Visual Basic in easy steps, 5th Edition

Updated for Visual Basic/Studio Community 2017

Mike McGrath

• Publisher: In Easy Steps Limited
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9781840788303
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Programming Languages
• Index: Computer Science

Visual Basic in easy steps, 5th edition shows you how to quickly create Windows applications using the latest free Visual Basic/Studio Community 2017 programming environment. This book gives you code examples, screenshots, and step-by-step instructions that illustrate each aspect of Visual Basic. Visual Basic in easy steps, 5th edition begins by describing the Visual Studio Community 2017 installation process, then introduces form controls, application properties, the programming language, and problem-solving techniques. Next, the book illustrates by example, how to build and deploy a complete Windows application. A chapter is devoted to scripting with Visual Basic. This first shows you how to create 'macros' for Word and Excel in Microsoft Office, using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), then demonstrates how to manipulate files and data within the Windows operating system using VBScript. You will learn how to incorporate external data into your applications from text files, Excel spreadsheets, XML documents, live RSS web feeds, and SQL databases. You need have no previous knowledge of any programming language so it's ideal if you're a newcomer to Windows programming. Each chapter builds your knowledge of Visual Basic. By the end of this book you will have gained a sound understanding of Visual Basic programming and be able to create your own interactive applications. Visual Basic in easy steps, 5th edition has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to anyone who wants to begin Windows programming. It will appeal to programmers who want to quickly learn the latest Visual Basic techniques, and to the student who is studying computing at school or college, and to those seeking a career in Information Technology who need a thorough understanding of Visual Basic programming.

1

Getting started

Welcome to the exciting world of Visual Basic programming. This chapter introduces the Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and shows you how to create a real Windows application.

Introducing Visual Basic

Installing Visual Studio

Exploring the IDE

Starting a new project

Adding a visual control

Adding functional code

Saving projects

Reopening projects

Summary

Introducing Visual Basic

In choosing to start programming with Visual Basic you have made an excellent choice – the Visual Basic programming language offers the easiest way to write programs for Windows. This means you can easily create your own programs to give maximum control over your computer and automate your work to be more productive. Also, programming with Visual Basic is fun!

Like other programming languages, Visual Basic comprises a number of significant “keywords” and a set of syntax rules. Beginners often find its syntax simpler than other programming languages, making Visual Basic a popular first choice to learn.

Although writing programs can be complex, Visual Basic makes it easy to get started. You can choose how far to go. Another advantage of Visual Basic is that it works with Microsoft Office applications and with the Windows Script Host within the Windows operating system – so the possibilities are immense...

•Visual Basic (VB) – quite simply the best programming language for the novice or hobbyist to begin creating their own standalone Windows applications, fast.

•Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) – an implementation of Visual Basic that is built into all Microsoft Office applications. It runs within a host rather than as a standalone application.

•Visual Basic Script (VBScript) – a derivative of Visual Basic that can be used for Windows scripting.

The New icon pictured above indicates a new or enhanced feature introduced with the latest version of Visual Basic and Visual Studio.

The evolution of Visual Basic

•Visual Basic 1.0 released in May 1991 at the Comdex trade show in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

•Visual Basic 2.0 released in November 1992 – introducing an easier and faster programming environment.

•Visual Basic 3.0 released in the summer of 1993 – introducing the Microsoft Jet Database Engine for database programs.

•Visual Basic 4.0 released in August 1995 – introducing support for controls based on the Component Object Model (COM).

•Visual Basic 5.0 released in February 1997 – introducing the ability to create custom user controls.

•Visual Basic 6.0 released in the summer of 1998 – introducing the ability to create web-based programs. This hugely popular edition is the final version based on COM and is often referred to today as “Classic Visual Basic”.

•Vi...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• 1 Getting started
• 2 Setting properties
• 3 Using controls
• 4 Learning the language
• 5 Building an application
• 6 Solving problems
• 7 Extending the interface
• 8 Scripting with Visual Basic
• 9 Harnessing data
• 10 Employing databases
• Back Cover