Vb .net, limitless possibilities
Vb 6.0 or the advanced version, vb .net offers limitless possibilities to programmers, end-users, companies and enterprises. Due to its RAD (Rapid Application Development) features, quick language learning curve, fully documented online support from Microsoft's MSDN library, support for wide array of databases including MS-SQL server, MS-access, Oracle Database Server, Foxpro, Mysql, Dbase, etc., Availability of third party components and Activex controls the possibilities with vb .net is limitless. From small-to-medium business to large ERP Solutions anything can be done with visual basic.With the introduction of ASP (Active server pages) technology from Microsoft, vb is not only a windows programming language, it can be used to create powerful web applications as well. With the introduction of ASP .NET and dot net Framework, the next dimension to classic VB Microsoft revolutionized the web application development. The seagate crystal reports has been the default reporting technology with Visual Basic. It can be used to create powerful reports with charts and graphs. You can easily call Win32 API from inside the vb code. Just include a library function and call it within your program. You create easy applications to shutdown your PC, communicate over network, control hard disk drives, create multimedia audio-video applications, control Graphics etc.
Win32 APIs have been replaced by Visual Studio .NETs Built-in assemblies. These assemblies have similar classes that encapsulate those functions. Still Win32 APIs are available with vb .net. For Example Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) classes are available in .NET to query windows system information, like available space in disk drives, for example.
I started learning VB 6.0 during the year 2001. My father bought me a new HCL busybee for self-study purpose. First i installed Foxpro Dos version. I had developed interest for the Foxpro languages. Foxpro was widely used for business applications like accounting, billing, stock maintenance etc.
Dos version of Foxpro had many limitations. You have to write lines of codes to display a menu item. Soon i installed Visual Studio 6.0 on my computer. Visual studio came with Visual Basic, Visual c++, Visual Foxpro and some other goodies. The visual basic IDE really thrilled me. I was excited when i created my first Windows. In i did nothing to create a Windows form. I just created a new project, a standard EXE project that automatically added a windows form. To do this VC++ i have to write tons of c++ code. I have to call functions like CreateWindowEx() , etc., But vc++ has its own advantages like speed and robustness.
First i learned the usage of controls, basic language, database connectivity. These are essential for creating a useful business application. Most business application need to store data in database table.
I applied these concepts later, to develop commercial applications. I earned my living through VB. The applications include billing, inventory, accounting, etc. I created Astrology software in VB. I created IVRS software in VB. I created weigh-bridge software, Fruitshop, departmental store, hardwares, sizing, cotton mill, Garments ERP and much more software applications using VB 6.0.
I made transition to VB .NET and C# .net at the right time. Now i develop applications using c#. But the good old VB language is still in use. Some of my clients still prefer VB. Some of them have some knowledge in VB. Some customers prefer c#. Many young business owners have basic computer knowledge these days. So they choose their Computer hardware, printer, Operating system etc., Similarly they choose their software applications, language used, database storage etc.,
Ok. so much for introduction. You feel bored? right. We will move on to the next phase.
