Arrays are variables with multiple values.  They can be used for many purposes.   Each value is referred to by a number in ()s after the variable name for the array and set based on that number.  An array's elements can contain any type of data.

Creating an Array

Creating an array is simple and there are many different ways to do it.  The following ways can be used, but should not be combined:

• Dim ArrayName (Elements)

  Use this to setup an array with Element number of values. 

• Dim ArrayName ()

  Use this to set up an array with no given number of values, you can add as many values as you want, but this is used in the case where you set up may setup an array that will change size.  To change its size, just call:
  ReDim [Preserve] ArrayName (Elements), use preserve only when you want to keep the last array's values.

• Dim ArrayName
  Set ArrayName = Array("ElementValue1", "ElementValue2")

  Use this to define the values for the array's elements when it is created.

Using an Array

To set and retrieve the values in an array, all you need to do is give the array's name with a number in ()s.  This number is the value or element you want.   Examples:

'To set arrays
ArrayName(4) = "Nobody home"
ArrayName2(4) = 24
'To use their values
Name = "Homer " & ArrayName(2)
A = 33 * ArrayName2(3)
'Using arrays in functions
'Passing an element as a variable
B = SQR(NumArray(1))
'Passing an entire array to a function expecting an array.
UserID = 5
UserName = FindUser (UserNameArray, UnserIDArray, UserID)

When using an array as the parameter in a function, you must know how the array is being used for that function.  If you just need one of its elements as a parameter, then you must include the element identifier, the number in ()s.  This is when you are using the element in place of a normal variable.  When, you need an array as the parameter and not a single element; then use its name without the number in the ()s.

By: Matthew Holder