ThisWorkbook vs. Module1

[Oppressed1]

This may be a zen question rather than a "rule" one.

If I want code to be on demand for a whole workbook I use Module1 and I've done so forever and ever. I probably got hooked because macro recorder lands there, in Module1 or Module2 (etc.). (* see footnote)

It just occurred to me, why not just use the ThisWorkbook area? (Double click ThisWorkbook in Ctrl-R Project Explorer)

As I've been doing it, my code goes in modules, and ThisWorkbook code is just for events (e.g. Sub Workbook_BeforeSave). Should I consider using ThisWorkbook for my code; or should I just leave that for events, and use modules for my code?


* footnote: Interestingly, the macro recorder (by default) "says" it's putting the code in "This Workbook" - but it really refers to a Module in activeworkbook, not activeworkbook's code section ThisWorkbook.

[mikeTRON]

I typically have explicitly called out modules with specific names, NOT module1. If there is a workbook event I put it in the workbook as you already stated.

[Oppressed1]

I thought it would confuse the issue unless I just said "Module1" et al, but you show that it can be addressed in a succinct manner

Well I'll just go on as before. I was just thinking out loud.

[mikeTRON]

Ha, yeah I dont see much benefit unless you are trying to play with events. Although I have had code fire off in the ThisWorkbook area only to call the procedure, which makes the code more modular (which I have found to be ideal).

This way I can call one module, then another then another... it CAN make things a little easier to audit and track the flow, but not really....

[Oppressed1]

but not really....

Oohweee! Bonus points for giving a truthful answer!

[Oppressed1]

Should I mark this solved? Does anyone else have a functional or zen perspective?

[Norie]

Don't put code in the ThisWorkbook module, or a worksheet module, unless it's specifically for an event related to the workbook/worksheet.

If you do put code in either of those types of modules you can run into problems, specifically to do with referencing.