Visual Basic
Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language developed by Microsoft for their operating system Windows.
The BASIC language is said to be easier to read than other languages. It is a widely understood high-level programming language, written using simple English-like words and syntax.
It is an interpreted language, code can be run immediately after being written. Having an interpreter makes it simpler to use, as there is no need for the computer to compile the code, possibly finding errors to fix, before the compiled version can be run.
Once the code is working, it can be compiled into an .exe file so that it will run on all modern Windows computers, whether VB is installed or not. The language allows a beginning programmer to produce professional-looking Windows applications, as it includes drawing tools to create normal Windows forms. VB also includes advanced features - concepts and structures which allow programs to be adapted for use with the Internet.
It will not run on operating systems other than Windows and on machines with non-Intel compatible processors.
Examples
Dim MyInput
MyInput = InputBox("How old are you?")
If Not IsNumeric(MyInput) Then
MsgBox "That's not a number!"
ElseIf MyInput < 0 Then
MsgBox "You cannot be less than zero!"
ElseIf MyInput > 100 Then
MsgBox "That's old!"
Else
MsgBox "You're " & MyInput & " years old."
End If
Private Sub Form_Load()
MsgBox "Hello, World"
End Sub
Editions
Visual Basic was first released in May 1991 for Windows. Many versions have been released since then. These are listed below:
| Name | Operating System | Date Released |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Basic 1.0 | Windows | May 1991 |
| Visual Basic 1.0 | DOS | September 1992 |
| Visual Basic 2.0 | Windows | November 1992 |
| Visual Basic 3.0 | Windows | Summer 1993 |
| Visual Basic 4.0 | Windows | August 1995 |
| Visual Basic 5.0 | Windows | February 1997 |
| Visual Basic 6.0 | Windows | Mid 1998 |
Visual Basic .NET
Visual Basic .NET is the next series of products in Microsoft's successful Visual Basic range of products. It makes creating programs easier because it is possible to drag-and-drop controls into the program.
It runs on the .NET Framework and features another long line of programs. For the full list of editions in the .NET series, click here.