VB Newbie- Which version to learn????

[x6_10z]

Hi All,

I have been frustrated trying to find a specific cheap application and decided to build it myself. I am an old timer programmer... QBasic, etc., but recently have being coding in perl, PHP, Javascript, CGI ... (Web Stuff).

I decide it to start again coding for windows but I can't see what's the difference between all the different versions of Visual Basic.

I downloaded Microsoft Visual Studio Express hoping I can learn a bit without spending any $$$, but now my question is:

What's the difference between:

- Regular VB
- VB.NET
- Visual Studio

????

Can anyone point me to the right path so I do not get frustrated learning something I have no use for????

Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Hack]

Moved to General Developer.

Welcome to the forums.

VB.NET comes with Visual Studio, and that is the route to take.

This question/discussion has been had quite a few times over the last 12 months or so. If you do a search, just in this one section, on VB6 vs VB.NET you will find some very interesting threads.

[x6_10z]

Thanks!

- So you mean that if I learn Visual Studio is like learning VB.NET right????

- Can I use the same code samples from VB6 into Visual Studio?????

- Is there any Forum for Begginners hand-on help, a Visual Basic Mentor site??? or what's the best way to learn Visual Basic .NET (Besides test and try )

[si_the_geek]

Thanks!

- So you mean that if I learn Visual Studio is like learning VB.NET right????

Nope.. Visual Studio is a suite of products, including VB and C (or VB.Net and C#) among others.

There have been several versions of Visual Studio, which contain relevant versions of VB/C/..

If you have VB Express (there is no "Visual Studio Express" as far as I know), that is VB.Net - and is the recommended way to go as VB6 and earlier are being phased out.

- Can I use the same code samples from VB6 into Visual Studio?????

I'll change the question to VB6 vs VB.Net!

No, they are different languages. Some code looks similar, but that's about it.

- Is there any Forum for Begginners hand-on help, a Visual Basic Mentor site??? or what's the best way to learn Visual Basic .NET (Besides test and try )

I'd say with your experience (especially QBasic), just go for it - in most cases you'll be able to get by with experimentation and the help files.

As for the forum.. we've got several here, and you are welcome to post questions, even if you think they are too simple!

[Shaggy Hiker]

Actually, this is an excellent forum for starting out. People here really aren't very critical, and won't make fun of you for asking simple questions. There arn't all that many sensitive egos around here.

I'd also add that VB.NET or C# would be your best options. Both are components of Visual Studio, so if you don't go with VB Express (which won't have C#, I think), then you have the option of either. Your background in QBasic really won't help you all that much for VB.Net, which is like an OO version of VB, so don't favor VB simply because of that QBasic experience. Some of those other languages you have worked with have a more C++ type of syntax (javascript should, anyways), which might make C# a better fit for you. Some folks around here have been saying that C# is the better language anyways, but I personally think it hardly matters.

Gotta agree with Si, though. Pick one and dive right in. VB Express is cheap (free), but somewhat limitted in features. Visual Studio gives you either VB.Net or C#, so you can choose whether you prefer the C syntax or the VB syntax. Then dive in and ask whatever questions you want, safe in the knowledge that your question will probably be answered quickly.

[Hack]

The real bottom line is forget VB6 (God knows I'd like to ) and concentrate your time and efforts on the .NET development platforms.

[x6_10z]

Thanks guys for all the support.

What is weird for me is that I was going to start learning C... But I came accross the same thing C++ Vs C#

I didn't know what to choose and I decided then to download MS Visual Basic 2005 Express edition which is free and easy to learn as far as I can tell and there is vast support for this languaje, but also landed on the same issue VB6 vs VB.NET. :P

I thought about delphi since I used to program in pascal (But I barelly remember it since it was back on the early 80's), and a lot of terminologies and logics had changed a lot in the latest years.

i.e.: I know what is a subrutine (Which is the same as a function), but in some other languajes they refer to something else and I kinda get lost on their explanation until I realize they are talking about a subrutine.

In the old days I use to create my own modules or programs to do what I need it to be done. Even user interfaces where done totally manually. Now all is different since you can integrate modules and with WYSIWYG editors is easier to design user interfaces.

I do not do programming for living... I just have fun with it.... But now I was looking for a software that do a task I need and all the ones around are EXTREMELLY expensive and they do not even do all the things I got in mind.

When I installed Visual Basic Express I could create a simple user interface in like 20 minutes for the main screen. But now I need to really understand how to do things on it.

I just started with this.... (www.soundrise.com/scrap.zip)., but if you guys think this would be better programmed on another languaje please let me know.

I want it to make this project in the beggining like a join contribution... But since others can take advantages and realizing I have better ideas than all the current latest programs in the market makes me feel I can have a shot at making some small profits with it. (Which I do not mind to share).

If any whiz programmers want to join me would be great or if at least you guys can help me giving me some hand and rutines input that would be fantastic.

Thanks for welcoming me... I really appreciate it.

[Hack]

We are not the ones to determine what language you use. That is up to you, and the task at hand.

If you have started this in VB.NET, then finish it in VB.NET

If you have specific programming questions, then we have a VB.NET forum section where you can post your questions and get help from other members.

[Seraphino]

I started my whole programming career in VB6, however, over the past year I have grown more accustomed to the .NET way of things. I guess I prefer .NET because it is newer and newer most often times means better because of the advancements in the whole industry of programming.

I would say that it has to be up to you. If you are a hobbyist, one of the older languages might make development a little easier to get yourself into, but, like I said, I prefer .NET because I do honestly think it is easier to learn.

[EDIT]

I decided to add this little note. If you do start developing VB6 and think you want to move to .NET in the future because of the demand, I can say from personal expierience that the move was a little bumpy because there are some changes.

[x6_10z]

Thanks guys....

I guess I am going to learn VB.NET then.

Hope you guys can lay me a hand sometimes.

Thanks!

[Hack]

There is a lot of traffic in our VB.NET forum section....there are a lot of "hands" that will be more than willing to help out.