Visual Basic beginner: where to start?

[clicknext]

I'm thinking about learning visual basic for a school project.

My question is how hard is visual basic to learn if you have basically no experience with any programming language? Is it easy enough to learn a good amount in about 2-3 months spending maybe 2-3 hours on it every day?

 

[QueHuong]

I'm interested too.

And should one start with VB 6.0 or VB.net?

 

[Nothinman]

Basic VB is really simple. If all you want to do is little things like Access interfaces to databases and such it should be fine. But if you really want to learn programming start with something like java or C++ and get a programming fundamentals book. Learning how to program is one thing, learning the syntax for a language is another. Once you have the concepts of how to design, debug, etc learning a new language will be just a case of learning different syntax.

 

[CallTheFBI]

Visual Basic is pretty easy to get into and learn compared to C++ I think. I'm not an expert in either language though so that's just my unprofessional opinion.

 

[ComradeXavier]

As for choosing which Visual Basic to learn, I've heard that Microsoft made a lot of changes with VB.NET, and as VB.NET is probably what they'll be supporting more from now on, that's probably the one I'd choose. On the other hand, if you've already got VB6, then you might not want to bother spending more money to get VB.NET.

 

[WannaFly]

I've made a few personal programs in VB6, its pretty easy to learn, and debuggin (fixing your code mistakes) is excellent in it. I would go with VB6. There are plenty of websites out there with tutorials and info on VB6

do a search on google for "free VB Code" and you'll find lots of helpful sites

 

[hudster]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
Basic VB is really simple. If all you want to do is little things like Access interfaces to databases and such it should be fine. But if you really want to learn programming start with something like java or C++ and get a programming fundamentals book.

I agree, start with C++ or Java. If you're looking at Java, this might be a different and fun way to learn it. i'm not saying this should take the place of a book, but might be a nice complement/change-of-pace from the typical textbook-style approach.

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: ComradeXavier
As for choosing which Visual Basic to learn, I've heard that Microsoft made a lot of changes with VB.NET, and as VB.NET is probably what they'll be supporting more from now on, that's probably the one I'd choose. On the other hand, if you've already got VB6, then you might not want to bother spending more money to get VB.NET.

Which program do I need to do VB.NET? Is it MS Visual Studio 6? I think I just might be able to get my hands on that...

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: clicknext
Which program do I need to do VB.NET? Is it MS Visual Studio 6? I think I just might be able to get my hands on that...

You need Visual Studio .NET. VS 6.0 contains VB6.

 

[kmmatney]

MS Visual Studio 6 will have Visual Basic 6.0. This is a great language for doing a school project. The learning curve is very quick and you can be very productive.

I've been programming in Visual Basic for over 10 years (Microsoft Certified Professional). My B.S. and M.S. degrees were in Materials Science and Engineering, but I used Visual Basic for an X-ray Lab project and have been hooked ever since. I currently write software for controlling robotic equipment and analyzing data in wafer fabs.

VB.Net has a much higher learning curve than VB6. In some ways I think VB.Net is more like Delphi (the only other language I program in) than Visual Basic 6.0. For a school project, I would definately recommend VB 6 to start with.

 

[Nocturnal]

I would like to know about this too. I've messed around and dabbled with VS6, but never really put it to use.

I also had a trial version of VS.NET which expired on Jan 31st. Any good sites you guys recommend?

 

[Apathetic]

Originally posted by: clicknext

Originally posted by: ComradeXavier
As for choosing which Visual Basic to learn, I've heard that Microsoft made a lot of changes with VB.NET, and as VB.NET is probably what they'll be supporting more from now on, that's probably the one I'd choose. On the other hand, if you've already got VB6, then you might not want to bother spending more money to get VB.NET.

Which program do I need to do VB.NET? Is it MS Visual Studio 6? I think I just might be able to get my hands on that...

MS Visual Studio 6 will give you VB 6.0 and C++ 6.0 - not any of the .NET stuff.

Dave

 

[Apathetic]

I think VB 6.0 will be easier to learn, you can single step the environment through your code and change your errors on the fly. Also, there is a LOT more information on the web about VB 6.0 as well as more people who are familiar with it than the newer .NET languages.

Dave

 

[ScrewFace]

Have you thought about starting from the beginning? LOL!

 

[VBGOD]

If you're just starting out, take a look at VB .NET

It's much more complicated than VB 6.0, but the rewards are higher.

I have begun a little tutorial: http://www.vbgod.com/vb.net/
Enjoy!

 

[GiLtY]

VBGOD: I just took a real quick glimpse at your website, and I'm impressed with the way you organize the lessons, I love it!

 

[VBGOD]

Hey! Thanks a lot!

 

[DT4K]

If you just want to learn a little about programming, VB6 is easy to get started with.
If you decide you are interested in pursuing programming as a career, you would be better off to learn a true object-oriented language like Java, or one of the .Net languages(C# or VB.Net). VB6 is easier, but will teach you bad habits that you will have to unlearn later.