- Class-Within an object-oriented technology class is a user defined data type that defines a collection of objects that share the same characteristics. For instance, you might make a class called "shapes," which is comprised of objects that are just that-boxes, circles, and triangles.
- Encapsulation-Allows the programmer to group subroutines and variables in a single class.
- Client/Server-A computing model in which the client or workstation requests information from another computer known as a server. The client requests the information and the server provides it.
- Compiler-Translates code into an executable file.
- Source Code-VB statements that are instructions for your program to follow.
Save some room on your bookshelf for a few Visual Basic titles, because a programmer's library wouldn't be complete without them.
Beginner Book Titles
- Smiley,John. Learn to Program with Visual Basic 6. Active Path, 1998. ISBN 1902745000.
- Halvorson, Michael. Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Professional (Step by Step). Microsoft Press, 1998. ISBN 1572318090.
- Halvorson, Michael. Learn Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Now (Learn Now). Microsoft Press, 1999. ISBN 073560729X.
Advanced Books
- Freeze,Wayne S. Expert Guide to Visual Basic 6. Sybex, 1998. ISBN 078212349X.
- Petroutsos, Evangelos. Mastering Database Programming with Visual Basic 6. Sybex, 1999. ISBN 0782125980.
- Holzner, Steven. Visual Basic 6 Core Language Little Black Book.The Coriolis Group, 1998. ISBN 1576103900.
- Aitken, Peter G. Visual Basic 6 Programming Blue Book. The Coriolis Group, 1998.ISBN 1576102815.
- Shelly, Gary B.,Thomas J. Cashman,John F. Repede, and Michael L. Mick. Microsoft Visual Basic 6: Complete Concepts and Techniques (Shelly Cashman Series). South-Western, 1998. ISBN 078954654X.
Those seeking to find additional information on Visual Basic will have little difficulty finding what they need on the Internet. The following is a list of re-sources to get you started.
Newsgroups
Just like the other languages, there is a slew of newsgroups for the Visual Basic curious. Here are just a few:
- comp.lang.basic.misc
- comp.lang.basic. visual
- comp.lang.basic.visual.misc
- comp.lang.basic.visual.database
- comp.lang.basic.visual.3rdparty
- Visual Basic Programmers Journal (www.vbpj.com)-This is a well-organized and informative site offering links, articles, and a newsletter. A valuable site to bookmark.
- Visual Basic Developer Online (www.pinpub.com/VBD/home.htm)-This site looks at what is new in Visual Basic and provides articles, programming tips, and other relevant information.This is a subscription service that offers a free trail subscription to see if it is what you are looking for.
- vbwm.com (www.vbwm.com)-Another helpful resource page. If nothing else, log on and get its electronic newsletter.
- Visual Basic Online Magazine (www.vbonline.com/vb-mag)-A comprehensive site for Visual Basic developers.
Microsoft offers a widely recognized certification program, the MCSD. Those who pursue and obtain the MCSD are given the skills necessary to design and develop leading edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. The types of applications MCSDs are trained to program include desktop, multiuser, Web-based, and transaction-based applications. Successful MCSD candidates possess the qualifications to complete at such job tasks as analyzing business requirements to maintaining and designing business solutions. Information on the MCSD can be found on the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices.
Online Training
Many online training centers offer Visual Basic training. The difficult part may be finding the one that best suits your educational, not to mention financial, needs. Take the time to investigate the course or certification program to ensure it provides you with what you need from the training. The following list contains samples of what is available for online study:
- Netdesk Corporation (www.netdesk.com) advertises Visual Basic 6.0 training from Microsoft Certified Trainers. Students have 24 hour access to Netdesk resources and ongoing support and feedback from the trainers.
- IMGUniversity Online (www.imgwebu.com) offers online training for Microsoft's MCSD certification program.The courses are a combination of self-study and instructor led classes. The courses allow students to set the pace of their own learning.
- ARIS OnLine (http://online.aris.com) advertises Web-based IT training with the assistance of a certified instructor. Interaction with instructors is offered through real-time chat sessions, email, newsgroups, and live instructor lecture Webcasts.
- Magellan University (http://magellan.edu) is an institution that offers its classes entirely online. Students are required to complete assignments by specific due dates, but have the flexibility to design their own study time to accomplish these tasks. Class size is restricted to less than 20 students, and communication between students is encouraged.
Those interested in learning Visual Basic will find that it is part of the MCSD certification. At least two courses within the program focus specifically on Visual Basic; Exam 70-176: Designing and Implementing Desktop Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 and Exam 70-175: Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0. Those interested in pursuing MCSD certification, through self study may find the following books useful in passing the Visual Basic component.
- Syngress Media Staff (editor). MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Applications Study Guide: Exam 70-176. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1999. ISBN 0072119306.
- Syngress Media Staff (editor). MCSD Visual Basic 6 Distributed Applications Study Guide: Exam 70-175. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1999. ISBN 0072119322.
- MacDonald, Michael D. MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Craw. The Coriolis Group, 1999. ISBN 1576103765.
- Hawhee, Howard, Thomas Moore, Felipe Martins, Richard Hundhausen, and Corby Jordan. MCSD Visual Basic 6 Exams: Exams 70-175 and 70-176 Training Guide. New Riders Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0735700028.
Additional Resources
The resources available for all levels ofVisual Basic programmers seem almost unlimited. The information available on the Internet and in bookstores for Visual Basic is extensive, offering something for everyone from the novice to the experiencedVisual Basic programmer.
