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Visual Basic (VB)

Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language developed by Microsoft. This programming language has evolved over the years. Programmers used the original language—sometimes called Visual Basic "classic"—from 1991 through 2008. The current and most popular version, launched in 2002, is called Visual Basic for Applications, or VBA. It can make it easier to code certain types of applications called type-safe .NET apps. Today, most Microsoft Office programs use VBA. However, this language will only work when used within a host program such as Microsoft Word or Excel. That means it's not available as a standalone program. VBA can also control one application from another application. For example, programmers can create a Word report from Excel data.

What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Visual Basic (VB)

SMB owners often learn VBA because it automates routine tasks in applications such as Excel, particularly when they don't have large workforces like larger companies. By mastering this language, business owners can, for example, create simple Excel spreadsheets without hiring administrative or data entry staff.

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