Basic question about where to start...
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I got my first experiences with coding back in elementary school in the mid-80s working with the Apple IIe. I continued to dabble through college, working with HTML, VBA, and C++. Unfortunately, I never fully committed, so while I do understand the world of possibilities available to those who code, I am still a novice in most ways. I would like to get back into this if possible. I am a data analyst and I have the need to write programs that will automate some reporting processes for various web-based data repositories I use. Basically, I would like to write scripts that will automate the processes of downloading data based on set parameters, and then load said data into an Excel-based report template that I create. I would also like to start building my own web-accessible databases. So here's my question: Should I revisit VBA, C++, or just go for learning a new language? If your answer is "new language," which language? Any advice on how to get started with databases?
absolutely not C# the only correct answers are VBA, Python or R R is built for data analysis, you can grab stuff from databases and the web with it, you can manipulate Excel files with it it is an ugly language, but very powerful Python has become a strong contender for data analysis and is also used as the backend for web servers and just like R you can grab stuff from databases and the web with it, you can manipulate Excel files with it VBA is also great -- it is so easy to get data from databases and put them into Excel -- not so great for web stuff I recommend Python you will be up and running with Python much faster than with C# watch this to get a basic idea of python [^] search youtube, google and amazon for python tutorials there and tons of them
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You hit the nail on the head. I am not at all concerned with the look of the interface. I just want to be able to automate some of my work. So I will take a look at the options you mentioned.
Bonus: Typically, with scripts, you focus on a single task, so if you can automate a few things with a number of single-purpose scripts, you'll probably feel like you're making a lot more progress more quickly than trying to write one compiled utility that tries to do it all.
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I got my first experiences with coding back in elementary school in the mid-80s working with the Apple IIe. I continued to dabble through college, working with HTML, VBA, and C++. Unfortunately, I never fully committed, so while I do understand the world of possibilities available to those who code, I am still a novice in most ways. I would like to get back into this if possible. I am a data analyst and I have the need to write programs that will automate some reporting processes for various web-based data repositories I use. Basically, I would like to write scripts that will automate the processes of downloading data based on set parameters, and then load said data into an Excel-based report template that I create. I would also like to start building my own web-accessible databases. So here's my question: Should I revisit VBA, C++, or just go for learning a new language? If your answer is "new language," which language? Any advice on how to get started with databases?
I'd like to suggest you have a look at Python, ideally Python 3.6. Even if you decide to go for C#, knowing Python is useful.
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I got my first experiences with coding back in elementary school in the mid-80s working with the Apple IIe. I continued to dabble through college, working with HTML, VBA, and C++. Unfortunately, I never fully committed, so while I do understand the world of possibilities available to those who code, I am still a novice in most ways. I would like to get back into this if possible. I am a data analyst and I have the need to write programs that will automate some reporting processes for various web-based data repositories I use. Basically, I would like to write scripts that will automate the processes of downloading data based on set parameters, and then load said data into an Excel-based report template that I create. I would also like to start building my own web-accessible databases. So here's my question: Should I revisit VBA, C++, or just go for learning a new language? If your answer is "new language," which language? Any advice on how to get started with databases?
Several very good observations from other posters, but why make this project any harder than it needs to be? KISS!!!!!! You seem to already know VBA. Why not write a VBA add-in for Excel to import the data, and then do the analysis/consolidation using Excel macros. Excel generates good graphs and can do high level statistics including multiple regression with an inexpensive add-in such as WinStat. http://www.winstat.com/ IMNSHO learning a new language just for this task is gross over-kill. After you extract the data, you will still need to format and analyze. Most likely you will have to use another program/language such as “R”on top of one of the dialects of C. What exactly will one of the new “hot” languages do that VBA or even Quick Basic won't?
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To add to this, I would highly recommend getting a Lynda.com or pluralsight.com account. Very easy to follow tutorials. :thumbsup: Good luck!
+1 for pluralsight.com
Eric
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I got my first experiences with coding back in elementary school in the mid-80s working with the Apple IIe. I continued to dabble through college, working with HTML, VBA, and C++. Unfortunately, I never fully committed, so while I do understand the world of possibilities available to those who code, I am still a novice in most ways. I would like to get back into this if possible. I am a data analyst and I have the need to write programs that will automate some reporting processes for various web-based data repositories I use. Basically, I would like to write scripts that will automate the processes of downloading data based on set parameters, and then load said data into an Excel-based report template that I create. I would also like to start building my own web-accessible databases. So here's my question: Should I revisit VBA, C++, or just go for learning a new language? If your answer is "new language," which language? Any advice on how to get started with databases?
The history you mentioned is near identical to my own. I'm only getting back into programming myself. So while I'm not the best for making suggestions, I can at least tell you what I know. For programming, I tried a little of everything along with the countless websites suggesting one way or another. I've decided to go with C# due to its versatility, IDE, and the fact that most of my work tools are with Microsoft. And the fact there so many resources available for learning it. (Both free and paid) Xamarin University is one which will give you what you need to learn, while charging you a reasonable fee (which will help keep you motivated to get through the material as quickly as possible). We tend to take things more seriously when we pay for them... As for reporting, If you can get your hands on MS SQL 2012+ you will get SQL Server Reporting Services with it. SSRS will allow you to pull information from many different data points (SQL, Access, Excel, Flat Files) and automate their delivery to either the file system or through email. And C# can be used to enhance the reports further. And with that, you can get into MVC6 and move into building small applications which connect to your databases etc. (If you can use the same tools in work and as a hobby, you will have that much more exposure.) I wish you the best. Just know whichever path you choose, that is the right one for you!