Visual Basic

Visual Basic. It is a third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft. First released in 1991, it was derived from the BASIC language and became renowned for enabling Rapid application development (RAD) of graphical user interface (GUI) applications. Its final version, Visual Basic 6.0, was released in 1998 before being succeeded by the .NET Framework platform.

History

The language's origins trace back to Alan Cooper, who developed a prototype called Tripod (software) which was acquired by Microsoft. This project evolved into the first version, released alongside Windows 3.0, aiming to simplify Windows API programming. Key versions included Visual Basic 3.0, which introduced Jet Database Engine access, and Visual Basic 4.0, which added initial Class (computer programming) support. The release of Visual Basic 5.0 and Visual Basic 6.0 solidified its dominance in business application development throughout the 1990s, often bundled with tools like Microsoft SQL Server and Internet Explorer. The language's evolution culminated with the 2002 introduction of Visual Basic .NET, a complete rebuild on the .NET Framework, which was not backward compatible, marking a significant divergence.

Features

A primary feature was its Rapid application development capabilities, centered on a WYSIWYG form designer where developers could draw controls like Command Buttons and TextBoxes. It utilized a Component Object Model (COM)-based architecture for extensibility, allowing integration of third-party ActiveX controls. The language supported Data Access Objects and later ActiveX Data Objects for connecting to databases such as Microsoft Access and Oracle Database. Other notable features included Native code compilation starting with Visual Basic 5.0, simple Object-oriented programming through COM, and built-in support for creating Dynamic-link library (DLL) files and ActiveX documents.

Development environment

The integrated development environment was iconic, consisting of a Form (programming) designer, Project window, Properties window, and a Toolbox filled with intrinsic controls. The environment featured an IntelliSense-like statement completion system and an Immediate window for debugging. It managed projects through a Project file (`.vbp`) and form modules (`.frm`). The IDE was deeply integrated with the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) library for help and was part of the broader Visual Studio suite, alongside languages like Visual C++ and Visual FoxPro. This tight integration made it the central hub for building everything from simple utilities to complex client–server model applications.

Syntax and examples

The syntax was a verbose, readable derivative of BASIC, using statements like `Dim`, `If...Then...Else`, and `For...Next`. A classic "Hello, World!" program involved placing a Command Button on a form and writing an event handler. Code was organized into modules, including Form modules, Standard modules (`.bas`), and Class modules (`.cls`). It used Hungarian notation for variable naming as a common convention and had specific keywords for Error handling like `On Error GoTo`. The language was not Case-sensitive, and it used a Variant data type as a default, flexible type for variables.

Variants and related languages

Several important variants emerged from the core technology. VBScript was a lightweight, Active Scripting engine used for Active Server Pages (ASP) web development and Windows Script Host automation. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) was embedded into Microsoft Office applications like Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word for macro scripting and automation. The direct successor, Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET), became a fully Object-oriented programming language on the .NET Common Language Runtime. Other related dialects included StarOffice Basic and the earlier QuickBASIC, which influenced its design.

Legacy and impact

It left an enormous legacy, democratizing Windows programming and creating a massive ecosystem of developers and Legacy systems that persist in enterprises. Its influence is evident in the design of modern Rapid application development tools and Low-code development platforms. The language's end-of-life announcement in 2008, part of the Microsoft Fixed Lifecycle Policy, sparked the formation of an active Visual Basic 6.0 user community advocating for its continued use. Its core concepts directly shaped the development of Windows Forms and the overall approachability of the .NET platform, securing its place in the history of Personal computer software development. Category:Programming languages Category:Microsoft development tools