[Death Row]

I've decided to have another go at learning to program (last time I tried learning C I got bored because I didn't see it having much use to me) and have decided to begin with Visual Basic.

We used Visual Basic in a school database project with Excel, so I have a passing knowledge of syntax, and some commands - hence I thought it seemed like a good starting point (+ it's higher level, so I assume that'll make it less confusing than C was).

I'll need to pick up a book on programming for VB, but I just have a few questions.

With Access, there was a GUI when making VBA; when making indpendant VBA (i.e. one that doesn't use Excel in the background) does one also use a GUI like that? Like some sort of development environment, or is it all scripted?

What are some good programs/compilers (preferably freeware) to use with Visual Basic compilation and design?

Any other tips for learning would also be appreciated.

Cheers,

[mattew]

well why not u try learning c# even thats a good programing language
the programing methodology is same for all .....
i beleive u must have started learning c++ before c cuz c is still a bit procedural programing but c++ is fun..... u r fetched with all oop concepts..

[oldskool]

I learned Visual Basic using Visual Basic Express Edition, 2003 ver. You can download a newer Visual Basic Express Edition than that for free, the 2008 version, by going to Microsoft's website. You can practice your Visual Basic programming ( it is a compiler,assembler, and debugger, all-in-one). You also can do C# programming with it as well, although I haven't done anything with C# yet. One of the coolest features is Intellisense, which helps you to find proper syntax when you might be having a hard time, if it is turned on (it is by default). Also, keep your Option Explicit and Option Strict parameters on, which will keep things a little easier for you as well.

[Jorsoft]

Yeah the Express edition is free and works very well for beginners. The only people who wouldn't like it are like businesses and high level programmers.

As for books, etc. I don't really know. I just took an Intro class in college and got the book they wanted me to.

If you use VB Express or Studio then you will use a GUI to crate windows programs. It's not like C where you just edit in notepad and then compile. Though you can technically do it that way with VB it's a pain when you're making Windows programs.

[oldskool]

jorsoft03, I have a question for ya. What is a good way to learn about programming languages other than Visual Basic ? I had an intro. course in college, and haven't had the advanced course yet, so I know I need more work in VB. But I have interest in learning just a little about other languages (for comparison-making more than anything at this point, I don't want to confuse myself too much ! ).

I mean, my question ultimately is, in VB there is the GUI you mentioned, but when I look through books of C++ or Java information, they are mostly syntax, and I am used to OOP in the way of VB. Don't know if I am making sense with the question, but all I am trying to say is I don't know where a good source of information would be to learn how to develop other types of applications using non-VB languages. Thanks whether you can help me or not.

[Jorsoft]

Well I'm not an expert at programming, I actually hate doing it. I've only ever done command line stuff with C++ and as far as I know that's basically what it does. It's a much lower level language than VB so it's powerful but complicated and not exactly user-friendly. C++ is used to compile things like 3d game engines and high level scripts so a GUI programming environment is useless there. It was meant for things more complicated than VB, basically. Somebody else might be able to answer your question better....

And I'd check out this, should be some good info on here. This looks like a decent forum, too, so maybe if you search through some old threads you'll find some more answers.

How do I make a GUI in C++ - C++

[oldskool]

Thanks Jorsoft. I will go check it out