Visual Basic 2008, which is part of the Visual Studio 2008 package, is an object-oriented, general purpose programming language. Programmers using the Visual Basic 2008 language have the ability to write applications ranging from simple user-friendly front-end interfaces to complex database applications. VB 2008 applications can be deployed as stand-alone or web-based applications. This tutorial by Arthur Lee assumes no prior programming background and uses a building block approach beginning with simple programming features and examples while gradually introducing more complex features. Where appropriate, new features that have been introduced in the 2008 version of Visual Basic will be explained. Coding examples are provided to be referenced by the user to enhance their learning experience. Work files are included. To begin learning today, simply click on the movie links.
Introduction
Welcome to Visual Basic 2008 Versions of Visual Basic VB 2008 Programming Environment Getting Started Launching Visual Studio & VB 2008 A Quick & Simple Example Saving & Executing Projects
Saving the Original Project Modifications & Re-saving Recognizing Error Types Naming Rules Basic Form Properties Controls & Properties
Textboxes vs. Labels Radio Buttons vs. Check Boxes Picture Boxes AutoSize Property Shortcuts & Smart Tags Working with Multiple Controls Properties vs. Methods
Coding for Controls
Commenting Code
Clearing the Contents of Controls
Coding for Radio Buttons & Check Boxes
Code for Visibility of Controls
Coding for Multiple Properties
The User Interface
Keyboard Access Keys
Tab Order for Controls
Code for Concatenation
Tooltips
Form StartPosition & WindowState
Variables & Constants
What is a Variable?
What is a Constant?
Data Types
Naming Rules
Variable Declaration Examples
Scope of a Variable
Option Explicit
Coding for Calculations
Using the Parse Method
Math Operations/Hierarchy of Operations
Option Strict
Data Conversion Issues
Formatting Specifier Codes
Message Boxes
Construction of the Message Box
Message Box Button Options
Using the DialogResult Variable
Complex Message Boxes
Accumulating & Counting
Role of Module Level Variables
More on Accumulating
Counting vs. Accumulating
Try-Catch Blocks
Complete Example/Accumulating Program
Conditional Programming
If-Else Statements
Relational Operators
Comparing Strings
Compound Conditions
Nested If Statements
ElseIf Structure Example
Case Structure
Input Validation
Common Validation Techniques
Multiple Validations
Preventing User Errors
Using the Masked Text Box
Error Provider Component/Validating Event
Menus
Menu Basics
Create a Menu Example
Keyboard Functionality With Menus
Writing Code for Menus
Context Menus
General Procedures
Sub Procedures
Function Procedures
Passing Arguments to Procedures
Lists & Combo Boxes
List Boxes & Combo Boxes Basics
List/Combo Box Properties
Add/Remove Items Methods
Combo Box Example/SelectedIndex
Arrays
Fundamentals of an Array
Array & ListBox Example
Alternative Array Declaration
Subscripts & Array Processing
Two-Dimensional Arrays
Looping
Pre-Test/Post-Test Looping
For-Next Loops
Complete Looping Example
Printing
PrintForm vs. PrintDocument
PrintDocument Component
Using the Graphics Page for Printing
PrintPreview Dialog Component
Database Files
XML Data
ADO.NET & VB 2008
Database Application Example
Common Dialog Boxes
Overview of Common Dialog Boxes
Color Dialog Box Demo
Font Dialog Box Demo
Open/Save/Browse Dialog Boxes
Multiple Form Projects
Adding/Removing New Forms
Form Methods & Events
Variables in Multiple Form Projects
Miscellaneous Form Events
Splash Screen
About Form
WPF & Miscellaneous Topics
Windows Presentation Foundation Overview
Copying/Moving Projects
Executable File & Deployment
Wrap Up
Summary of Content Covered
Credits
About this Author