Visual Basic is a beginner-friendly programming language that has been around for over 30 years. It is an event-driven language commonly used for developing desktop applications, websites, mobile apps and more. Visual Basic provides an approachable starting point for new programmers since it utilizes a straightforward syntax and allows for rapid application development.
While Visual Basic may not be as widely used today as languages like Python and JavaScript, it remains a solid option for gaining fundamental programming knowledge. There are ample resources available for learning Visual Basic at your own pace. With the right learning plan, you can become proficient in Visual Basic fairly quickly.
So what is the best way to learn Visual Basic? The optimal approach depends on your existing skill level, learning preferences and end goals. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline proven methods for mastering Visual Basic from the ground up.
Should You Learn Visual Basic?
Before mapping out a learning path, it helps to consider whether Visual Basic is the right initial programming language for you. Here are some key factors to weigh:
– **Programming Experience** – Visual Basic is designed for programming novices. If you have zero experience, it provides an unintimidating introduction. However, if you have experience with other languages like Java or Python, you may want to skip VB and avoid redundant beginner content.
– **Goals** – What do you want to use Visual Basic for? VB is especially suitable for building Windows desktop apps, editing Office files via macros, automating tasks in applications like Excel, and designing apps with graphical user interfaces. Make sure your objectives align with Visual Basic uses.
– **Job Prospects** – While VB skills may not be as in-demand as newer languages, they can still be valuable. VB offers solid job prospects for maintenance and improvement of legacy software. Understanding VB can also help you better grasp other Microsoft languages like C#.
– **Future Plans** – Do you intend to learn additional programming languages after VB? The fundamental programming concepts you grasp in VB will translate to other languages. VB can provide a less frustrating initial experience compared to trickier languages often used by beginners like C++ and Java.
Overall, Visual Basic is an excellent first language if you want to gain programming knowledge with a gentle learning curve. While it may not be the flashiest or most popular choice today, it remains very useful for certain domains. The skills you develop in VB will pave the way for tackling other languages down the road.
Choosing the Right Visual Basic Version
Once you decide Visual Basic is a good match for your first language, the next step is choosing which version to learn. While there are a few options, Visual Basic 6 and Visual Basic .NET are the primary versions new learners should focus on.
**Key Differences:**
– **VB6** – This legacy version dates back to 1998, but remains relevant for maintaining old VB software. VB6 uses a code model that allows for rapid application development. It also relies more on an IDE with form designers and is not object-oriented.
– **VB.NET** – This modern version was introduced in 2002 for use with the .NET framework. It added full object-oriented programming capabilities and uses a syntax more similar to C#. VB.NET allows for compiling apps into native machine code.
**Recommendation:** VB.NET is better for most new Visual Basic learners, as it is the current standard version. Mastering the VB.NET approach will provide knowledge more transferrable to other popular object-oriented languages. VB6 skills are only mandatory if you need to update older VB6 software.
Choosing Visual Basic Learning Resources
With the VB version decided, the next step is selecting the right learning resources. Visual Basic has been around for decades, so there are tons of books, courses and tutorials available. Here are the main options to consider with the pros and cons of each:
Books
**Pros**
– In-depth information often lacking in online courses
– Physical reference you can highlight and take notes in
– Step-by-step walkthroughs and exercises
**Cons**
– Can be expensive compared to free online resources
– Limited ability to ask questions and clarify concepts
– Examples might be outdated for newest VB versions
**Examples:**
– Visual Basic 2015 Unleashed
– Visual Basic 2010 Programmer’s Reference
– Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself
Video Courses
**Pros**
– Good for visual learners who prefer lectures/demos
– Often available as downloadable videos to learn offline
– Provides structured start-to-finish curriculum
**Cons**
– Pacing might be too fast or too slow
– Inability to ask instructor questions in real-time
– May sparingly cover some topics
**Examples:**
– Visual Basic Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning
– The Complete Visual Basic Programming Course on Udemy
– Learn Visual Basic on Codecademy
Online Tutorials
**Pros**
– Wide selection available for free
– Covers basics and niche topics
– Can search for help on specific functions
**Cons**
– Quality varies dramatically
– Scattered content lacks structured progression
– Few opportunities to code alongside
**Examples:**
– Visual Basic Tutorials on W3Schools
– Visual Basic Tutorial on TutorialsPoint
– Visual Basic Programming Guide on VB Helper
In-Person Classes
**Pros**
– Direct instructor guidance and feedback
– Encourages accountability and focus
– Develop portfolio projects for resume
**Cons**
– Commitment can be expensive and time-consuming
– Registration often required far in advance
– Not widely available in all areas
**Examples:**
– Visual Basic course at local college
– VB bootcamp at programming school
– One-on-one tutor versed in Visual Basic
The ideal approach often combines resources. For example, following a book along with video tutorials or taking a course with supplemental online reference materials. This ensures you get a structured curriculum with the added benefit of varied explanations of difficult concepts.
Key Steps for Learning Visual Basic
Now let’s explore the key steps for mastering Visual Basic with recommended resources:
1. Learn Visual Basic Syntax and Structure
Get started by familiarizing yourself with core VB syntax, code structure, variables, data types, loops, functions and more. Aim to understand the building blocks you will use to write all VB programs.
**Recommended Resources**
– Chapters 1-4 in book like Visual Basic 2015 Unleashed
– LinkedIn Learning VB Essential Training videos
– W3Schools Visual Basic Tutorial
2. Practice Core Programming Concepts
After syntax basics, apply your knowledge by practicing foundational programming concepts like variables, decision making, loops, arrays, debugging and object-oriented programming.
**Recommended Resources**
– Coding exercises in book like VB 2010 Programmer’s Reference
– LinkedIn Learning VB Essential Training challenge exercises
– Codecademy Learn Visual Basic course
3. Work on GUI Projects
An essential part of learning Visual Basic is creating programs with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Build skills for adding UI controls, designing forms and wiring event handlers.
**Recommended Resources**
– Chapters in book on GUI development like Murach’s Visual Basic 2015
– GUI projects in LinkedIn Learning VB Essential Training
– The VB GUI tutorials on TechOnTheNet
4. Explore Intermediate/Advanced Topics
Level up your abilities with more complex capabilities like data access, graphics programming, debugging tools, security and API integration.
**Recommended Resources**
– Chapters in book like Visual Basic 2015 Unleashed
– LinkedIn Learning Intermediate VB course
– VB Helper advanced tutorial reference
5. Build Portfolio Apps
Apply your skills by brainstorming and building real world Visual Basic applications for your portfolio. For project ideas, learn from others shared on sites like CodeProject.
**Recommended Resources**
– VB project walkthroughs on YouTube
– Open source VB projects on GitHub
– Project ideas on CodeProject, TechOnTheNet and VB Helper
Tips for Learning Effectively
Follow these tips to ensure you learn Visual Basic in the most efficient, engaging way:
– **Code Every Day** – Hands-on regular practice is key for programming mastery. Set a schedule for daily VB practice.
– **Take Notes** – Actively taking notes on concepts helps cement understanding. Review them later when needed.
– **Use Debugging Tools** – Learning debugging early on will help isolate errors and fix program flaws.
– **Plan Small Projects** – Applying concepts to mini-projects reinforces learning and provides motivation.
– **Participate in Forums** – Discussion sites like Stack Overflow allow you to ask questions on roadblocks.
– **Explain Lessons to Others** – Explaining VB topics to peers strengthens your own knowledge further.
– **Learn Multiple Ways** – Supplement textbooks with videos and experimentation for more robust understanding.
– **Be Patient** – Programming takes consistent time and effort to stick. Persist through the learning curve plateaus.
With this roadmap, you are ready to launch into learning Visual Basic the optimal way. Stick with it and you’ll be proficient before you know it!
Visual Basic Learning Pathway
Here is a recap of the overall suggested learning pathway for Visual Basic:
1. Decide whether to learn VB6 or VB.NET
– We recommend VB.NET for most new learners
2. Select 1-2 primary learning resources
– Examples: Book + video course, book + tutor sessions
3. Learn core syntax and programming basics
– Variables, data types, functions, loops, etc
4. Practice core programming concepts
– Decision making, debugging, OOP, etc
5. Build GUIs for desktop apps
– Controls, forms, events, graphics
6. Expand knowledge of intermediate/advanced topics
– Databases, API integration, security, etc
7. Create portfolio projects to apply skills
– Use sites like CodeProject for ideas
8. Troubleshoot issues using forums and debuggers
– Key tool for identifying code problems
9. Explain lessons aloud to reinforce them
– Teaching peers helps cement concepts
10. Code every day!
– Hands-on regular practice is critical
Sticking to these steps will help ensure you master Visual Basic in a structured, efficient way. With diligence and patience, you can become a proficient VB programmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions on the best way to learn Visual Basic? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Should I learn VB6 or VB.NET?
For most new learners, we recommend learning VB.NET, the modern version that is fully object-oriented and uses the .NET framework. Focus on VB6 only if maintaining legacy VB6 applications.
How long does it take to learn Visual Basic?
With consistent practice, expect to spend around 2-4 months learning VB basics, 6-12 months achieving proficiency, and years fully mastering advanced capabilities.
What are the best online VB courses?
Some top-rated online Visual Basic courses include LinkedIn Learning’s VB Essential Training, Udemy’s The Complete VB Programming Course, and VB tutorials on websites like W3Schools.
What VB projects should beginners build?
Good starter projects include simple GUI apps like calculators, unit converters, text editors, COUNTDOWN timers, card games, expense trackers, and Mad Libs games.
Is Visual Basic worth learning in 2023?
While VB may not have as much hype as languages like Python, it remains very useful for building Windows apps, scripting Office programs, and handling legacy VB systems. The core programming concepts transfer well to other languages.
Conclusion
Learning Visual Basic provides beginner programmers with a manageable, practical introduction to coding. With the right combination of textbooks, online courses, coding exercises and projects, you can go from VB novice to pro efficiently. This guide outlined proven steps and resources for VB mastery.
Remember to code daily, participate in forums when stuck, build portfolio projects, use debugging tools, explain lessons aloud, and be patient. The investment to learn VB will pay off with fundamental programming skills you can apply across other languages and valuable career capabilities. You’ll soon be ready to transition from VB basics to intermediate and advanced capabilities.
