Testing and Running the Program

Testing the program

Once a program has been coded, compiled and – or interpreted, you can test if the program will run or not. Some compilers and interpreters will enable you to debug a code when an error is apparent. Errors can come in the form of syntax, type mismatch, or an error in the logic of the program itself. Syntax errors are basically errors that have misspellings in the commands. These can easily be corrected. Type mismatch errors are basically errors that arise when your defined variables do not match with their respective tasks. Errors in the logic of the program itself are the last kinds of errors you would want to see during the testing phase. Sometimes, you might have to code the whole program altogether just to get it right.

Running the program

Once the program is free of bugs and is free from errors, you simply run it and watch it solve your problem or perform the task you assigned it to do. In this case, all you have to do is watch the “Hello World” message flash across your screen.

Why don't you try displaying the text "Hello World" on your screen? For purposes of simplification, a Visual Basic editor can be used right from your Microsoft Excel Program.

As you can see, being resourceful is very important. Instead of going out of your way and buying programming software, you can already use an editor that comes with the Microsoft Office package. Since almost all computers that run on Windows have Microsoft Excel, using the Visual Basic editor will not be a problem. There might be more programming software on your computer that you haven't discovered yet. Try looking for HTML editors or some Java applications on your computer. Most computers will have these. If you are a little bit more industrious, you can download programming software from the Microsoft website or from the Sun website.

Going back to the Visual Basic Editor. Once you have entered the Microsoft Excel Program, click on Tools, Macro, and then enter the Visual Basic Editor.

When you enter the Visual Basic Editor, simply click on Insert then Module.

You are now ready to start your first program!

In the module, you can already start typing code. On the first line, type in Sub MyFirstProgram() and then type in MsgBox "Hello World" on the second line. Press the "Play" button and see the message "Hello World" flash on your screen. Congratulations! You have written your first few lines of programming code!