Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language and development environment created by Microsoft. It was originally designed to simplify software development for Windows applications with a focus on ease of use and rapid application development (RAD).
Key Features:
- Type: High-level, event-driven programming language.
- Platform: Primarily for Windows development.
- Ease of Use: Designed for beginners and rapid prototyping with a drag-and-drop GUI builder.
- Integration: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft technologies, such as Access, Excel, and SQL Server.
Versions:
- Visual Basic 6 (VB6):
- Classic version released in 1998.
- No longer officially supported by Microsoft but still widely used in legacy applications.
- Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET):
- Introduced as part of the .NET framework (2002). o Object-oriented language with modern features.
- Fully compatible with the .NET ecosystem (C#, F#).
Development Tools:
- Visual Studio: Official IDE for Visual Basic and other Microsoft languages.
- .NET Framework: Provides libraries and runtime support for VB.NET applications.
Common Applications:
- Desktop software for Windows
- Database management tools
Automation scripts Educational tools.