Whats the difference between XLM (AKA Excel 4 macro language) and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros?
XLM was the original macro language of Microsoft Excel and was a giant step up from the keystroke macro languages that preceded it. It was based on a function metaphor and created programming constructs that resembled functions used in regular spreadsheets. Expert Excel developers can create complete custom applications programming in XLM. This language is very powerful but limited by its very specific, spreadsheet based design roots. VBA is a more general purpose, next generation development language with roots in Visual Basic object model concepts. The language itself is strong and flexible enough to be used in multiple products, including Excel 5 & 7, Access 7, Visual Basic 4.0, Project, PowerPoint and future versions of Word. This allows users to leverage their knowledge between products and not learn a “spreadsheet” programming language and a “word processor” language. VBA makes application integration much easier. With XLM the developer was required to use DDE to control other ap
