Is VBA Dead? Debunking Misconceptions and Exploring VB's Future

The question of whether VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a dead language has been a topic of debate in the programming community. The reality is that VBA is far from being abandoned. It remains a crucial tool, especially in specific industries such as finance and insurance. Furthermore, its relevance extends beyond its original domain, spurring the development of enriched ecosystems like and B4X.

The Current State of VBA

Microsoft continues to support VBA as a vital part of its Visual Studio offerings. In fact, in 2019, VBA held the 5th position on the renowned TIOBE Index for programming languages. This ranking alone speaks volumes about its ongoing relevance and popularity. VBA is still widely used for a myriad of applications, especially in sectors where specialized tools and integrations are essential.

VBA in Specific Industries

In the finance and insurance sectors, VBA has become almost synonymous with efficiency and productivity. Its presence in areas such as data analysis, report generation, and custom integrations is indispensable. For instance, when using SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services), developers can embed functions within their reports and analytic processes using only VBA. This makes it an irreplaceable tool for these industries.

Additionally, VBA is the only supported language for certain functionalities within SSRS, as stated by Microsoft:

“Methods in embedded code must be written in Microsoft Visual Basic and must be instance-based.”

This requirement underscores the enduring relevance of VBA in these environments.

Challenges and Perceptions

Despite its robustness, VBA faces some challenges and misconceptions. Many developers, particularly those accustomed to more modern languages like Python or C#, find VBA complicated and essentially unnecessary for smaller applications. For example, a shift from VB to C or from to Python can present significant hurdles.

Here are some common challenges and perceptions:

Switching Languages: Moving from VB to C or Python often results in a prolonged learning curve, leading many to revert back to VB because they find it more productive and easier to use. Desktop Applications: Crafting simple desktop applications for quick data analysis using Python can be more challenging than in simpler languages. VBA, in contrast, is often better suited for such tasks. Internal Websites: While many would prefer more contemporary web technologies for company websites, VB's simplicity and ease of use (thanks to technologies like Web Forms) make it a preferred choice in many organizations.

A Simpler Approach

One of the key advantages of VBA is its simplicity. Unlike more complex languages, VBA does not require constant googling for solutions because the language itself is straightforward. This simplicity continues to attract developers who seek to focus on their work rather than spending hours troubleshooting.

VBA's Influence and Evolution

Historically, VBA has had a significant impact. From VB6 to VB .NET and Delphi, these iterations of the language have contributed to the evolution of programming. These languages, while lacking in modern features compared to contemporary alternatives, offer a degree of stability that often proves invaluable in enterprise-level applications.

Moreover, , in particular, has become a powerful and robust language, offering compatibility with modern .NET Core environments. Open-source web frameworks such as Vazor further enhance its capabilities, making it a viable choice for modern web development, especially in the context of .NET Core 3.1 MVC and Razor Pages.

Consider the following:

Merburbation: A Visual Basic-compatible programming language for all platforms, resembling or Delphi in syntax.

B4X and Xojo: Less known but equally powerful, these languages extend VB’s reach to broader platforms.

These developments suggest that while VBA’s core essence may not have changed, its utility and relevance continue to grow, and it remains a significant player in both traditional and modern development environments.

Conclusion

With the right community support and continuous evolution, VBA and its derivatives like are not dead; they are thriving. Whether you’re in finance, insurance, or any other industry that requires powerful yet accessible tools, VBA and its modern counterparts remain highly relevant and useful. As the technology landscape evolves, it pays to consider the enduring strengths of these languages, rather than dismissing them based on outdated perceptions.