Best way to learn VB.NET - starting from ground zero.

[BAMAVOO]

I have done a little programming long ago, but as far as it goes I have forgotten any and everything to do with it. I would really like to learn. Is formal training the best way to go?

Thanks for any and all suggestions - except go F yourself, I can do without that one

 

[xtknight]

I never liked formal training that much and usually I don't appreciate theory either until I actually starting doing practical stuff.

Look at some example programs, and try to change their behavior. Rinse and repeat. Figure out what's going on and if you can't figure it out, read some docs. I think that first, perhaps, just reading at least a page of basic docs about the language is a good idea but I say jump in quick and start messing with it before you lose interest. I am the type of person that gets livid when I don't get instant results so if you're that way, don't let it get in your way.

 

[BAMAVOO]

Originally posted by: xtknight
I never liked formal training that much and usually I don't appreciate theory either until I actually starting doing practical stuff.

Look at some example programs, and try to change their behavior. Rinse and repeat. Figure out what's going on and if you can't figure it out, read some docs. I think that first, perhaps, just reading at least a page of basic docs about the language is a good idea but I say jump in quick and start messing with it before you lose interest. I am the type of person that gets livid when I don't get instant results so if you're that way, don't let it get in your way.

Have some examples?

Sounds good to me. I have time at work to figure some of this out

 

[Noobsa44]

Here are some simple steps I would suggest for learning VB.NET:

1. Download VS 2005 Express or 2008 Beta (Rumor has it 2008 is going to be release around Xmas, but I've heard no release date) from here: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/express/default.aspx Alternatively, you could download SharpDevelop if you're more of an open source sorta guy, which can be found at: http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/

2. Decide what you want to do programming wise. As I see it the biggest choice is Web programming vs. Windows programming. Personally, I mostly do windows programming, so the rest of my advice is based upon that. While it is possible to do both, I suggest you pick one just to start out.

3. Create a basic HelloWorld Console app. Start looking at the GUI builder, with a press a button to print hello world in a message box type app. If you are having problems with those, look at http://99-bottles-of-beer.net/language-visual-basic-(.net)-173.html for a basic guide on some of the syntax.

4. Read up on some of the basics of an OOP language, such as the tutorial here: http://www.codeproject.com/vb/net/OOPS_In_VBNET.asp

5. Write a program to do some specific task. For example, build a simple calculator that just adds.

6. Download the 101 VB.NET samples from here: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vbasic/ms789075.aspx I'm not suggesting you work with all of these, but once you know a few basics, these are great to help with specific "How-do-I?" questions. These also give you some broad topic ideas for future development.

7. Look at some open source projects and contribute to them. For example, you could work on GAmp, a very cool little media player, if I do say so myself. You can find GAmp on sourceforge at: http://sourceforge.net/projects/gampmediaplayer *FULL DISCLOSURE: This is a plug for my own program *

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Google + play around with code. VB.NET is easy.

Convert a fun app or bit of code you wrote in another language to VB.NET

You could buy a book but don't need to.

 

[nordloewelabs]

check this thread out and any other similar thread. "how to learn Language X" and "how to migrate from this to that Language" are popular topics here. as it is expected, there's a myriad of different answers to those questions, so take your time to read them all. everyone has something useful to add.

personally, i prefer to learn from detailed books (e.g: "How To Program" by Deitel) because i like to understand/learn the theory behind the code. furthermore, it's particularly important to be able to understand the concepts of Object Oriented Programming first before heading to the specifics of your .NET Language.

head to your local bookstore and browse a few .NET titles. also read reviews on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. many books are available on eBook format, which are less expensive -- personally i prefer the actual printed version.

the web is also full of free guides. Microsoft's MSDN website has *free* Programming Tools (Visual Studio Express) and good tutorials at its Learning Center. those feeling somewhat comfortable with their .NET Programming skills, should also try MSDN's Code4Fun website.

just as spoken Languages, Programming Languages also require *actual* practice, so you gotta code and get involved in a pet- or open-source project (SourceForge.net) in order to learn.

if you are new to Programming and has really zero'ed-in on .NET, i suggest that you learn C# (the primary Language of the .NET family), instead of VB -- even though VB is a bit easier. try reading about both languages before making your final decision.


keep on learning....

 

[BAMAVOO]

Thanks guys. Some great links there. Don't worry about the plug, it looks cool!