I'm feeling a bit lost and could really use some guidance! I'm transitioning from using VBA in Excel for my job, but I want to start learning programming to create my own applications, whether desktop or web-based. My question is: where do I actually write this code? I know that VBA is limited to Excel, but I'm unsure about the right tools or environments for coding in other programming languages. Do I need a specific app or platform? Is Java both a language and an application? As someone who has basic experience with VBA but little else, where do I begin?
5 Answers
You can write code in plain text files using any text editor, like Notepad, but you'll need a compiler or an interpreter for the specific programming language you're using. For example, if you're using Python, you'd need to write your code in a text file with a `.py` extension and then run it with the Python interpreter. Most people, however, prefer using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm for Python or Visual Studio for C/C++. IDEs make it easier by providing tools for coding, compiling, and debugging.
as archaic as it sounds about coding in a text file, it’s true. i worked for a company who had their own language to code in .txt files.
Java is indeed both a programming language and an IDE. You can write Java code in environments like IntelliJ IDEA. Don't worry if you're new; just experiment with different IDEs and see what you find most comfortable! Also, look into developing with Python or JavaScript; they're beginner-friendly languages.
Right on, thank you!
You can start coding in IDEs like Visual Studio Code, which is very beginner-friendly. Python is a great language to start with since it’s relatively easy to learn and has plenty of resources available. Consider checking out the book 'Automate the Boring Stuff' to really dive into practical applications!
Thanks! I need a tool for data collection, hence why I started with excel, but I think I should look into Python more.
For beginners, it's recommended to use an IDE, which helps with writing and debugging code. Examples include Visual Studio for Microsoft languages and VSCode. If you're just starting out, I'd suggest looking into Python, as it's very user-friendly!
Thank you! I should probably do that, find a guide and just follow it, lol.
Most code is written in an IDE, which are great for different languages. I use PyCharm for Python and Visual Studio for C/C++. IDEs can really help simplify the coding process. You can also use text editors like VSCode if you prefer something simpler. Start by googling IDEs for the language you want to learn!
Thank you! That gives me some places to start, which is so much more than I had before.
Dang, thank you for such a thorough response!