Question

I want to develop and automate Office software like ‘Microsoft Excel 2007’ And ‘Microsoft Word 2007’. But I do not know how to use VBA or use C#/.Net Framework to do so.

What are the benefits of using VBA vs .Net framework?

Which one should I focus on learning?

Answer 1

Both, VBA and .NET have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to Office automation. Below are just some points right from the top of my head. The list is not complete and my personal opinion, so feel free to add/remove points as you like.

Pros of .NET are

• richer language and base class library (inheritance, object-orientation)
• supports class libraries
• generally better tool support, e.g. code analysis, testing, etc
• easier to integrate with version control

Cons of .NET

• requires more learning
• more difficult to deploy

Pros for VBA are

• rather slim
• code being executed natively in Office with no need for a slower COM bridge, therefore often faster
• macro recording can be used to automatically generate high-quality code

Cons of VBA

• is more of a legacy technology
• no support for a modern and rich GUI
• limited tool support

Both have in common

• Possible to use Windows API
• Possible to use COM

When it comes to learning and getting familiar with the Office object models, VBA is surely easier to learn, especially because it is so easy to record a macro and then simply play around in the VBA editor.

The bottom line is that VBA probably is best suited for smaller projects that should be easy to deploy whereas with .NET you are able to build powerful add-ons making use of the complete .NET Framework and providing a rich user experience.