All Bout Macros

A macro in computer science is a rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence (often a sequence of characters) should be mapped to an output sequence (also often a sequence of characters) according to a defined procedure

Keyboard macros and mouse macros allow short sequences of keystrokes and mouse actions to be transformed into other, usually more time- consuming, sequences of keystrokes and mouse actions. In this way, frequently-used or repetitive sequences of keystrokes and mouse movements can be automated. Separate programs for creating these macros are called macro recorders.

During the 1980s, macro programs -- originally SmartKey, then SuperKey, KeyWorks, Prokey -- were very popular, first as a means to automatically format screenplays, then for a variety of business tasks. Since the 1990s, keyboard macros are built into most popular applications, such as word processors and spreadsheets, but are more difficult to use than the older macro programs Keyboard and mouse macros that are created using an application's built-in macro features are sometimes called application macros. They are sometimes created by carrying out the sequence once and letting the application record the actions. An underlying macro programming language, most commonly a Scripting language, with direct access to the features of the application may also exist.

Excel Macros: When you find yourself repeatedly performing the same actions or tasks in your spreadsheets, it might be time for you to create a macro. A macro is a recording of each command and action you perform to complete a task. Then, whenever you need to carry out that task in your spreadsheets, you just run the macro instead. Macros can be activate by a couple of keystrokes or by a worksheet button so they are easy to execute, and, provided they were recorded correctly, they will always carry out the same steps in the same order with no chance for operator error. Although complex macros can be created in Excel using the Macro editor, it also possible to create relatively simple ones using the Excel macro recorder.