"Like" operator: how to put in bold matching characters?

Hi

How are you using the like operator? In a UDF? Are t1 and t2 variables? or Ranges?

How / where would you like to display the "formatted" output?

rylo

rylo,

For the moment the "Like" operator is used within the VBA code to perform some calculations according to the wildcards provided by the end-user.

The application I have in mind here make an abundant use of wildcards to express constraints in an optimisation program. Currently the most frequent use of this applcation involves nearly 500 wildcard expression, most being as simple as "plant*" but some being more involved like "plant.dryer*.*.solidfuel.*". This program is extremely powerful thanks to the use of wildcards, but suffers from a sharp learning curve. Till today, I did most of the customizations by myself and the end-users are reluctant to express themselves their constraints.

As a first step to make thinks easier for the end-users, I would like to design a tool that guides them to build a wildcard expression. This tool would provide them a feedback by showing them what will be included in the calculation when they use the wildcard they have written. It would be quite useful to make it clear why these item will be included. This explains my question: how could I show why an item will match a wildcard expression.

Finally, let me add that I have created an extension to the like operator (a function 'myLikeOperator"). Therefore, I will need to extend also the solution I am seeking here.

I'm sorry but you aren't going to be able to do this with a UDF.

UDF return values, they don't alter cells or their formats.

I agree with you, Norie:

I'm sorry but you aren't going to be able to do this with a UDF.
UDF return values, they don't alter cells or their formats.

That was not my intention to create a UDF for that.
My intention is to provide a kind of toolbar with a listbox where the possible Like-match are listed and made clear. This toolbar could be made visible when the user wants this help.