Is PYTHON or VBA better? Which language should you learn? 🤔

Is Python or VBA better? In this video, I'm going to show you the pros and cons of both languages. I'll also show you why Python is more popular these days and how it differs from VBA. After watching this video, you'll be able to choose the right language for you!
🌎 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Presentation incl. example code (Python/VBA): pythonandvba.com/python-vs-vba
‘xlwings’ Add-in: docs.xlwings.org/en/stable/ad...
‘MyToolBelt’ Add-in: pythonandvba.com/mytoolbelt
Rubberduck: rubberduckvba.com/
MZ-Tools: www.mztools.com/
⭐ 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗦:
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Opinion Disclaimer
00:38 - Purposes of Python and VBA
01:27 - Other Tools for MS Excel
02:08 - Python and VBA Example
04:20 - Pros and Cons of VBA
06:56 - Pros and Cons of Python
09:20 - Conclusion
10:24 - Tips to combine Python and Excel
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘:
🌎 Website: pythonandvba.com
📝 GitHub: github.com/Sven-Bo
⭐ Discord: pythonandvba.com/discord
▶️ Subscribe: kzbin.info?sub...
🎉 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗱-𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆
Get it here: pythonandvba.com/mytoolbelt
📚 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗕𝗔 & 𝗣𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻
Check out my recommendations: pythonandvba.com/resources
☕ 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲❓
If you want to support this channel, you can buy me a coffee here:
pythonandvba.com/coffee-donation

[@training7574]

Very helpful. Especially seeing the two codes side by side gives the beginner a sense of the learning threshholds. Thanks!

[@CodingIsFun]

I'm glad you liked my video and I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! :) 👍

[@shinrafahell]

I totally agree with your ideas in this video. It definitely makes sense to use the right tool for the right job. Thank you, and keeping going with these amazing videos.

[@CodingIsFun]

Hi Rafael Santos. Thank you for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment! :)

[@ermalgashimramori]

Very well prepared opinion, I love the metaphores used to illustrate.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you, Ermal Gashi! 😃

[@florianroeseler2404]

I learned so much from this video! Thank you!

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you, Florian, for watching the video. Glad it was helpful!

[@cuejorge2003]

Thank you so much for sharing this information!!. I just started learning Python two weeks ago and I have been using VBA for more than 20 years, so it is very important forr me to hear your opinion and as you said: I will try to use the right tool to have the job done.

[@CodingIsFun]

Hi Jorge Cue! Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment. Glad to hear that you liked the video. Happy Python learning & coding! :)

[@kuuuyajim]

I know a bit of VBA because I did some simple automations and a bit of code debugging on Excel. Now that I'm starting to learn Python, and with the basics that I've learned so far, I think VBA is easier to do without really learning how to code. Python on the other hand can be confusing but once you get to understand how functions work, I think it's actually fun. And with what you discussed, I think I'm on the right path because I'm pursuing a career in data analysis.

[@CodingIsFun]

Hi, Jimcarl S. Thanks for watching the video and sharing your opinion on this topic. Good luck on your Python learning path! 💪🚀

[@kamalelbo5116]

Thanks a lot for this video, it’s very clear and efficient.

[@CodingIsFun]

A pleasure! Thanks for watching the video and your comment! :)

[@venugopals9680]

Thana you very much for this in detail briefing. Love your videos.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. Glad you like my videos. :)

[@christianrauth1425]

As always great job, La Máquina! Would be great to have the canteen menu as .exe 😉 Already looking forward to our TM1 videos 👍🏽

[@CodingIsFun]

Muchas gracias, la máquina! 🦾

[@louism.4980]

Thank you so much, you are succinct and very informative :)

[@CodingIsFun]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@sergiobarros5541]

Awesome explanation!

[@CodingIsFun]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@officetricks6303]

Clear explanation.. Thanks a lot.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you! 👍

[@Akens888]

Another advantage of VBA is that it is almost 100% compatible with VB6, so if you want to compile something to an executable that can run outside of an office application it is fairly trivial. And there are new IDE/compilers like TwinBasic that are dragging the language kicking and screaming into the modern world.

[@CodingIsFun]

Very good point! 👍

[@pythoninoffice6568]

Nice job Sven! That's also how I feel - choose the right tool for the job! That said, I find myself using Python more and more even for small and quick automation things like renaming or moving files. I also agree that some companies tend to block Python or .exe files. My solution to that was to build some must-have tools for my team, then give everyone training on Python. Now everyone is getting benefit from Python and they can't do some jobs without it 😂

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you, Jay! Fantastic to hear that your teammates are also using Python now. BTW, keep up the great content on your channel! 💪 Love your videos 👍

[@pythoninoffice6568]

@@CodingIsFun thanks Sven!🙏

[@-J.R-]

Hi, This is a very good review and advice. I have been writing my own code since 1980 using many languages, Assembley, Fortran, VB, C+, VBA, and many others in between. Yes, I agree with your final conclusion, but I want to add this. For many years now I have used Excel and VBA to develop very powerful engineering programs for research. What I am saying is that VBA should not be underestimated. It is just outdated, I guess. After all, it is you, the programmer, that matters much more than the language you use.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. I completely agree with you! Cheers, Sven ✌️

[@brandonemersonmarquezcatal1996]

Good work. I worked a little project with VBA, but now I´ll use python instead

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you! Happy coding in Python! :)

[@confidential303]

This was a nice and clear presentation, though the reason why I really liked VBA is the debugging code Is awesome! I really miss that in python ...and also that stupid intend you use in loops can be really annoying ..in c# , Java and other languages I find that better. Python though can be very cool if you know how to program it ..and I agree the one is not superior over the other they are just there to make your life easier. Though one major point I would at is the execution speed. I think python might be way faster then vba

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts!

[@Sancarn]

In fairness I think it's a little unfair using any libraries in the python example. In the end though, in this specific example, I don't think it matters and I think that really goes to show how much effort you've put into providing a balanced argument! Well done :) Regarding the advantages of VBA there are a few that you missed which I think are pretty big: * Ability to make macro addins to enhance whole user experience across all workbooks. - This is only paralleled by VSTO addins. * Ability to interact with Application events system - I think this is critical as you can do many simple things with events which is beyond most people's wildest dreams Regarding the disadvantages of VBA: * Restricted to Office Applications is actually not true anymore. TwinBasic is an implementation of VB7 (VBA) which works outside of Office, is fully compatible with Office, but compiles to EXE files. It also has additional features which are missing from traditional VBA/VB6. So the only thing lacking from this video really, in my view, is VSTO/XLDNA and OfficeScript

[@CodingIsFun]

Those are all excellent points! 👍 Thanks for watching the video and sharing your opinion.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

At the end of the day it depends what you're seeking to achieve . Vba within an office environment is fine particularly if you're willing to use Windows API's. I'd suggest learning C in the first instance

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for you taking the time to watch the video and leaving your thoughts, means a lot. 👍

[@diegomartin5250]

Excelente!!

[@CodingIsFun]

Muchas gracias! 👍

[@hadibq]

knowing that still for the time being, VBS scripting can extend the use to more windows uses. I have plenty of little life-comfort tools in vbs scripts that I run from shortcuts or scheduled. it's worth the time spent learning VB/VBA language when you're a windows user. Python is cool if you need to accomplish more complexe projects with less coding efforts. still needs a good brain for good solutions :)

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Cheers, Sven ✌️

[@devlife5596]

Ohh man, I do need to login for commenting. You got my subscribed + All Bell + my huge Respect. I do agree with all what you said in this video. And, I think: Do not ask what programing language we should learn. But ask, Why do I have to learn that programing language. Python is so so good. But that's not easy for you if you want to create your own commercial application. You need to learn a ton of knowledge for your goal. But, with VBA you can. also commercial application. Just thing carefully, What you want to be. What will you do. Then start. If not, you'll spend a lot of time for learning but can not achieve your goal. God Bless. Have a good day.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for taking the time to watching the video and commenting. I absolutely agree - each programming language indeed has its purpose and strengths. Happy Coding! 👍🍀

[@ragnarok7976]

I use the COM object to convert lots of xls files to xlsx. Python is much easier to walk the file system with but Excel seems to produce the best results when it comes to file conversion.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. Totally agree on that one. Python makes navigating the file system much easier compared to VBA. Cheers, Sven ✌️

[@CurtCubic]

Great video, but to my opinion you are missing an Excel VBA pro: The UI. It is MUCH easier to make a proper GUI

[@CodingIsFun]

Great point! Cheers, Sven ✌️

[@bc4198]

VBA with Excel feels super messy to me, dealing with cell references and all that, but more than anything I just can't stand having to save it with macros! I like that python doesn't ask, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather save this in a way that doesn't work?" Also, it drives me bonkers to keep switching from macro view to regular, and back. Finally, half the time I need to have it interact with legacy software, so Python is the only choice anyway - glad it's the one I prefer! Only downside, like you said, is getting permission for new software, even free.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching the video & sharing your opinion!

[@BalrogsHaveWings]

I understand you completely... Coming from the other side: If Brain works in cells and grids, Excel and VBA literally walks you through it, else end if 😅 Python dont even need to state the Object, just put it where you wanna run it.

[@JDWilliamsPD]

Bravo!

[@CodingIsFun]

Glad to hear you liked it! Thank you for commenting and watching. 👍

[@casual_gamer1413]

I'm a python web scraper and I have good grip on python, so, Should I go for VBA or continue with the python to handle excel problems?

[@CodingIsFun]

In that case, you might want to tackle your Excel problems/automation with Python

[@rachellau4471]

Thanks

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate it! 🙏

[@NIRAJKUMAR-fm6vp]

How can i copy sheet2 data and create and notepad.text file. excluding indexing and heading. how can i do that. can u provide me code how can i do that task.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you very much for watching the video and your comment. Your requirements are well noted. Yet, I receive many requests for creating individual solutions. As much as I want to help, I simply do not find the time in my daily schedule to develop & test all the different requests. I hope you can understand. Thank you!

[@NIRAJKUMAR-fm6vp]

@@CodingIsFun thanks for your responses. i am able to get code now.

[@NIRAJKUMAR-fm6vp]

i used 'for loop 'from first row to till last row and column and store in variable. then i write that variable into notepad file

[@kamani4168]

Which will be given high package and VBA or phyton and which one is highly demand in MNC companies.

[@CodingIsFun]

The package and demand for VBA and Python can vary depending on many factors such as the specific company, the specific role, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.

[@gwenaelriou3559]

and Office Scripts ? What do you think of it ?

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. I have not used Office Scripts yet, but in general Office Scripts and VBA both serve automation purposes in the Microsoft Office Suite. Office Scripts, the newer platform, utilizes JavaScript and operates in the cloud, specifically for Excel on the web. On the other hand, VBA, a long-standing tool, operates on the desktop, spans the entire Office Suite, and relies on Visual Basic for coding. So, if you need to automate Excel in the Web, Office Scripts might be way to go.

[@FreedomTalkMedia]

If Microsoft doesn't plan to continue updating VBA, does that mean they might be phasing it out? That their applications will switch to Python as the primary coding method? That macros will start to record in Python? That people won't need a plug-in to code python in Office, in the future?

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching the video. Only Microsoft knows the answers to your questions ;)

[@abdullah_alhathloul_]

thanks

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching!

[@beenay18]

why isn't there any practical books on vba?

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. Not sure what exactly you are looking for, but here are my favorite resources for learning VBA: pythonandvba.com/resources/#VBA I hope it helps!

[@Ketoswammy]

Anytime you can avoid a MSFT product you are likely better off.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thank you for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment!

[@sakthii2403]

I have experience in Advance Excel, i handle VBA which already created if is there any error occurs while running means my team mate (now he left from my company) guided me, so i can debug vba. In my project my company using Excel only. Right now no one know VBA in my team, mostly all our teammates are doing repetitive tasks every day. Now i m planning to learn VBA or Python i m not that much good in coding (i Know basic SQL, PLSQL) could you please any one suggest me which one i need to learn right now.(if i learn VBA is that good future? or directly can i learn python?) I m in confusing stage please help me.

[@CodingIsFun]

In my humble opinion, before diving into programming, it could be beneficial to examine why there are so many repetitive tasks in your workflow. It's often possible to optimize these processes with minimal coding. You might want to consider utilizing no-code or low-code tools, such as Microsoft Power Query or Power Automate. These tools are designed to streamline processes and tasks without requiring significant programming knowledge. However, if there's a need for a custom solution that these tools can't provide, then exploring VBA or Python becomes relevant. The choice between the two would be largely influenced by your specific use case, as I have explained in my video. Both VBA and Python have their strengths, and the right choice depends on what you need to achieve. If the tasks are specific to Excel, VBA could be the way to go. However, if the tasks are more diverse and complex, Python's versatility might be more suitable. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your immediate needs and long-term goals, and choose the path that aligns with them. Good luck!

[@sakthii2403]

@@CodingIsFun Thanks for brief explanation sir, our repetitive tasks are data extraction, Data cleansing, after cleaning need to filling gap using lookup formulas , after filling gap need to organizing data, Data Transferring to msword template and also consolidation.. could help me for making right decision?

[@cbbcbb6803]

What if Microsoft were to open-source VBA. What can Python do that VBA cannot do? What can VBA not do versus what is VBA not allowed to do?

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. Machine-/Deeplearning would be one example.

[@cbbcbb6803]

@@CodingIsFun Machine/Deeplearning would be an example of what?

[@CodingIsFun]

@@cbbcbb6803 The answer to your questions: What can Python do that VBA cannot do. I get your point with open-source, by let us be honest here. I doubt that even if VBA would be open source, suddenly there will be .bas modules available that could compete with Sklearn, Tensorflow etc. (but this is just my two cents on that). You might have a different opinion, and that is fine. Cheers!

[@cbbcbb6803]

@@CodingIsFun So, VBA, or any version of BASIC, would be like a Johnny-Come-Lately? I am always a little puzzled about why some software, especially programming languages, can do some things but not other things.

[@FalconFlyer75]

IMO python is windows 10 and vba is windows XP sure there’s plenty u can do on both but windows 10 is cleaner and more efficient also comes with programs that windows xp can’t run

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching the video and sharing your opinion.

[@darrenlefcoe]

I suppose that it should be added that python is free open source software whereas excel is not. This is a material cost.

[@PapiJack]

This video could be 3 seconds long. Learn Python.

[@-J.R-]

Why if interested in Excel only?

[@harryriley2696]

VBA has a steep learning curve

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching!

[@josephdaquila2479]

I would say online resources wise it's probably a bit tougher, but having the macro recorder helps a lot!

[@donharrold1375]

It’s hard to find useful information on VBA.

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching. I have listed down my favorite resources here: pythonandvba.com/resources/

[@armgeo6246]

for me, I'd stick with excel... python? no thanks...

[@CodingIsFun]

That's cool. Happy Excel-ing! :)

[@eth6706]

Bawahaha wtf this isn't even debatable. Python

[@CodingIsFun]

Thanks for watching the video & your comment!