An Article written by assistant teacher Diyaa Faaiz Sahib,
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering.
Visual Basic (VB) is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that has been around since the late 1980s. It was developed by Microsoft and was initially marketed for use in Microsoft Windows.
VB has gained significant popularity over the years, primarily due to its user-friendly syntax and its integration with other Microsoft technologies.
Visual Basic has three major versions:
VB 6.0 (Visual Basic 6.0): Released in 1998, VB 6.0 is an old version of Visual Basic that was widely used for developing applications on Windows platforms.
VB.NET (Visual Basic .NET): Introduced in 2002, VB.NET is the latest and most modern version of Visual Basic. It is part of the .NET framework, a development platform introduced by Microsoft.
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications): This is a variant of Visual Basic used for automating tasks in various Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, Access, etc.
Despite its age, Visual Basic remains relevant in today's software development landscape. Here are some reasons why:
Large user base: With over 30 years of existence, VB has a vast community of users who can help answer questions, provide solutions, and even share their expertise.
Wide range of applications: Visual Basic can be used to develop applications for Windows, Web, Mobile, and even desktop. This versatility allows VB developers to adapt to changing market demands and technology trends.
Integration with Microsoft technologies: Visual Basic seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products like SQL Server, Office Suite, etc. This integration can significantly improve the productivity of VB developers.
Accessibility: VB's easy-to-understand syntax and approachable documentation make it a beginner-friendly language. This, in turn, encourages more people to learn and adopt VB for their software development needs.
Microsoft's ongoing support: Despite the release of newer programming languages like C# and Python, Microsoft continues to provide support for Visual Basic. This support ensures that VB developers can access the latest tools, features, and improvements.
In conclusion, Visual Basic remains an important and widely used programming language, especially for developers who need to work with Microsoft technologies. Its versatility, extensive community, and continued support by Microsoft make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced programmers.