Скачать или смотреть Understanding the Difference: FileSystemObject vs Scripting.FileSystemObject in VBA

Discover the key differences between `FileSystemObject` and `Scripting.FileSystemObject` in VBA, and learn when to use each to avoid ambiguity in your code.
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Understanding the Difference: FileSystemObject vs Scripting.FileSystemObject in VBA

When coding in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), developers often run into situations that can leave them scratching their heads. One such moment is figuring out the best practice for creating objects, specifically the FileSystemObject. This guide will debunk the confusion between two approaches to setting up the FileSystemObject: using FileSystemObject alone versus using Scripting.FileSystemObject.

The Question at Hand

Many programmers might have previously considered both options interchangeable, simply choosing one out of habit or preference. However, it’s crucial to understand that there are subtleties in how these are used and their relevance especially in the context of object disambiguation.

The Choices Explained

You might find yourself using one of the following lines of code when working with FileSystemObject:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Dissecting the Difference

The main difference lies in the scope of what you are referring to:

Using Set FSo = New FileSystemObject:

This approach assumes that there aren’t any other FileSystemObject classes in your project or in its references. It’s straightforward if this is the only class of that name in your environment.

Using Set FSo = New Scripting.FileSystemObject:

This method is used to disambiguate which FileSystemObject you are referring to, specifically stating that you are looking at the FileSystemObject from the Scripting library. This is critical if you have defined your own class (say, FileSystemObject) in your code or if you are referencing another external library that has a class with the same name.

Why Disambiguation Matters

Understanding which version to use comes down to avoiding ambiguity, particularly in environments where multiple libraries or custom classes coexist.

Preventing Name Conflicts: If you have your own class named FileSystemObject, or if other external libraries feature the same class name, using the full scope (i.e., Scripting.FileSystemObject) eliminates confusion.

Example Cases: A common scenario arises when working with both Excel and Word object models; both utilize a class called Range. Here, you would need to specify Word.Range or Excel.Range as needed to identify your intent clearly.

When to Use Which

No Conflicts: If your project is simple or if you're sure that no naming conflicts exist, feel free to use just FileSystemObject. It’s simpler and more concise.

With Conflicts: If there is a chance of naming conflicts (especially in larger or more complex projects), always prefer using Scripting.FileSystemObject to prevent potential issues down the line.

Conclusion

Both forms of establishing a FileSystemObject can potentially work without immediate errors in many cases. However, adopting an explicit approach by using Scripting.FileSystemObject can save you from future headaches, especially if your project evolves or changes over time. Remember, clarity and maintainability should always be at the forefront of your coding practices.

By understanding the significance of class scope in VBA, you can ensure your code remains robust and free from ambiguities that might confuse future maintainers or even yourself. Happy coding!