UDF prompts

[BigInch]

Is it really not possible to write those little prompts into a UDF? You know, those ones that tell you which bit of data goes in each argument's position?

We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer

 

[electricpete]

If you use descriptive argument names, those are usually visible.

(you see them when you use insert-function in the spreadsheet, and you can see them when you type function call in vba if you have the right settings).

I remember reading that there is a way to go a step farther, but variable names are always enough for me.

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(2B)+(2B)' ?

 

[IDS]

I agree with pete, for my own use I just use (hopefully) descriptive names for the function arguments. For complex functions where the names don't provide enough information I document it on the spreadsheet, and refer to that.

Nonetheless there is something to be said for doing the job "properly", especially if the functions will be used by someone other than the author.

The link below gives two alternatives for adding descriptions, one is easy but limited, and the other more trouble, but will do a better job.

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/adding-function-categories-and-descriptions/

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

 

[BigInch]

I was aware that the variables show up when inserting function, but apparently just too hopeful that I could do it just like MS does, with the little prompts in the cell box.

Doug, that method looks like it will work, but I don't know if I want to go to that extreme. I might, if it was just one complex function, but I've got a number of them going in the same box and it might just be better to fall back to the insert box and leave it like that. Thanks very much for showing that workaround.



We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer

 

[BigInch]

BTW it seems that XL 2010 has a canned solution for this included. I can see an upgrade coming, if that's true.

We will design everything from now on using only S.I. units ... except for the pipe diameter. Unk. British engineer

 

[MintJulep]

It's always seemed a significant oversight. Nice that it might be finally included in 2010.