Excel VBA Variables Scope and Lifetime

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The Scope and Lifetime of Excel VBA Variables

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Excel VBA Variables Lifetime & Scope

In Excel, when coding in VBA, we can use what are know as variables to store information. These variables (as the name suggests) can be varied and changed to store different data information. As soon as a variable loses scope it loses its stored value.

Excel VBA Variables Levels

There are 3 levels at which we can dimension (Dim) variables. These are;

1) Procedure-Level
2) Module-Level
3) Project-Level, Workbook Level, or Public Module-Level

Each of these levels differ in scope and lifetime. This is discussed below

Procedure-Level Variables

These are probably the best known and widely used variables. They are dimensioned (Dim) inside the Procedure itself. See Example below;

Sub MyMacro ()
Dim lRows as Long
	'Code Here
End Sub

All variables dimensioned at this level are only available to the Procedure that they are within. As soon as the Procedure finishes, the variable is destroyed.

Module-Level Variables

These are variables that are dimensioned (Dim) outside the Procedure itself at the very top of any Private or Public Module. See Example below;

Dim lRows as Long

Sub MyMacro ()
    'Code Here
End Sub

All variables dimensioned at this level are available to all Procedures that they are within the same Module the variable is dimensioned in. Its value is retained unless the Workbook closes or the End Statement is used.

Project-Level, Workbook Level, or Public Module-Level

These variables are dimensioned at the top of any standard public module, like shown below;

Public lRows as Long

All variables dimensioned at this level are available to all Procedures in all Modules. Its value is retained unless the Workbook closes or the End Statement is used.

See Also: Excel Variables

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