Introduction: What is Visual basic; Features of Visual Basic; Visual basic Editions; The Visual Basic

Philosophy; The Controls; The Properties; Events; Methods; Developing an Application; Design the User
Interface; Write Code to Respond to User Input/Events

Definition of Visual Basic

Visual Basic (VB) is an event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE)
created by Microsoft. Derived from the BASIC language, VB was designed to simplify application development
by using graphical user interface (GUI) tools, making it accessible for beginners while remaining powerful
enough for experienced developers. It facilitates rapid application development (RAD) by allowing
programmers to design applications using drag-and-drop controls and then attach event procedures (code)
that respond to user actions.

What is the Event Driven Programming

Event-driven programming is a paradigm where the execution of a program is determined by events such as
user actions or messages. Programs respond to events with predefined actions, allowing for asynchronous and
responsive behavior, often seen in GUI applications and distributed systems.

How Visual Basic Works

1. Graphical Interface and Event-Driven Programming:

Visual Basic operates by letting developers build applications through a visual interface. The IDE
is organized into several sections such as a design workspace (for arranging GUI elements), a toolbox
(for controls like buttons, text boxes, etc.), and a properties window to adjust settings.
When a user performs an action—like clicking a button—the VB environment identifies an event
(e.g., Click) and executes the associated code (known as an event procedure).

2. Compilation and Execution:

In versions like VB6 or VB.NET, the written code is compiled into executable files (.exe) or
integrated into an application framework. In contrast, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is embedded
within Microsoft Office applications, running code (often in the form of macros) to automate tasks
within those environments.

Features of Visual Basic

1. Rapid Application Development (RAD):

VB’s GUI-centric approach and paradigms such as drag-and-drop design allow developers to
quickly build and refine application prototypes.

2. Simple Syntax and Readable Code:

The language uses an English-like syntax that is both straightforward to learn and conducive to
writing maintainable code.

3. High Database Connectivity and COM Integration:

Visual Basic offers robust connectivity to various databases through technologies like ActiveX
Data Objects (ADO) and provides support for Microsoft’s Component Object Model (COM), enabling
inter-process communication and integration with components written in other languages.

4. Memory and Platform Considerations:

While VB provides a powerful visual environment, it generally requires a significant amount of
system memory for its IDE and runtime libraries. Additionally, VB is primarily designed for Microsoft
Windows operating systems.

Applications of Visual Basic

 1. Desktop Applications:
Historically, VB has been used to create Windows-based applications, with GUIs that manage
everything from simple data entry forms to complex business systems.

2. Automating Office Tasks with VBA:

VBA, a variant of Visual Basic, is a standard tool embedded in Microsoft Office applications (like
Excel and Access) for automating repetitive tasks, generating reports, and customizing user interfaces
through macros.

3. Web and .NET Development:

VB and its evolution into VB.NET are used for developing web applications (such as ASP-based
websites) and full-scale enterprise applications leveraging the .NET framework and its libraries.

4. Prototyping and Rapid Development:

Due to its ease of use, VB is well-suited for prototyping applications. Developers can build a
working model quickly, which can later be refined or rewritten in a more performance-optimized
language if necessary.

Visual basic Editions

Visual Basic, developed by Microsoft, has been offered in various editions tailored to different types of
developers and project requirements. Here's an overview of the primary editions:

1. Learning Edition: Designed for beginners, this edition provides essential tools and resources to help new
programmers get started with Visual Basic. It includes:

 Comprehensive documentation and tutorials.

 Basic controls and components for simple application development.

2. Professional Edition: Aimed at professional developers, the Professional Edition offers advanced features to
build robust applications. It encompasses all functionalities of the Learning Edition, plus:

 Additional ActiveX controls.

 Integrated database management tools.

 Web development capabilities.

3. Enterprise Edition: This edition is tailored for large-scale, distributed application development and includes
all features of the Professional Edition, along with:

 Tools for team-based development.

 Advanced data connectivity options.

 Support for enterprise-level features like OLE automation and remote database access.

4. Control Creation Edition: Introduced with Visual Basic 5.0, this free edition enables developers to create
ActiveX controls for use in applications and on the web. It's particularly useful for those focusing on
component-based development.

5. Working Model Edition: This edition provides a functional environment for learning and development but
with certain limitations, such as the inability to create executable files, web pages, or ActiveX controls. It's
primarily intended for educational purposes and introductory exploration of Visual Basic.

Visual basic Editions

Visual Basic was developed with the philosophy of making programming more accessible and efficient,
particularly for those developing Windows applications. Its design emphasizes simplicity, rapid application
development, and a user-friendly interface. Key aspects of this philosophy include:

1. Low Learning Curve: Visual Basic was designed to be easy to learn, enabling beginners to start programming
without extensive training. Its syntax is straightforward, and the language abstracts complex programming
concepts, allowing new developers to focus on building functional applications quickly.

2. Visual Development Environment: The integrated development environment (IDE) allows developers to
design user interfaces by dragging and dropping controls onto forms. This visual approach streamlines the
development process, making it intuitive to create and arrange interface elements without manual coding.

3. Event-Driven Programming: Visual Basic adopts an event-driven model, where the flow of the program is
determined by user actions (events) such as clicks or key presses. Developers can attach code to these events,
facilitating interactive and responsive application design.

4. Rapid Application Development (RAD): By combining a visual interface designer with a straightforward
programming language, Visual Basic enables rapid development of applications. This approach reduces the
time and effort required to build functional software, making it ideal for prototyping and iterative
development.

5. Integration with Windows: Visual Basic provides seamless integration with the Windows operating system,
offering built-in support for Windows APIs and controls. This tight integration allows developers to create
applications that align closely with the Windows user experience.

Overall, the philosophy behind Visual Basic centers on empowering developers to create applications
efficiently and effectively, regardless of their programming expertise.

Controls

In Visual Basic, controls are the fundamental building blocks used to create the graphical user interface (GUI)
of an application. These controls, also known as components or objects, are elements like buttons, text boxes,
labels, and more, that users interact with within the application. Each control possesses its own set of
properties, methods, and events, allowing developers to design interactive and user-friendly applications.

Categories of Controls:

1. Intrinsic Controls:

o These are the standard controls included by default in the Visual Basic toolbox.

o Examples: Command Button, Label, TextBox, ListBox, ComboBox.

2. ActiveX Controls:

o These are additional controls that can be added to the toolbox, extending the functionality of
applications.

o Examples: DataGrid, Calendar Control, Windows Media Player Control.

3. Insertable Objects:

o These are objects from other applications that can be embedded into a Visual Basic
application.

o Examples: Microsoft Excel Worksheet, Microsoft Word Document.

Commonly Used Controls:

 TextBox: Allows users to input text.

  Label: Displays static text or descriptions.

 Button: Triggers events or actions when clicked.

 ListBox: Displays a list of items from which users can select.

 ComboBox: Combines a TextBox and a ListBox, allowing users to select from a list or enter new text.

 CheckBox: Enables users to make a binary choice, such as true/false or yes/no.

 RadioButton: Allows users to select one option from a set of mutually exclusive choices.

 PictureBox: Displays images.

Properties, Methods, and Events:

 Properties: Attributes that define the appearance and behavior of a control (e.g., size, color, text).

 Methods: Functions or actions that a control can perform (e.g., Show, Hide, Focus).

 Events: Responses to user actions or changes in the control (e.g., Click, TextChanged).

Properties:

Properties are attributes that determine the appearance and behavior of a control. They can be set during
design time via the Properties window or programmatically at runtime. Each property consists of:

 Object: The control you're customizing.

 Property: The attribute you want to modify.

 Value: The new setting for the property.

For example, to set the caption of a form:

Form1.Caption = "Hello"

Common properties include:

 Name: Identifier for the control.

 Text: Displayed text on the control.

 BackColor: Background color.

 Enabled: Indicates if the control is interactive.

 Visible: Determines the control's visibility.

Events:

Events are actions or occurrences recognized by a control, such as user interactions or system-generated
notifications. Controls can respond to these events by executing specific blocks of code, known as event
handlers. Common events include:

 Click: Triggered when the control is clicked.

 TextChanged: Occurs when the text property changes.

 Load: Happens when a form or control is loaded.

 MouseEnter: Activated when the mouse pointer enters the control's area.

 KeyPress: Fired when a key is pressed while the control has focus.
To handle an event, you define an event procedure. For instance, to handle a button's click event:

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

' Code to execute when Button1 is clicked

End Sub

In this example, Button1_Click is the event handler that executes when Button1 is clicked. The Handles
Button1.Click clause associates the event with the handler.

In Visual Basic, methods are blocks of code that perform specific tasks and are associated with classes or
objects. They define the actions that an object can execute and are essential for implementing the behavior of
applications. Methods can be categorized into two primary types:

1. Subroutines (Sub):

 Definition: A subroutine is a method that performs a task but does not return a value.

 Syntax:

Public Sub MethodName([parameters])

' Code to execute

End Sub

 Example:

Public Sub DisplayMessage()

Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!")

End Sub

In this example, DisplayMessage is a subroutine that outputs a message to the console.

2. Functions (Function):

 Definition: A function is a method that performs a task and returns a value.

 Syntax:

Public Function MethodName([parameters]) As ReturnType

' Code to execute

End Function

 Example:

Public Function AddNumbers(ByVal num1 As Integer, ByVal num2 As Integer) As Integer

Return num1 + num2

End Function

Here, AddNumbers is a function that takes two integers as parameters and returns their sum.

Key Points:

 Parameters: Both subroutines and functions can accept parameters, allowing you to pass data into
the method. Parameters are defined within parentheses after the method name.
  Return Type: Functions require a return type specified after the As keyword, indicating the type of
value the function will return. Subroutines do not have a return type since they do not return a value.

 Access Modifiers: Methods can have access modifiers like Public, Private, Protected, etc., determining
their accessibility within the application.

Developing an Application

Developing an application in Visual Basic involves several key steps, from setting up your development
environment to writing and testing your code. Here's a structured guide to help you get started:

1. Set Up Your Development Environment:

 Install Visual Studio:

o Download and install the latest version of Visual Studio.

o During installation, select the ".NET desktop development" workload to ensure all necessary
components for Visual Basic are included.

2. Create a New Project:

 Launch Visual Studio:

o Open Visual Studio and select "Create a new project."

 Choose Project Template:

o In the "Create a new project" window, filter by "Visual Basic" and select the desired
application type, such as "Console App" or "Windows Forms App".

o Click "Next," provide a project name and location, then click "Create."

3. Understand the IDE:

 Solution Explorer:

o Displays the project's files and structure.

 Properties Window:

o Shows properties for selected objects or controls.

 Toolbox:

o Contains controls and components you can add to your forms.

 Code Editor:

o Where you write and edit your code.

4. Design the User Interface (For Windows Forms Applications):

 Add Controls:

o Drag and drop controls (e.g., buttons, text boxes) from the Toolbox onto your form.

 Set Properties:

o Use the Properties Window to configure control properties, such as Name, Text, and Size.

5. Write Code:

 Access Code Editor:

 o Double-click a control (e.g., a button) to open the code editor and create an event handler.

 Implement Functionality:

o Write code within event handlers to define the application's behavior.

o For example, to display a message when a button is clicked:

Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

MessageBox.Show("Hello, World!")

End Sub

6. Test and Debug:

 Run the Application:

o Click the "Start" button (or press F5) to compile and run your application.

 Debugging:

o Use breakpoints and the debugging tools in Visual Studio to inspect variables and control
execution flow.

7. Build and Deploy:

 Build the Application:

o Go to "Build" > "Build Solution" to compile your application.

 Deploy:

o For deployment options, refer to Visual Studio's publishing tools or create an installer
package.

Design the User Interface

Designing the user interface (UI) in Visual Basic is a crucial step in application development, as it defines how
users interact with your application. Here's a structured guide to help you design an effective UI:

1. Plan Your UI:

 Sketch the Layout: Before diving into development, sketch your UI on paper or use a digital tool. This
helps in visualizing the placement of controls and overall flow.

 Define User Interaction: Consider how users will navigate and interact with your application. Ensure
that the design is intuitive and user-friendly.

2. Utilize Visual Studio's Design Tools:

 Form Designer: Visual Studio provides a Form Designer that allows you to design your UI visually. You
can drag and drop controls onto the form and position them as desired.

 Toolbox: Access a variety of controls (e.g., buttons, labels, text boxes) from the Toolbox. Drag these
controls onto your form to add them to your UI.

 Properties Window: Customize the properties of each control using the Properties window. You can
set attributes like Name, Text, Size, Color, and more to tailor the controls to your requirements.

3. Implement Event Handling:

 Define Events: Determine the events (e.g., clicks, text changes) that each control should respond to.
  Write Event Handlers: Double-click a control in the Form Designer to automatically generate an event
handler in the code editor. Implement the desired functionality within these handlers.

4. Test and Iterate:

 Run the Application: Regularly test your application to ensure that the UI behaves as expected.

 Gather Feedback: If possible, have potential users test the UI and provide feedback. Use this input to
make necessary adjustments and improvements.

Write Code to Respond to User Input/Events

In Visual Basic, responding to user inputs and events is fundamental to creating interactive applications. Events
are actions or occurrences, such as button clicks or text changes, that your application can detect and respond
to by executing specific code blocks known as event handlers.

1. Automatically Creating Event Handlers:

Visual Studio simplifies event handling by allowing you to create event handlers directly from the designer:

 Using the Designer:

o In the Visual Studio Form Designer, double-click a control (e.g., a Button). This action
automatically generates the default event handler for that control and opens the code editor
with the generated method.

o For example, double-clicking a button named Button1 creates:

Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

' Code to handle the click event

End Sub

o You can then add the desired code within this method to define what should happen when
the event occurs.

2. Manually Associating Event Handlers:

You can also manually associate event handlers using the Handles keyword or the AddHandler statement:

 Using the Handles Keyword:

o Define a subroutine with parameters matching the event delegate and use the Handles
keyword to associate it with the event.

Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

' Code to handle the click event

End Sub

 Using the AddHandler Statement:

o This approach is useful for dynamically assigning event handlers at runtime.

' Define the event handler

Private Sub Button1_ClickHandler(sender As Object, e As EventArgs)

' Code to handle the click event

End Sub
 ' Associate the event handler with the event

AddHandler Button1.Click, AddressOf Button1_ClickHandler

o To remove the association, use the RemoveHandler statement:

RemoveHandler Button1.Click, AddressOf Button1_ClickHandler