Macro
Macro is a set of instructions that can be used in programming languages or applications to automate certain tasks. Macros are commonly used to reduce user effort when performing tasks that are repeated frequently. For example, a macro might be used to insert a pre-defined phrase into a document, or to save the same settings into a configuration file.
Macros are written in a language that is usually specific to the application they are used in. Popular programming languages like Visual Basic, Lisp, and JavaScript can all be used to create macros. In a business context, macros are often used to automate tasks and procedures. Companies will often write custom macros to address specific needs, such as standardizing the formatting of text or generating sales reports from a database.
While macros are a useful tool for automation, they can also present a security risk as malicious code can be inserted into the macro. As a result, many applications disable macros by default. Users can enable macros if they wish, but are advised to exercise caution before doing so.
