Learning Visual BASIC

[thecoroner]

I am a novice coder interested in learning visual BASIC coding.

First off, I've noticed there are several different versions of the VB compiler. Which one is best for me? What's the difference between VB 2005 and VB .NET? I've seen both of them talked about but don't know which one to learn.

Are there any good books or tutorial websites I should visit?

 

[Len12345]

These were the sites I found most useful. I dont really know what the differences are between the versions sorry.

http://www.vbtutor.net/vbtutor.html

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/learning/default.aspx

EDIT: forgot to mention I've only used VB 2005 Express Edition which is free from microsoft

 

[notfred]

2005 is .NET 2.0

 

[Evander]

As mentioned definitely get that free version from MS. Good books? How about a GREAT one called Visual Basic 2005 Step by Step:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073562...1/102-2260328-8958508?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Actually the book I read was for VB 5.0 by the same author:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157231...5/102-2260328-8958508?%5Fencoding=UTF8

If you're feeling unsure about plopping down $25, get this one for nearly free (26 cents).

 

[jdport]

I'm glad I saw this thread, I didn't know you could get Visual Studio Express as a free download... that is great, I've been wanting to do some windows programming with C++ or visual basic but I'm not looking to do it professionally so I didn't want to spend $200 for Visual Basic... this is great.

 

[hooflung]

Originally posted by: jdport
I'm glad I saw this thread, I didn't know you could get Visual Studio Express as a free download... that is great, I've been wanting to do some windows programming with C++ or visual basic but I'm not looking to do it professionally so I didn't want to spend $200 for Visual Basic... this is great.

I think C# is the way to go in windows development. .NET 2.0 is about as good as you can get to JAVA Enterprise Edition on windows. C# also is a fully supported standardized language and can run on a number of Operating Systems including BSD/Linux/Solaris without the need of Microsoft's framework. Visit http://www.mono-project.com for more information.

I would also recommend GNUStep using Objective C [ think of Standard C + Smalltak ] so that you can make crossplatform apps that will run on GNUStep or Cocoa [ apple's NextStep that is compatible with GNUStep and OpenStep. ] Visit http://www.gnustep.org/ for mor information.

 

[WildHorse]

Are you really sure you want to dig into a Microsoft proprietatry language?

I agree in general with the point hooflung makes, in the sense that there's much to be said for studying a language other than a MS proprietary one.

I've been hearing good things about Ruby as a language for the future!