Hi Noel
Thanks for your proposal and your presentation
I'm aware that VBA macros are a problem on a migration and something has
to be done. So you're proposal is welcomed
Nevertheless, I'm afraid that using VBA paradigm inside OOo will more
hurt than solve the problem. VBA has 2 parts : the language and the objects
I'm not talking about the syntax here. Some compatibility efforts have
been done in this directon and can be improved.
The problem, imho, is on the API level
Giving VBA support as you propose is implementing a new API for objects.
You will then have two ways for defining objects : the OOo API one, The
MS VBA one. It will be more difficult to understand things as these two
objects, will have difference : a VBA cell is different tha an OOo one.
How does this interact ? Is a VBA macro allowed to mix both API ? Is
python script allowed to use VBA objects and OOo objects ?
Are VBA macros only restricted to MS File format (i see no technical
reasons for this)
For me, at the end, it will be the end of any scripting language except
VBA one. Forget OOoBasic, python, Beanshell or javascript. VBA is widely
spread due to MS file format domination. Many people do know how to
create VBA macros and then it will end with a big proportion of this
language. A lot of documentation exists and we will be asked more and
more to implement VBA subtilities
But, VBA is not free ! OOo Project has no influence on its specification
and it can be changed without any warning (look at the difference
between MsOffice versions)
Moreover, what about legal issues ? Are we sure there are any patent on
this ? Are we allowed to implement an interpreter ?
Noel, I'm really enthousiastic by you project in a technical point of view.
But, i have to say -1 for the resons i gave, unless we build some
policies like (only proposal, ideas not worked)
- restrict vba to ms office file format (not opendocument or addons)
- translate the VBA source code to OOo API to only have to deal with one
model
So -1 for me
But totally open to discussion
Regards
Laurent
--
Laurent Godard <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> - Ingénierie OpenOffice.org
Indesko >> http://www.indesko.com
Nuxeo CPS >> http://www.nuxeo.com - http://www.cps-project.org
Livre "Programmation OpenOffice.org", Eyrolles 2004
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