If you fancy becoming an array wizard, there are a couple of other little tips and tricks you might be interested in.
The Array function can turn a regular variant variable into an array. Let's peek at an example:
Dim MyVariable As VariantMyVariable = Array("These", "Are", "Elements", _ "Of", "My", "Array")For i = LBound(MyVariable) To UBound(MyVariable)MsgBox MyVariable(i)Next i
Try running this example. The code takes a variant variable and turns it into an array. It's just a cunningly quick way to create an array.
So, if regular variables can be turned into arrays how do you know whether something is an array or isn't? Oh boy.
Thankfully the IsArray function can help out. Just call IsArray, passing the possible array. It will return a True or False value.
Here's a little sample code:
Dim RegularArray(1 To 5) As StringDim DynamicArray() As StringDim ToBeChangedVariable As VariantDim RegularVariable As VariantToBeChangedVariable = Array(1, 2, 3)MsgBox ("RegularArray - " & IsArray(RegularArray))MsgBox ("DynamicArray - " & IsArray(DynamicArray))MsgBox ("ToBeChangedVariable - " & IsArray(ToBeChangedVariable))MsgBox ("RegularVariable - " & IsArray(RegularVariable))
IsArray returns True for both RegularArray and DynamicArray. After we use the Array function on ToBeChangedVariable, it turns into an array meaning IsArray returns True there also.
But the final RegularVariable check returns a False. That isn't an array.
OK, so there isn't an intrinsic Visual Basic function called IsZapped. It's my own creation and can be incredibly useful.
Instead of adding error handling to your code just in case an array has been 'zapped' and left dimensionless, why not just use this groovy little IsZapped function.
If everything is A-OK, it returns a False it ain't zapped. If the array has no dimensions, it returns a True.
Here's the code:
Public Function IsZapped(ArrayIn As Variant) As BooleanOn Error GoTo DimensionErrDim i As Integeri = LBound(ArrayIn)IsZapped = FalseExit Function DimensionErr: If Err.Number = 9 ThenIsZapped = TrueElseMsgBox Err.DescriptionEnd If End Function
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