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience with Excel, this book will undoubtedly enhance your skills and proficiency in Excel VBA programming.

What are readers saying?

John Walkenbach's book "Excel VBA Programming for Dummies" has received mixed feedback from readers. While the majority appreciate its beginner-friendly approach and thorough explanations of VBA programming in Excel, others feel that the book falls short in terms of advanced content.

Many readers find "Excel VBA Programming for Dummies" to be an excellent resource for those starting from scratch. They commend the book for its clear and concise explanations, which make complex concepts easy to understand. The author's engaging and approachable writing style also adds to the book's appeal.

A significant number of reviewers note that the book provides a solid foundation for beginners. It covers basic programming concepts, such as loops, variables, and conditional statements, and demonstrates how to implement them in Excel. Step-by-step instructions and screenshots are particularly praised for their effectiveness in helping readers practice and reinforce their understanding of the concepts.

However, some readers express disappointment with the lack of advanced topics covered in the book. They feel that the content is geared towards beginners and lacks the depth required for more complex areas of VBA programming. These readers were hoping for more comprehensive examples and tutorials to enhance their understanding.

Another criticism mentioned by a few reviewers is the book's organization. Some find it somewhat disorganized, making it challenging to locate specific information and navigate through the chapters. However, this complaint is not widespread, and most readers find the book to be well-structured overall.

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