VBA vs. Python - Which is better?

Are you a data analyst and not sure if you need to either VBA or Python? In this video, let me compare these languages and share my opinion & guidance.

⏱ In this video:
=============

0:00 - Introduction & 6 parameters
0:45 - Ease of learning (parameter 1)
1:27 - Immediate application (2)
2:55 - How many places can we use the language? (3)
3:49 - Forgiveness of a language (4)
4:41 - Availability (5)
5:30 - Automation ability (6)
6:58 - So which one to learn?
8:55 - Advice for people who are NOT yet a data analyst
10:06 - Advice for people who are already a data analyst
10:40 - What about other programming languages?
12:09 - Where to learn either Python or VBA?

🐍Resources on Python:
====================

👩‍💻 Resources on VBA:
===================

~
HAPPY LEARNING :)

🎤📷 Recording gear:
==================

I am using Canon M50 for recording my videos. Blue Yeti X for recording the audio. Camtasia for producing the videos.

Note: the amazon links use my affiliate code.
#VBA #Python

[chandoo_]

⏱ *Timestamps* for the video:

0:00 - Introduction & 6 parameters
0:45 - Ease of learning (parameter 1)
1:27 - Immediate application (2)
2:55 - How many places can we use the language? (3)
3:49 - Forgiveness of a language (4)
4:41 - Availability (5)
5:30 - Automation ability (6)
6:58 - So which one to learn?
8:55 - Advice for people who are NOT yet a data analyst
10:06 - Advice for people who are already a data analyst
10:40 - What about other programming languages?
12:09 - Where to learn either Python or VBA?

[wayneedmondson]

Thanks Chandoo. Good advice all around. I spend most of my day inside EXCEL, so VBA is a natural fit for me. But, would like to learn Python for fun and to expand horizons and knowledge. Thanks for your insights.. always appreciated :)) Thumbs up!!

[calistussolomon]

Thanks a lot for clearing the confusion between these two languages. I would go for VBA. You're the best and your explanation is very learner-friendly. God Bless you :)

[suntosh]

I have watched all your videos and in my opinion your doing a great stuff by educating us on BI, VBA and excel learning's.. I am very grateful to you because I have learnt many things from your youtube videos...

Thanks for making us educating on these programming..

[kuuuyajim]

I agree with your point of view regarding someone who's starting to become a data analyst and someone who's already doing the job. In my work, I tried learning Python but wasn't really able to retain the knowledge because I was learning for the sake of learning and wasn't really applicable to my job. Whereas with VBA or at least basic macro, I was able to accomplish a lot of improvements because we are already using MS Office.

[TripleB-vwob]

Great video as always! I love the point about formulas being coding. I always try to do something in excel first with formulas before I turn to VBA because VBA raises the complexity for most users.

[pixelmasque]

if you are brand new to programming, learning python via simple 2D games is fun and object oriented.
Learning a simple language and basics like functions, variables, classes (objects), and oop allows you to pick up a new language fairly easily, just learning syntax and a few workflow differences.

[pythoninoffice]

Great video!

I first learned VBA but realize it was very limited to the MS Office, and I wanted to do more than that. Then I learned Python and actually never looked back. I tried to use Python whenever I need to automate Excel or data related things.

That said, I totally agree that programming languages are just tools, and we as users have to decide what's the right tool to use for a given case.

[apurbachatterjee]

One of the most potent contents on this topic and how well executed! Thank you !!!

[simpy]

I'm switching over to Python from learning R. Seems to be a little more useful. Once I was able to download a PDF, scrape it, and then insert that data into the database I realized how powerful these tools really are.

[CodingIsFun]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your opinion. I could not agree more. Sadly Python is rarely allowed in companies, while VBA gets you going fast and without any additions to Excel.
In addition, VBA allows me to let other colleagues use my code without installing python or anything else.
Of course, you could also package a .exe with python, but in many cases, the internal IT blocks most .exe files from running.

[tanyaa]

Hi Chandoo, I am completely from non tech background willing to learn to code in finance analysis field. Your videos gives a real clarity and are of great value.

[VernHowChan]

thank you, this was a humble sharing in terms of both VBA and Python. I like the statement to be open minded and learn whatever comes along and then use it as needed or as chosen.

[vikastiwari]

I really wanted this topic to someone address, thankyou so much Chandoo

[jhh]

I followed your advice six months ago, and I'm very glad! I was interested in learning a coding language for data handling in my job. I went with VBA because you said that those of us using Excel will have an immediate practical application. That was very true. I took three VBA courses and now I'm far more advanced in Excel than anyone at my 400 person company. And now I'm learning Python with the right perspective! I'm so glad I followed your advice and got that foundation with VBA. Thank you so much!

[belkacemseffari]

Indians being solving modern problems like heroes .
a big thanks to every Indians programmer and teachers In youtube, XDA, every platform.
you guys are amazing and for sure one of the intelligent people in the globe

[richardcarlin]

VBA is really great if you want to automate while you are in and using, for example, Excel or Word. Python is great for automating from outside Excel or Word. In Python from the outside you can run Word or Excel macros, so when you actually open Excel or Word, you will be looking at the finished result. No requirement for the user to press buttons.

[BryanMendez]

Because Python has libraries, it makes a lot easier to work with data... I know VBA anf Python and certainly I would choose this last one

Hi chandoo, thanks for the honest and unbiased inputs.honestly, I will follow your inputs and choose VBA after a huge state of confusion . Really appreciate . I request you to make a video on books vs video to learn any programming language / skills from your perspective .

[ommm]

Thanks Chandoo.. your mentality has brought you to where you are now… well done 👍👍👍