1. Spreadsheet-Based Decision Support Systems
Chapter 24: Programming Principles
Prof. Name
Position (123)
University Name

2. Overview 24.1 Programming Practices 24.2 Clarity 24.3 Efficiency
24.4 Summary

3. Programming Practices
We summarize here what we feel are some important issues when coding in VBA for spreadsheet-based DSS development.
We categorize these issues as follows: coding with a consistent style; using naming standards; having clear comments; and increasing coding efficiency.

4. Clarity
Consistent Style
Naming
Documentation

5. Consistent Style
Use a consistent style for formatting, organizing, and commenting your code.
Indenting not clear:
If A is True Then
‘actions 1
ElseIf B is True Then
‘actions 2
End If
Clearer indenting style:

6. Naming Use naming standards for variables and procedures.
“MinVal”, “SumProfit”, “MaxPrice”
“FindMinCost”, “GetUserInfo”
Naming standards also apply to control names and specific data types, such as Boolean.
“IsDone”, “DoAnimation”

7. Documentation Make comments clear throughout the code.
Describe procedure functionality and loop and logical flow.

8. Efficiency Always look for ways to improve your coding efficiency.
Avoid redundancies and unnecessary code.
Static structure:
For i = 1 to 10
‘do actions
Next i
Dynamic structure:
For i = 1 to NumProducts

9. Efficiency (cont) Static structure: Dim CostArray(10) as Double
Dynamic structure:
Dim CostArray() As Double, CostSize As Integer
ReDim CostArray(CostSize)
‘paste in output table
Range(“A1”).PasteSpecial
Dim OutputTable As Range
Set OutputTable = Range(“A1”)
OutputTable.PasteSpecial

10. Summary
The most important programming principles are writing with a consistent style, using naming standards, including clear comments, and improving code efficiency.
It is important to have a clear, readable, and understandable code.
Documentation is an important part of any programming project. We accomplish documentation by placing comments throughout our code.
We should continuously be working to improve our code by reducing the complexity of the logic and the time required.

11. Additional Links (place links here) Projectile
Simple forms with basic Excel manipulation
Birthday Simulation
Simple simulation with statistical analysis
Portfolio Management and Optimization
Using the Solver