My question might sound stupid but please bear with me :-)
I have an excel file, was doing some manual task, converted them to VBA code in order to automate. Works well.
I then decided why not distribute this. So, I went about searching for ways to protect the VBA code and found none. The most probable way was to convert it to DLL and call the DLL using "Tools-> add references->mytoolsDLL" inside excel. As the DLL code is not seen it does offer some protection. So, I looked up how to convert my VBA to DLL. Solution found "Visual Studio-> Class Library Project"! SO converted almost all VBA to DLL using Class Library Project, compiled, registered my DLL, used it inside Excel, all good, works well.
Now, this DLL I have compiled I dont know if it is classified as "COM add-in" or ".NET" DLL! Today I realised that it was very easy to "de-compile" a .NET DLL. I tried looking at "code" difference between a COM ADDIN and .NET there is almost none. When coding this "DLL", I was using google and MSDN a lot but they all referenced it as "VB"
If I am converting VBA to something, should it be "COM ADD-IN" or ".NET"? I read about VSTO today and was wondering how does VSTO come inbetween Visual Studio and COM ADDIN/.NET? What techniques can I use to ensure that the DLL when distributed can be license controlled? i.e. after first "install" the DLL cannot be copied to other machines? Is it possible to do license management/control via VSTO?
p.s: If you think I am mixing up terms/terminologies please feel free to correct me
Why not just right click your project once you are in the developer environment, select VBAProject Properties, select Protection Tab and set a password to protect your vba project ?