How to limit scope of functions in a standard module - vba

Question

I've prepared a standard module, MyPath, which contains a few useful functions. In this case standard module is better for me than a class module.
Much more comfortable to write:
Dim ext As String
ext = MyPath.getFileExtension("test.docx") ' returns "docx"
Instead of:
Dim Pth As MyPath
Set Pth = New MyPath
Dim ext As String
ext = Pth.getFileExtension("test.docx")
or something like
Dim ext As String
With New MyPath
ext = .getFileExtension("test.docx")
End With
The only problem with my "pseudo-static-class" module is its scope (and IntelliSense use).
Dim ext As String
ext = getFileExtension("test.docx") ' This works, but I don't want it to
What I would like to achieve is:
If one doesn't specify MyPath when calling a function, IntelliSense does not suggest the methods from the module and they cannot be used.
In order to use any methods from the MyPath module, one needs to type in MyPath., and after the dot IntelliSense should suggest methods from the module.
I've tried some combinations with Option Private Module, Private functions, but no one works the way I described.
I am preparing a lot of classes and similar modules and I would keep everything in order.
edit
In short, I would like to force the compiler to throw an error if I don't specify the "parent" module for the function or sub. At the same time, if I type the name of my module I would be able to use IntelliSense (no solutions with run/call, just simply type module name, dot and select the member).

Answer 1

Another solution, inspired by VBA's Err object, is to implement a function that returns a reference to your "static object"
Public Static Function MyPath() As PathObject
Dim result As PathObject
If result Is Nothing Then Set result = New PathObject
Set MyPath = result
End Function
Where PathObject is the class that contains all your pseudo static methods.
This approach has the added bonus that the caller cannot set their MyPath reference to Nothing - in case you decide your Static module should be stateful (perhaps for some costly initialisation routine)
PS I think the Static Function syntax is cute, but you could equally just declare result with the static keyword
In fact you could possibly make it even more concise with
Public Static Function MyPath() As PathObject
Dim result As New PathObject
Set MyPath = result
End Function
Not tested, but should have the behaviour that MyPath is instantiated only when used for the first time, but thereafter hangs around indefinitely

Answer 2

The behavior you describe is actually achievable via a Predeclared Class, but will require a little prep work.
To make a predeclared class, you can write up a class with whatever functions you want. Then export it to text (.cls) and edit it, setting the Attribute VB_PredeclaredId to True. Then re-import it. My Class is called PredeclaredClass and looks like this in the .cls file:
VERSION 1.0 CLASS
BEGIN
MultiUse = -1 'True
END
Attribute VB_Name = "PredeclaredClass"
Attribute VB_GlobalNameSpace = False
Attribute VB_Creatable = False
Attribute VB_PredeclaredId = True
Attribute VB_Exposed = False
Attribute VB_Ext_KEY = "Rubberduck" ,"Predeclared Class Module"
Option Explicit
Public Sub ThisIsVisible()
End Sub
After you import this class, you can now use its methods only by referencing the class module (and no new instance needed).
You will not see it in intellisense nor be able to use its function without the module reference. The compiler will complain, provided you are using Option Explicit
By the way, Rubberduck makes this pretty easy to do this without the need to export/import modules.