Visual Basic: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
What is Visual Basic?
What is Visual Basic? It's a computer programming system developed and owned by Microsoft. Visual Basic
What is Visual Basic? It's a computer programming system developed and owned by Microsoft. Visual Basic
Learning Visual Basic
The starting place for exploring Visual Basic resources on the Web. Here's how to get started programming Visual Basic from the ground up.
The starting place for exploring Visual Basic resources on the Web. Here's how to get started programming Visual Basic from the ground up.
Convert Text to Number in Excel
The advice on the web that tells you how to convert text to numbers in Excel doesn't work. The advice here does. Tested in Excel 2003 and Excel 2007.
The advice on the web that tells you how to convert text to numbers in Excel doesn't work. The advice here does. Tested in Excel 2003 and Excel 2007.
Visual Basic .NET 2010 Express - A "From the...
Microsoft is making it as easy as they can for you to learn Visual Studio by giving away a really great development system absolutely free: Visual Basic .NET 2010 Express Edition. This is part 1 of a introductory tutorial using VB.NET Express. In this segment, you learn what it is, how to get it, and how to get started using it by writing a program.
Microsoft is making it as easy as they can for you to learn Visual Studio by giving away a really great development system absolutely free: Visual Basic .NET 2010 Express Edition. This is part 1 of a introductory tutorial using VB.NET Express. In this segment, you learn what it is, how to get it, and how to get started using it by writing a program.
VB.NET Resource Files
VB.NET resource files allow you to make objects like graphic files, strings, and icons available to your code and be included as part of the project. A resource file is integrated directly into your Visual Basic project for maximum execution speed and minimum hassle packaging and deploying your application. This article tells just how to use them in VB.NET.
VB.NET resource files allow you to make objects like graphic files, strings, and icons available to your code and be included as part of the project. A resource file is integrated directly into your Visual Basic project for maximum execution speed and minimum hassle packaging and deploying your application. This article tells just how to use them in VB.NET.
The Useful Generic List in VB.NET
The concept of "generic objects" in VB.NET is introduced in the article, Generics! Cleaner Data - Faster
The concept of "generic objects" in VB.NET is introduced in the article, Generics! Cleaner Data - Faster
Using Dialog Forms
Dialogs can be the most useful type of form in a Windows Forms application, but in spite of this, the way they actually function isn't always easy to understand. The goal of this article is to make it easy for you.
Dialogs can be the most useful type of form in a Windows Forms application, but in spite of this, the way they actually function isn't always easy to understand. The goal of this article is to make it easy for you.
About Visual Basic and About This Site
If you're new to Visual Basic or new to the About Visual Basic site, this article explains both. Visual Basic is defined and introduced and the article explains what the About Visual Basic site is too.
If you're new to Visual Basic or new to the About Visual Basic site, this article explains both. Visual Basic is defined and introduced and the article explains what the About Visual Basic site is too.
Glossary of Visual Basic Terms
Find definitions of technical terms focused for Visual Basic here.
Find definitions of technical terms focused for Visual Basic here.
Ten Tips For Coding Excel VBA Macros
Ten commonsense suggestions to make coding Excel VBA faster and easier. These tips are based on Excel 2010 (but they work in nearly all versions) and many were inspired by the O'Reilly book: Excel 2010 - The Missing Manual by Matthew MacDonald.
Ten commonsense suggestions to make coding Excel VBA faster and easier. These tips are based on Excel 2010 (but they work in nearly all versions) and many were inspired by the O'Reilly book: Excel 2010 - The Missing Manual by Matthew MacDonald.
WPF Tutorial Part 1: A First Introduction to...
WPF and XAML - Windows Presentation Foundation - and XAML - Extensible Application Markup Language - are an entirely new way to create application interfaces that were introduced with Windows Vista and Framework 3.0. Most references approach the subject from the XAML and WPF point of view. Here's one written for the Visual Basic programmer that starts at the beginning.
WPF and XAML - Windows Presentation Foundation - and XAML - Extensible Application Markup Language - are an entirely new way to create application interfaces that were introduced with Windows Vista and Framework 3.0. Most references approach the subject from the XAML and WPF point of view. Here's one written for the Visual Basic programmer that starts at the beginning.
Use a VBA Macro To Change the Background of a...
A reader asked how to change the background color of an Excel spreadsheet cell with VBA macro code. The answer involved some techniques that could come in handy for more than just this. This Quick Tip explains it all.
A reader asked how to change the background color of an Excel spreadsheet cell with VBA macro code. The answer involved some techniques that could come in handy for more than just this. This Quick Tip explains it all.
An Introduction to Threading in VB.NET
Threading is a technique that you usually don't learn about until you find that your program just isn't performing the way it should. This introduction shows you how to get started using threads and also illustrates how they work using a Permutations regression example from a previous article running as a worker thread.
Threading is a technique that you usually don't learn about until you find that your program just isn't performing the way it should. This introduction shows you how to get started using threads and also illustrates how they work using a Permutations regression example from a previous article running as a worker thread.
Using a Timer in Office VBA Macros
VBA - Visual Basic for Applications - is the only remaining VB6 "COM" level technology in the Microsoft
VBA - Visual Basic for Applications - is the only remaining VB6 "COM" level technology in the Microsoft
The VB.NET LinkLabel
LinkLabel, new in Visual Basic .NET, is a standard control that lets you embed web-style links in a form. Like many VB.NET controls, this one doesn't do anything that you couldn't do before ... but with more code and more trouble. LinkLabel makes it easy. This article tells you everything you might need to know about using it.
LinkLabel, new in Visual Basic .NET, is a standard control that lets you embed web-style links in a form. Like many VB.NET controls, this one doesn't do anything that you couldn't do before ... but with more code and more trouble. LinkLabel makes it easy. This article tells you everything you might need to know about using it.
Learn VBA Macro Coding with Word 2007 - A "From...
Written for total non-programmers, Learn VBA Macro Coding with Word 2007 starts out by showing you how to write a very simple VBA program that runs in Word in the first lesson. The course does assume that you know how to use a computer and Word 2007, but it does not assume that you know anything about writing a computer program. If you want to know how to get more out of Word, this course is for you.
Written for total non-programmers, Learn VBA Macro Coding with Word 2007 starts out by showing you how to write a very simple VBA program that runs in Word in the first lesson. The course does assume that you know how to use a computer and Word 2007, but it does not assume that you know anything about writing a computer program. If you want to know how to get more out of Word, this course is for you.
Declaring Variables in Visual Basic .NET
Visual Basic .NET encourages you to be very explicit in declaring variables. In fact, 'Option Explicit' is the default in VB.NET. Complex variable declarations are possible and declarations do what you expect them to. Read this Quick Tip to understand more about how to declare variables.
Visual Basic .NET encourages you to be very explicit in declaring variables. In fact, 'Option Explicit' is the default in VB.NET. Complex variable declarations are possible and declarations do what you expect them to. Read this Quick Tip to understand more about how to declare variables.
Display a PDF With VB.NET
PDF is an Adobe format for presenting documents. But since Adobe is a competitor to Microsoft, there's uneven support for the format in Microsoft products. You can save Office files as PDF files, but Microsoft doesn't provide any software tools for integrating the format into systems created with VB.NET. But you can do it anyway. This Quick Tip shows you how.
PDF is an Adobe format for presenting documents. But since Adobe is a competitor to Microsoft, there's uneven support for the format in Microsoft products. You can save Office files as PDF files, but Microsoft doesn't provide any software tools for integrating the format into systems created with VB.NET. But you can do it anyway. This Quick Tip shows you how.
Processing a Web Page in Visual Basic
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use Visual Basic to access the HTML code of a website? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use Visual Basic to access the HTML code of a website? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.
The VB.NET Imports Statement
The actual effect of the Imports statement in VB.NET is often a source of confusion for people learning the language. And the interaction with VB.NET References makes for even more confusion. This Quick Tips article clears it up.
The actual effect of the Imports statement in VB.NET is often a source of confusion for people learning the language. And the interaction with VB.NET References makes for even more confusion. This Quick Tips article clears it up.
How to use Process.Start in Visual Basic .NET
Process.Start is the .NET way to start another program executing in Visual Basic .NET. It's a lot different than the Shell command that was used in VB6. This article shows you the in's and out's of using Process.Start.
Process.Start is the .NET way to start another program executing in Visual Basic .NET. It's a lot different than the Shell command that was used in VB6. This article shows you the in's and out's of using Process.Start.
Data types in VB.NET
Data types in VB.NET
Data types in VB.NET
The VB.NET sender and e Event Parameters
The sender and e parameters passed by the system to standard VB.NET event subroutines are key elements in your programming toolkit. This Quick Tip explains how to use them.
The sender and e parameters passed by the system to standard VB.NET event subroutines are key elements in your programming toolkit. This Quick Tip explains how to use them.
Programming The Tic Tac Toe Game
Get started learning how to program games by programming Tic Tac Toe in Visual Basic.
Get started learning how to program games by programming Tic Tac Toe in Visual Basic.
Computer Number Systems
An exploration of Hexadecimal, Octal, Binary as well as the familiar Decimal numbers that are fundamental parts of a programmer's knowledge toolkit.
An exploration of Hexadecimal, Octal, Binary as well as the familiar Decimal numbers that are fundamental parts of a programmer's knowledge toolkit.
A Fast Introduction to DataSet in VB.NET
DataSet is a fundamental object in dozens of VB.NET technologies. If you need a really quick introduction to complete some other task, this Quick Tip is designed to do just that.
DataSet is a fundamental object in dozens of VB.NET technologies. If you need a really quick introduction to complete some other task, this Quick Tip is designed to do just that.
Regular Expressions in VB.NET
RegEx is built into VB.NET, but you should reference the right namespace to use it. When you use RegEx,
RegEx is built into VB.NET, but you should reference the right namespace to use it. When you use RegEx,
The Decimal data type in VB.NET
The Decimal data type in VB.NET
The Decimal data type in VB.NET
Getting Started Using VBA: The Excel Working...
Start Excel and lets find out what we need to know to make Excel write VBA programs automatically. Nearly
Start Excel and lets find out what we need to know to make Excel write VBA programs automatically. Nearly
Formatting Strings, Numbers, and Other Objects
The concept of formatting strings, numbers, and objects like dates has changed a lot in the move up to .NET. This article starts with the Format function in VB6 and moves on to the more complex Format method and Format function in VB.NET.
The concept of formatting strings, numbers, and objects like dates has changed a lot in the move up to .NET. This article starts with the Format function in VB6 and moves on to the more complex Format method and Format function in VB.NET.
Copy a Row in Excel VBA
Copying a row from one worksheet to another is something that you may want to do in Excel. A reader asked how to write the VBA code to do that and this Quick Tip has the answer.
Copying a row from one worksheet to another is something that you may want to do in Excel. A reader asked how to write the VBA code to do that and this Quick Tip has the answer.
Resizing Columns in ListView
There is quite a bit of ability to resize columns in a VB.NET ListView control. Some of it seems to be totally undocumented. Some of it doesn't seem to work at all. This article explains how to do it.
There is quite a bit of ability to resize columns in a VB.NET ListView control. Some of it seems to be totally undocumented. Some of it doesn't seem to work at all. This article explains how to do it.
Disposing Objects
Disposing an object is something that you won't have to worry about in VB.NET very often. .NET includes a technology called Garbage Collection that usually takes care of everything silently and efficiently. But occasionally, usually when using file streams, sql objects or graphics (GDI+) objects, you may need to take control of disposing objects in your own code. Or, you might write your own class that implements the IDisposable interface. This article gives you some useful advice.
Disposing an object is something that you won't have to worry about in VB.NET very often. .NET includes a technology called Garbage Collection that usually takes care of everything silently and efficiently. But occasionally, usually when using file streams, sql objects or graphics (GDI+) objects, you may need to take control of disposing objects in your own code. Or, you might write your own class that implements the IDisposable interface. This article gives you some useful advice.
ImageList: Project a Good Image When Using VB.NET
The ImageList control has been a feature of Visual Basic since VB6 days. But most people don't use it, probably because it's just not clear to many programmers what the ImageList will do. This article explains it.
The ImageList control has been a feature of Visual Basic since VB6 days. But most people don't use it, probably because it's just not clear to many programmers what the ImageList will do. This article explains it.
The Region Directive in VB.NET
In the very first edition of VB.NET, compiler generated code was kept in a hidden Region section to protect it from being accidentally changed. When Framework 2.0 was released, Microsoft started using partial classes to do the same thing. But the Region directive is still available to programmers to use to make their own code better organized and easier to read. This Quick Tip shows you how to use it, and why.
In the very first edition of VB.NET, compiler generated code was kept in a hidden Region section to protect it from being accidentally changed. When Framework 2.0 was released, Microsoft started using partial classes to do the same thing. But the Region directive is still available to programmers to use to make their own code better organized and easier to read. This Quick Tip shows you how to use it, and why.
Handling Events in VB.NET
Visual Basic .NET event handlers have a common architecture that always uses the arguments sender and e to provide the ability to write code that does whatever is needed. But using these arguments isn't always the same. This article explores the techniques that you can use to handle events in Visual Basic .NET.
Visual Basic .NET event handlers have a common architecture that always uses the arguments sender and e to provide the ability to write code that does whatever is needed. But using these arguments isn't always the same. This article explores the techniques that you can use to handle events in Visual Basic .NET.
Using the Package and Deployment Wizard (VB6)
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use the Packaging and Deployment Wizard to create files and folders when the user installs my application? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use the Packaging and Deployment Wizard to create files and folders when the user installs my application? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.
Using the Chart Control in ASP.NET
ASP.NET 4.0 has added the Chart control as a standard feature. It was available in ASP.NET 3.5 as a download. Writing the code for the charts themselves is reasonably complex, mainly because charts are reasonably complex. But the question that pops up most often isn't about the coding the charts. It's about how to make the Chart control work in the first place. That's what this article is about.
ASP.NET 4.0 has added the Chart control as a standard feature. It was available in ASP.NET 3.5 as a download. Writing the code for the charts themselves is reasonably complex, mainly because charts are reasonably complex. But the question that pops up most often isn't about the coding the charts. It's about how to make the Chart control work in the first place. That's what this article is about.
User Control Components in VB.NET
A short tutorial about how to create a User Control in VB.NET. The article contains the code for a four function calculator that you can implement as a control.
A short tutorial about how to create a User Control in VB.NET. The article contains the code for a four function calculator that you can implement as a control.
VB.NET's Logical Operators AndAlso and OrElse
VB.NET features two logical operators that help make your programming ... well ... more logical. The
VB.NET features two logical operators that help make your programming ... well ... more logical. The
Events - Program and Handle Your Own Unique...
Handling events that are made available to you by other objects is easy. Mainly, you just have to select the event in the code window and add some statements to the event subroutine that is automatically created. But what if you want to create your own event? This Quick Tip shows you how.
Handling events that are made available to you by other objects is easy. Mainly, you just have to select the event in the code window and add some statements to the event subroutine that is automatically created. But what if you want to create your own event? This Quick Tip shows you how.
VB.NET: What Happened to Control Arrays!!!...
An explanation of how to handle collections of controls that is somewhat like VB 6 control arrays.
An explanation of how to handle collections of controls that is somewhat like VB 6 control arrays.
Changing Font Properties in VB.NET
A reader asked how to write the Visual Basic code for a Bold, Underline and Italic checkbox. It should be dead easy, but in VB.NET, they've made it a little harder. (Isn't everything?) It's a fundamental topic.
A reader asked how to write the Visual Basic code for a Bold, Underline and Italic checkbox. It should be dead easy, but in VB.NET, they've made it a little harder. (Isn't everything?) It's a fundamental topic.
GDI+ Graphics in Visual Basic .NET
GDI+ is the way to draw shapes, fonts, images or generally anything graphic in Visual Basic .NET. This article is part 1 of a complete introduction for programmers.
GDI+ is the way to draw shapes, fonts, images or generally anything graphic in Visual Basic .NET. This article is part 1 of a complete introduction for programmers.
Visual Basic .NET for Beginners Lesson 1
This course is about programming using Visual Studio and the Visual Basic .NET language. It's written for complete beginners so if you're an experienced programmer, you may want to try one of the other tutorials at the site. But if you're completely new to programming, this course is what you're looking for.
This course is about programming using Visual Studio and the Visual Basic .NET language. It's written for complete beginners so if you're an experienced programmer, you may want to try one of the other tutorials at the site. But if you're completely new to programming, this course is what you're looking for.
Overrides in VB.NET
This is one of a mini-series that covers the differences in Overloads, Shadows, and Overrides in VB.NET.
This is one of a mini-series that covers the differences in Overloads, Shadows, and Overrides in VB.NET.
Use CreateShortcut in VBScript to Manage Your...
A really fast Quick Tip about a very useful object that you can use in VBScript - Visual Basic Script - to manage your desktop; the CreateShortcut object.
A really fast Quick Tip about a very useful object that you can use in VBScript - Visual Basic Script - to manage your desktop; the CreateShortcut object.
WPF User Controls in VB.NET
This article shows you how to code and use WPF "User Controls". Just as there is a Button, Label, and
This article shows you how to code and use WPF "User Controls". Just as there is a Button, Label, and
Nullable Types Give Visual Basic the Ability to...
Here's the bottom line first. You can write code that assigns the value Nothing to value types. For example:
Here's the bottom line first. You can write code that assigns the value Nothing to value types. For example:
Shallow Copy versus Deep Copy
The pair of terms Shallow Copy and Deep Copy are seen quite frequently in articles about programming. This article explains what they mean.
The pair of terms Shallow Copy and Deep Copy are seen quite frequently in articles about programming. This article explains what they mean.
Printing in Visual Basic .NET
Printing in Visual Basic .NET
Printing in Visual Basic .NET
Using Delegates in Visual Basic .NET for...
"Delegate" is a name used to describe procedures -- that is, functions and subroutines -- in VB.NET.
"Delegate" is a name used to describe procedures -- that is, functions and subroutines -- in VB.NET.
Introducing Data Binding in WPF and XAML
Data binding is an important use of markup extensions in WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) XAML. This article is a basic introduction to how to code bindings in a Visual Basic context.
Data binding is an important use of markup extensions in WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) XAML. This article is a basic introduction to how to code bindings in a Visual Basic context.
The "vbproj" and "sln" Files
The .sln and .vbproj files can both be used to start a session of Visual Studio to work on the code for a Visual Basic system. This Quick Tip introduces the VB.NET solution and project files, how they're different and more.
The .sln and .vbproj files can both be used to start a session of Visual Studio to work on the code for a Visual Basic system. This Quick Tip introduces the VB.NET solution and project files, how they're different and more.
How to create 2D Graphics using WPF for Visual...
For many years, GDI+ has been the graphic foundation of Microsoft technology. Today, there's a new technology, WPF - Windows Presentation Foundation. WPF is usually thought of as a replacement for Windows Forms, but there's actually a powerful graphics part of it that also replaces GDI+. This article explains it.
For many years, GDI+ has been the graphic foundation of Microsoft technology. Today, there's a new technology, WPF - Windows Presentation Foundation. WPF is usually thought of as a replacement for Windows Forms, but there's actually a powerful graphics part of it that also replaces GDI+. This article explains it.
Using TableLayoutPanel and FlowLayoutPanel in...
The ability to design your application interface was given a huge boost when Microsoft intoduced the two new controls TableLayoutPanel and FlowLayoutPanel in Framework 2.0. Using these controls, you can create forms where the other controls, like Textbox and Listbox, stay right where you want them to be. And you can even get autosizing effects that were previously only available with third party purchased controls. This article shows you how to get the most from these controls.
The ability to design your application interface was given a huge boost when Microsoft intoduced the two new controls TableLayoutPanel and FlowLayoutPanel in Framework 2.0. Using these controls, you can create forms where the other controls, like Textbox and Listbox, stay right where you want them to be. And you can even get autosizing effects that were previously only available with third party purchased controls. This article shows you how to get the most from these controls.
Shared and Instance Members in VB.NET
A method or property can either be shared, so that the code in the actual Class definition is executed, or it can called through an instance of the Class. This article describes what these two things mean and why they're both useful in Visual Basic .NET.
A method or property can either be shared, so that the code in the actual Class definition is executed, or it can called through an instance of the Class. This article describes what these two things mean and why they're both useful in Visual Basic .NET.
Copying Reference Types
When you copy a reference type in VB.NET, you can get just a pointer to the same object in memory. This can result in an obscure bug if you're not clear about what's happening. This Quick Tip explains it and how to avoid the bug.
When you copy a reference type in VB.NET, you can get just a pointer to the same object in memory. This can result in an obscure bug if you're not clear about what's happening. This Quick Tip explains it and how to avoid the bug.
An Introduction to Programming a VB.NET Control...
Building complete custom components can be a very advanced project. But you can build a VB.NET class
Building complete custom components can be a very advanced project. But you can build a VB.NET class
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic 6
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic 6.
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic 6.
Using Arrays and Collections in VB.NET
Step by Step instructions show how to use Arrays and Collections to Manage Data in VB.NET. The differences between arrays and collections are explained. This Step by Step article is suitable for beginners.
Step by Step instructions show how to use Arrays and Collections to Manage Data in VB.NET. The differences between arrays and collections are explained. This Step by Step article is suitable for beginners.
Visual Basic .NET 2010 Express - Visual Basic...
The basics that you need to code in Visual Basic .NET are explained in this segment of the About Visual Basic VB Express tutorial. This doesn't cover all of the language in detail because you can get that at Microsoft's site and in the Help for VB Express. What it does is show you where you can get information and briefly explain the basic structure of the VB.NET language.
The basics that you need to code in Visual Basic .NET are explained in this segment of the About Visual Basic VB Express tutorial. This doesn't cover all of the language in detail because you can get that at Microsoft's site and in the Help for VB Express. What it does is show you where you can get information and briefly explain the basic structure of the VB.NET language.
The Filter Function
Strings may be the second most useful "type" in VB.NET. (Integers are probably the first.) So there is
Strings may be the second most useful "type" in VB.NET. (Integers are probably the first.) So there is
Accessing a Secure Web Site Using VBA
A reader asked if VBA could be used to login to a secure web site using HTTPS and SSL. The answer is yes ... and no. This Quick Tip explains what that means.
A reader asked if VBA could be used to login to a secure web site using HTTPS and SSL. The answer is yes ... and no. This Quick Tip explains what that means.
Friend and Protected Friend in VB.NET
Visual Basic .NET is completely OOP (Object Oriented Programming) because it supports inheritance, the major thing that previous versions of Visual Basic did not support. And because it supports inheritance, it also has two new access modifiers: Friend and Protected Friend. This Quick Tip introduces them to you.
Visual Basic .NET is completely OOP (Object Oriented Programming) because it supports inheritance, the major thing that previous versions of Visual Basic did not support. And because it supports inheritance, it also has two new access modifiers: Friend and Protected Friend. This Quick Tip introduces them to you.
Amazing Splits
A clever function using the Split function for both VB 6 and VB.NET. From Peter Zilahy Ingerman, PhD
A clever function using the Split function for both VB 6 and VB.NET. From Peter Zilahy Ingerman, PhD
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic 6.
How To Use Resources in Visual Basic 6.
The Class Modifiers in VB.NET
A reference to the class modifiers that you can code in your VB.NET program
A reference to the class modifiers that you can code in your VB.NET program
What is the difference between Form1.Hide and...
An About Visual Basic reader asks what the difference is between Hide and Unload in Visual Basic 6.
An About Visual Basic reader asks what the difference is between Hide and Unload in Visual Basic 6.
Getting Input and Validating It
A reader asked for help coding a loop to input data to a ListBox control. The problem was that the reader was using the holdover InputBox from VB6. There are better ways and this Quick Tip shows one of them: the Validating Event of a TextBox control.
A reader asked for help coding a loop to input data to a ListBox control. The problem was that the reader was using the holdover InputBox from VB6. There are better ways and this Quick Tip shows one of them: the Validating Event of a TextBox control.
Word and Excel Working Together
Adding power with custom programming to host applications like Word or Excel is a primary benefit of
Adding power with custom programming to host applications like Word or Excel is a primary benefit of
Validating a Numeric String in VB.NET
While working on a program recently, I needed to guarantee that some text input contained only numbers.
While working on a program recently, I needed to guarantee that some text input contained only numbers.
References and Namespaces in VB.NET
The concept of a namespace is new to VB.NET and this makes it one of the things that can confuse someone making the switch from VB 6 to VB.NET. This article explores the concept of a namespace and explores the different ways that it can be used in VB.NET. The article was inspired by a thread in the About Visual Basic Forum.
The concept of a namespace is new to VB.NET and this makes it one of the things that can confuse someone making the switch from VB 6 to VB.NET. This article explores the concept of a namespace and explores the different ways that it can be used in VB.NET. The article was inspired by a thread in the About Visual Basic Forum.
A Guide to Programming AutoComplete
AutoComplete is a convenience that nearly any program that uses data - and that's virtually all of them - can use. For Windows forms, it's built into the ComboBox and TextBox controls. This Quick Tip shows how to write the VB.NET code. Bonus: There's a performance killing way to write the code that should be avoided. We tell you what it is.
AutoComplete is a convenience that nearly any program that uses data - and that's virtually all of them - can use. For Windows forms, it's built into the ComboBox and TextBox controls. This Quick Tip shows how to write the VB.NET code. Bonus: There's a performance killing way to write the code that should be avoided. We tell you what it is.
Public Class Variables Versus Class Properties
A property of an object can be coded in the class that defines the object as either a Property or a Public variable in the class. This Quick Tip tells you when to do which one. If your New constructor isn't working and you can't figure out why, this tip also documents a bug that might explain the problem.
A property of an object can be coded in the class that defines the object as either a Property or a Public variable in the class. This Quick Tip tells you when to do which one. If your New constructor isn't working and you can't figure out why, this tip also documents a bug that might explain the problem.
Bitwise Operations in VB.NET
VB.NET doesn't support bit level operations directly. Framework 1.1 (VB.NET 2003) introduced bit shift operators (<< and >>), but no general purpose way to manipulate individual bits is available. This article shows how to do it.
VB.NET doesn't support bit level operations directly. Framework 1.1 (VB.NET 2003) introduced bit shift operators (<< and >>), but no general purpose way to manipulate individual bits is available. This article shows how to do it.
VB6 Collection, VBScript Dictionary, and VB.NET...
Collections are a handy alternative to using arrays in VB6. In VB.NET, the same tasks can be done with the Hashtable object. Here's an explanation of what they are and how they work, with examples!
Collections are a handy alternative to using arrays in VB6. In VB.NET, the same tasks can be done with the Hashtable object. Here's an explanation of what they are and how they work, with examples!
RichTextBox - Selecting, Deleting, and Moving...
The RichTextBox is more than just a TextBox with more properties and methods. It's a different way of using text. That's because the Rich Text standard is much more than just text. This article explains rich text and how to solve reader questions using a RichTextBox component. Selecting, deleting and moving individual lines in the RichTextBox are the main subjects covered.
The RichTextBox is more than just a TextBox with more properties and methods. It's a different way of using text. That's because the Rich Text standard is much more than just text. This article explains rich text and how to solve reader questions using a RichTextBox component. Selecting, deleting and moving individual lines in the RichTextBox are the main subjects covered.
DEBUG and TRACE in VB.NET
Debugging in VB.NET usually means using the Debug icons to single-step your program and maybe a few breakpoints. But there are a lot of little known things about debugging. This quick tip shows just a few of the more useful ones.
Debugging in VB.NET usually means using the Debug icons to single-step your program and maybe a few breakpoints. But there are a lot of little known things about debugging. This quick tip shows just a few of the more useful ones.
Application Settings in VB.NET
VB.NET gives you a great new way to save application settings like connection strings or size and color by application or by user. The methods used in VB.NET are different than the ones in VB.NET 1.1 and other .NET languages such as C#. But technical articles I have read and even on Microsoft's own pages make mistakes. The goal of this article is to clear up as much confusion as possible, but some remaining problems are documented in it as well.
VB.NET gives you a great new way to save application settings like connection strings or size and color by application or by user. The methods used in VB.NET are different than the ones in VB.NET 1.1 and other .NET languages such as C#. But technical articles I have read and even on Microsoft's own pages make mistakes. The goal of this article is to clear up as much confusion as possible, but some remaining problems are documented in it as well.
Getting Started With Lamda Expressions in VB.NET
Lambda expressions were introduced in VB.NET 2008/Framework 3.5 and they have a reputation as being really difficult, partly because of the name. In fact, getting started with lamda expressions is really easy. This article shows you what they are.
Lambda expressions were introduced in VB.NET 2008/Framework 3.5 and they have a reputation as being really difficult, partly because of the name. In fact, getting started with lamda expressions is really easy. This article shows you what they are.
A Guide to the Win32 API
Here's a better guide to the Windows API: bush gore debate win32 api appleman visual basic programmer type libraries
Here's a better guide to the Windows API: bush gore debate win32 api appleman visual basic programmer type libraries
VB.NET Books for Beginners
The VB.NET Books that don't assume much previous knowledge
The VB.NET Books that don't assume much previous knowledge
How a VB.NET Structure Is Different From a...
A structure and a multidimensional array have a lot in common in Visual Basic .NET programming. Often, you can use either one and your program will work just as well either way. But there are some clear differences. This Quick Tip helps you understand both of them so you can manage information inside a program better.
A structure and a multidimensional array have a lot in common in Visual Basic .NET programming. Often, you can use either one and your program will work just as well either way. But there are some clear differences. This Quick Tip helps you understand both of them so you can manage information inside a program better.
Using ClickOnce Deployment in VB.NET
An introduction to the ClickOnce (Publish) deployment tool in VB.NET. This article is based on VB.NET 2008 and shows how to deploy an application using ClickOnce.
An introduction to the ClickOnce (Publish) deployment tool in VB.NET. This article is based on VB.NET 2008 and shows how to deploy an application using ClickOnce.
Very Simple Encryption using VB.NET
In today's security conscious online world, encryption has become a major topic. And the software vendors
In today's security conscious online world, encryption has become a major topic. And the software vendors
NaN, Infinity, and Divide by Zero
NaN, Infinity, and Divide by Zero - New VB.NET Constants and Try Catch structured error handling.
NaN, Infinity, and Divide by Zero - New VB.NET Constants and Try Catch structured error handling.
Managing Forms - VB .NET Style
A short description showing how to manage multiple forms in a VB .NET application.
A short description showing how to manage multiple forms in a VB .NET application.
Run Batch Files (DOS Commands) From Visual Studio
The ability to run a batch file (DOS command file) isn't built into Visual Studio. But it's not hard to add it. This Quick Tip explains how.
The ability to run a batch file (DOS command file) isn't built into Visual Studio. But it's not hard to add it. This Quick Tip explains how.
Learn VBScript
A beginner's tutorial for VB.NET plus links to other training on the Web
A beginner's tutorial for VB.NET plus links to other training on the Web
Using the CopyFile Object to Show a Progress Bar
A reader wanted to know how to show a progress file while copying a file using VB.NET 2008. The answer is easy, thanks to the magic of VB.NET. Just use a built in option in CopyFile. This Quick Tip also shows examples of the OpenFileDialog and the FolderBrowserDialog as well.
A reader wanted to know how to show a progress file while copying a file using VB.NET 2008. The answer is easy, thanks to the magic of VB.NET. Just use a built in option in CopyFile. This Quick Tip also shows examples of the OpenFileDialog and the FolderBrowserDialog as well.
Visual Basic .NET 2010 Express - Using XML
Part 8 of the VB Express tutorial introduces the use of XML in .NET. VB.NET 2010 includes a lot of support for XML. To cover the technologies, we will update to the Signature Block example program to use XML and the DOM (Document Object Model) to read and save the data Then well do it the easy way using LINQ, Microsoft technology introduced in Framework 3.5. Serialization to an XML file and XML literals in VB.NET will also be covered.
Part 8 of the VB Express tutorial introduces the use of XML in .NET. VB.NET 2010 includes a lot of support for XML. To cover the technologies, we will update to the Signature Block example program to use XML and the DOM (Document Object Model) to read and save the data Then well do it the easy way using LINQ, Microsoft technology introduced in Framework 3.5. Serialization to an XML file and XML literals in VB.NET will also be covered.
Data Sources, VB.NET, and SQL Server
The seventh article in the beginning database series for VB.NET programmers moves to a higher level by covering the use of data sources to create a VB.NET database application.
The seventh article in the beginning database series for VB.NET programmers moves to a higher level by covering the use of data sources to create a VB.NET database application.
The Google Web Service API
A description of the API, Application Programming Interface, provided by the Google search site that you can use in your Visual Basic .NET programs.
A description of the API, Application Programming Interface, provided by the Google search site that you can use in your Visual Basic .NET programs.
How to use the System.Drawing.Printing...
VB.NET has direct and easy to use support for printing. This short article explains how it's done uisng the System.Drawing.Printing namespace. In addition, if you run into an InvalidPrinterException in Windows XP or an AccessViolationException in Vista, you might want to see how I got around it here.
VB.NET has direct and easy to use support for printing. This short article explains how it's done uisng the System.Drawing.Printing namespace. In addition, if you run into an InvalidPrinterException in Windows XP or an AccessViolationException in Vista, you might want to see how I got around it here.
Casting and Data Type Conversions in VB.NET
Casting is the process of converting one data type to another, for example, from an Integer type to a String type. Some operations in VB.NET require specific data types to work. Casting creates the type you need. Part One of this two part series introduces casting. This article comparies the performance of DirectCast, CType and TryCast.
Casting is the process of converting one data type to another, for example, from an Integer type to a String type. Some operations in VB.NET require specific data types to work. Casting creates the type you need. Part One of this two part series introduces casting. This article comparies the performance of DirectCast, CType and TryCast.
LINQ to SQL in VB.NET
One way to classify the innovations introduced with LINQ - Language INtegrated Query - is by all of the datastores supported by Microsoft. One of the first datastores people want to use is SQL where the datastore is a SQL Server database. This article shows how to get started using database code that is a compiled part of your VB.NET program.
One way to classify the innovations introduced with LINQ - Language INtegrated Query - is by all of the datastores supported by Microsoft. One of the first datastores people want to use is SQL where the datastore is a SQL Server database. This article shows how to get started using database code that is a compiled part of your VB.NET program.
Use a database instead of a sequential file
A lot of programmers still use a sequential file when they need to save and retrieve data in a Visual Basic program. There are a lot of better alternatives, however. Free programming tools from Microsoft make it easy to use a database rather than a sequential file. And the new SQL Server Compact 3.5 database files make it even easier. This article shows you how it's done.
A lot of programmers still use a sequential file when they need to save and retrieve data in a Visual Basic program. There are a lot of better alternatives, however. Free programming tools from Microsoft make it easy to use a database rather than a sequential file. And the new SQL Server Compact 3.5 database files make it even easier. This article shows you how it's done.
Using Dialogs in VB.NET
Dialogs can be the most useful type of form in a Windows Forms application, but in spite of this, the way they actually function isn't always easy to understand. The goal of this article is to make it easy for you.
Dialogs can be the most useful type of form in a Windows Forms application, but in spite of this, the way they actually function isn't always easy to understand. The goal of this article is to make it easy for you.
All About Serializing in Visual Basic
If you need to save everything in a class, structure, or collection for use later on, then serialization is the way to go. In addition to straight-on serialization to a file, this article also shows you how to implement custom serialization where the serializing class does custom processing while it's serializing.
If you need to save everything in a class, structure, or collection for use later on, then serialization is the way to go. In addition to straight-on serialization to a file, this article also shows you how to implement custom serialization where the serializing class does custom processing while it's serializing.
Special Directories and System Directories in...
.NET, and in particular, Visual Basic, provide extra help for discovering information about Special Directories in the (exclusive to VB.NET) My namespace. But not everything you might want to know about is there. This article shows you what's missing, and how to find that using the Environment namespace.
.NET, and in particular, Visual Basic, provide extra help for discovering information about Special Directories in the (exclusive to VB.NET) My namespace. But not everything you might want to know about is there. This article shows you what's missing, and how to find that using the Environment namespace.
Using TimeSpan and DateTime
There are two ways to represent time in VB.NET, DateTime and TimeSpan. They're very different, even though they're companion objects. This Quick Tip reveals how they work.
There are two ways to represent time in VB.NET, DateTime and TimeSpan. They're very different, even though they're companion objects. This Quick Tip reveals how they work.
Early Binding and Late Binding
You see the phrases, "early binding" and "late binding" quite frequently in Microsoft documentation and
You see the phrases, "early binding" and "late binding" quite frequently in Microsoft documentation and
ListBox, Dictionary, and ListView Example
A reader asked how to use a dictionary object to reference a list. This answer explores the different dictionaries and the different lists and ends up showing the difference between a ListBox and a ListView control.
A reader asked how to use a dictionary object to reference a list. This answer explores the different dictionaries and the different lists and ends up showing the difference between a ListBox and a ListView control.
Getting Started Using VBA: The Word Working...
Microsoft Word is an amazingly complete and complex environment to work in. Most of us wordsmiths (and
Microsoft Word is an amazingly complete and complex environment to work in. Most of us wordsmiths (and
Using Extension Methods in VB.NET
A normal class has to be instantiated as an object before the methods in it can be used. But if a method is shared, then the class it's in doesn't have to be instantiated and the method can be used directly. What if you need both? Then you need a feature introduced in VB.NET 2008 called extension methods. This article tells you how that works.
A normal class has to be instantiated as an object before the methods in it can be used. But if a method is shared, then the class it's in doesn't have to be instantiated and the method can be used directly. What if you need both? Then you need a feature introduced in VB.NET 2008 called extension methods. This article tells you how that works.
A Guide to Drag and Drop
Drag and Drop can be programmed relatively easily in VB.NET, but it doesn't work unless all the components involved work together. This Quick Tip shows how it's done with different scenarios, including using a custom cursor and modifying the object being dragged before it's dropped.
Drag and Drop can be programmed relatively easily in VB.NET, but it doesn't work unless all the components involved work together. This Quick Tip shows how it's done with different scenarios, including using a custom cursor and modifying the object being dragged before it's dropped.
Shared Variables in VB.NET
Most programmers know about shared methods and properties in VB.NET. Not as many know about shared variables, but this relatively obscure use of Share can add power to your coding toolkit as well. This article is a companion to an earlier article on the creative use of the Share keyword.
Most programmers know about shared methods and properties in VB.NET. Not as many know about shared variables, but this relatively obscure use of Share can add power to your coding toolkit as well. This article is a companion to an earlier article on the creative use of the Share keyword.
VBA - The Visual Basic Working Partner
An introduction to VBA, the language used to program Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Access. This intro shows you what VBA is and how to get started using it.
An introduction to VBA, the language used to program Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Access. This intro shows you what VBA is and how to get started using it.
Resizing a Font in VB.NET
A reader wanted to dynamically resize a font in VB.NET. There are several ways to go about it. This article considers using the ScaleTransform method of the Graphics object, WPF and shows how to declare a new font object for the control.
A reader wanted to dynamically resize a font in VB.NET. There are several ways to go about it. This article considers using the ScaleTransform method of the Graphics object, WPF and shows how to declare a new font object for the control.
Use The Registry To Find The Path To A Program...
A reader asked for help finding a way to determine the path to installed software. This Quick Tip not only shows how to do that, it can serve as an introduction to working with the Windows registry in general using VB.NET.
A reader asked for help finding a way to determine the path to installed software. This Quick Tip not only shows how to do that, it can serve as an introduction to working with the Windows registry in general using VB.NET.
A First Database Centered Application for...
Most Visual Basic articles for beginners that use data will either use hard coded data in the program or a simple file. This article shows complete beginners how to use a real SQL Server database for the first time.
Most Visual Basic articles for beginners that use data will either use hard coded data in the program or a simple file. This article shows complete beginners how to use a real SQL Server database for the first time.
IEnumerable and IEnumerator Explained in...
IEnumerable and IEnumerator are frequently tossed into technical articles these days. That's because this technique forms a core element of .NET technology. Unfortunately, the articles don't say a thing about what they do. This article, written in the 'from the ground up' style, fills in that missing explanation.
IEnumerable and IEnumerator are frequently tossed into technical articles these days. That's because this technique forms a core element of .NET technology. Unfortunately, the articles don't say a thing about what they do. This article, written in the 'from the ground up' style, fills in that missing explanation.
Two new ways to use If in Visual Basic .NET
The If operator has two new forms in Visual Basic .NET. They're related to the IIF function that has been in VB.NET all along, but they add an interesting twist to make your code simpler and more bulletproof.
The If operator has two new forms in Visual Basic .NET. They're related to the IIF function that has been in VB.NET all along, but they add an interesting twist to make your code simpler and more bulletproof.
Nullable Types Gives Visual Basic the Ability...
VB.NET 2008 (.NET 3.5) added some syntax upgrades to make it easier to declare and use nullable types.
VB.NET 2008 (.NET 3.5) added some syntax upgrades to make it easier to declare and use nullable types.
Save a Value Between Executions in VBA
If you need to save a value after the program closes in VB.NET, you usually have to save it in a file. But in Office VBA programs, you have another option available: CustomDocumentProperties. This Quick Tip article tells you how to do it.
If you need to save a value after the program closes in VB.NET, you usually have to save it in a file. But in Office VBA programs, you have another option available: CustomDocumentProperties. This Quick Tip article tells you how to do it.
The .NET Framework - Assemblies
The assembly is the fundamental unit of code in .NET. Systems are made of assemblies and the most basic properties - security, data typing, versioning - are defined for assemblies. This article explains what they are and how an assembly is used in your system.
The assembly is the fundamental unit of code in .NET. Systems are made of assemblies and the most basic properties - security, data typing, versioning - are defined for assemblies. This article explains what they are and how an assembly is used in your system.
Namespaces in VB.NET
Namespaces keep Visual Basic .NET organized. .NET by itself is huge and the names of individual software objects frequently overlap. Add in the code that all of the .NET programmers write and you have a giant pot of names that would be chaos if there wasn't a way to organize it and keep one software object from interfering with another. The way it's done is namespaces. This article explains what they are and how to use them.
Namespaces keep Visual Basic .NET organized. .NET by itself is huge and the names of individual software objects frequently overlap. Add in the code that all of the .NET programmers write and you have a giant pot of names that would be chaos if there wasn't a way to organize it and keep one software object from interfering with another. The way it's done is namespaces. This article explains what they are and how to use them.
NaN, Infinity, and Divide by Zero in VB.NET
Beginning programming books usually include this warning: "Don't divide by zero! You'll get a runtime
Beginning programming books usually include this warning: "Don't divide by zero! You'll get a runtime
VBScript - The System Administrator's Language...
A short About Visual Basic tutorial about using VBScript for administering computer systems. VBScript objects and the WMI and ADSI systems are introduced. - Part 1
A short About Visual Basic tutorial about using VBScript for administering computer systems. VBScript objects and the WMI and ADSI systems are introduced. - Part 1
Partial Classes in VB.NET
Partial Classes were introduced with VB.NET 2005 (Framework 2.0) and are used in a lot of different ways in VB.NET, including ASP.NET and Windows Forms. This article explains what they are and why they're useful, including how to hide them in Visual Studio Solution Explorer. Tested in both VB 2005 and VB 2008.
Partial Classes were introduced with VB.NET 2005 (Framework 2.0) and are used in a lot of different ways in VB.NET, including ASP.NET and Windows Forms. This article explains what they are and why they're useful, including how to hide them in Visual Studio Solution Explorer. Tested in both VB 2005 and VB 2008.
Arrays: The Difference Between Jagged Arrays...
There are two ways that you can declare an array in Visual Basic. You can declare it as a multidimensional rectangular array or a jagged array. There are some very important differences and this Quick Tip explains what they are.
There are two ways that you can declare an array in Visual Basic. You can declare it as a multidimensional rectangular array or a jagged array. There are some very important differences and this Quick Tip explains what they are.
About Calculating Leap Years
A complete explanation of how to calculate leap years in Visual Basic, what problems are out there, and why it's necessary.
A complete explanation of how to calculate leap years in Visual Basic, what problems are out there, and why it's necessary.
The ToString Method
The ToString method is one of the fundamental methods in the root of the entire .NET Framework. That makes it available in every other object. This quick tip shows some of the ways ToString can be used.
The ToString method is one of the fundamental methods in the root of the entire .NET Framework. That makes it available in every other object. This quick tip shows some of the ways ToString can be used.
A Database Centered Tutorial for Beginners
Most Visual Basic articles for beginners that use data will either use hard coded data in the program or a simple file. This article shows complete beginners how to use a real SQL Server database for the first time.
Most Visual Basic articles for beginners that use data will either use hard coded data in the program or a simple file. This article shows complete beginners how to use a real SQL Server database for the first time.
VBA - Accessing Access
The fifth segment of a series About using VBA - Visual Basic for Applications. This segment shows how to use VBA with Word and Access.
The fifth segment of a series About using VBA - Visual Basic for Applications. This segment shows how to use VBA with Word and Access.
Using Shared Access in Visual Basic .NET
When you "instantiate" an object in Visual Basic, you simply make a copy of that object for use in your
When you "instantiate" an object in Visual Basic, you simply make a copy of that object for use in your
Part 2 - Using ADO .NET - Access and OleDB
The second segment of a series About using ADO with Visual Basic .NET
The second segment of a series About using ADO with Visual Basic .NET
Chapter 16 - Adding Graphics and Animation...
About Visual Basic Class Instructions for Chapter 16 of the Complete Course for VB.NET covering Adding Graphics and Animation Effects
About Visual Basic Class Instructions for Chapter 16 of the Complete Course for VB.NET covering Adding Graphics and Animation Effects
Using VBA in Office 2007
Microsoft decided to change just about everything in Office 2007 and VBA - Visual Basic for Applications - wasn't spared. This article covers how to get started programming VBA macros using the Office application Word 2007.
Microsoft decided to change just about everything in Office 2007 and VBA - Visual Basic for Applications - wasn't spared. This article covers how to get started programming VBA macros using the Office application Word 2007.
Write Programs That Run When a File is Added,...
The FilesystemWatcher component makes it easy to write programs that run when a file has been added, deleted, or just changed.
The FilesystemWatcher component makes it easy to write programs that run when a file has been added, deleted, or just changed.
Threading - Locks: InterLock and SyncLock
Threading is a technique that lets you take advantage of the blinding speed of todays fast, multiprocessor computers by allowing several processes (threads) to work in parallel. But threading requires unique coding to control and manage what the program is doing. This is the fourth article in a series, covering InterLock and SyncLock, that shows how it's done.
Threading is a technique that lets you take advantage of the blinding speed of todays fast, multiprocessor computers by allowing several processes (threads) to work in parallel. But threading requires unique coding to control and manage what the program is doing. This is the fourth article in a series, covering InterLock and SyncLock, that shows how it's done.
MVC in VB.NET Explained
MVC - Model View Controller - is a whole new way to write programs. It's as much a revolution in thinking as .NET was ten years ago. And, starting with Visual Studio 2010, it's a standard and supported technology with Microsoft. But since it changes the way you write programs so much, it's not easy to wrap your mind around. This article is designed to break through to this new concept in programming.
MVC - Model View Controller - is a whole new way to write programs. It's as much a revolution in thinking as .NET was ten years ago. And, starting with Visual Studio 2010, it's a standard and supported technology with Microsoft. But since it changes the way you write programs so much, it's not easy to wrap your mind around. This article is designed to break through to this new concept in programming.
Enum - A Building Block of Visual Basic
The Enum is a fundamental part of Visual Basic that dates back to before VB.NET. This article shows you what it is and how to use it in programs.
The Enum is a fundamental part of Visual Basic that dates back to before VB.NET. This article shows you what it is and how to use it in programs.
Excel VBA Example: Sum Cell Values Using a...
A reader asked how to sum the values in an Excel spreadsheet. He wanted to find the sum of the values in all cells in one column using a key value in a different column. This VBA program, written using Excel 2003 Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), does the trick.
A reader asked how to sum the values in an Excel spreadsheet. He wanted to find the sum of the values in all cells in one column using a key value in a different column. This VBA program, written using Excel 2003 Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), does the trick.
Parameter Queries and Data Sources in VB.NET
Visual Studio lets you create simple parameter queries easily, but if you want more than that, you have to dig deeper. The ninth article in the database series shows how to do that.
Visual Studio lets you create simple parameter queries easily, but if you want more than that, you have to dig deeper. The ninth article in the database series shows how to do that.
Is If Then Else or Select Case Better?
These two structures can do the same things. Which one should you use? A Quick Tip that compares them, including StopWatch and ILDASM analysis.
These two structures can do the same things. Which one should you use? A Quick Tip that compares them, including StopWatch and ILDASM analysis.
Fixing the InputBox
A reader asked for help using InputBox to code a loop to input data to a ListBox control. The InputBox is a VB6 holdover function that probably shouldn't be used. Another article that is linked in this one shows why and what to do instead. But this article shows how to use unmanaged code to solve one problem with the InputBox: You can't tell the difference between blank input and the Cancel button.
A reader asked for help using InputBox to code a loop to input data to a ListBox control. The InputBox is a VB6 holdover function that probably shouldn't be used. Another article that is linked in this one shows why and what to do instead. But this article shows how to use unmanaged code to solve one problem with the InputBox: You can't tell the difference between blank input and the Cancel button.
Focus and Select
Focus and Select are methods available in Visual Basic .NET that seem to be completely identical. This article explores whether they really are identical, and if not, what differences exist.
Focus and Select are methods available in Visual Basic .NET that seem to be completely identical. This article explores whether they really are identical, and if not, what differences exist.
Joining Threads
Threading is an important technique when you want to use different forms to do different things. Eventually, the application has to resynchronize by ending all the threads but one in some way. This article shows how to do it using the Join method to restart the main thread when a subordinate thread finishes.
Threading is an important technique when you want to use different forms to do different things. Eventually, the application has to resynchronize by ending all the threads but one in some way. This article shows how to do it using the Join method to restart the main thread when a subordinate thread finishes.
New Controls in VB.NET 2005
A review of the new controls available in Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition.
A review of the new controls available in Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition.
Setting Tabs in VB.NET and VB6 Forms Components
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How can I align colums in a ListBox. VB6 doesn't provide a convenient way. You can do it in VB.NET but VB6 requires API calls. This article shows both ways, and it also shows you how to call the API.
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How can I align colums in a ListBox. VB6 doesn't provide a convenient way. You can do it in VB.NET but VB6 requires API calls. This article shows both ways, and it also shows you how to call the API.
Coding a Default Property
The Default attribute for a property in a class is an easy technique to use, but when should you use it and should you use it at all? This Quick Tip answers.
The Default attribute for a property in a class is an easy technique to use, but when should you use it and should you use it at all? This Quick Tip answers.
Visual Basic .NET for Beginners
This course is about programming using Visual Studio and the Visual Basic .NET language. It's written for complete beginners so if you're an experienced programmer, you may want to try one of the other tutorials at the site. But if you're completely new to programming, this course is what you're looking for.
This course is about programming using Visual Studio and the Visual Basic .NET language. It's written for complete beginners so if you're an experienced programmer, you may want to try one of the other tutorials at the site. But if you're completely new to programming, this course is what you're looking for.
Classes - The Class Diagram Tool in Visual Studio
The Class Diagram tool in Visual Studio Professional can help you code your VB.NET programs in multiple ways. You may not be using this tool now because it's just not required for writing programs. This article introduces thise useful tool.
The Class Diagram tool in Visual Studio Professional can help you code your VB.NET programs in multiple ways. You may not be using this tool now because it's just not required for writing programs. This article introduces thise useful tool.
MSIEXEC - The power user's install
Using the Microsoft Windows Install MSIEXEC utility
Using the Microsoft Windows Install MSIEXEC utility
Using WSH and VBScript
Use VBScript for routine computer tasks: dos batch programs dos batch files bush gore debate message board discussion forum dos menu
Use VBScript for routine computer tasks: dos batch programs dos batch files bush gore debate message board discussion forum dos menu
Object Initializers
VB.NET has a quicker way to initialize data objects. This Quick Tip shows you how to do it with both parameter based constructors and anonymous types.
VB.NET has a quicker way to initialize data objects. This Quick Tip shows you how to do it with both parameter based constructors and anonymous types.
Multiple Interfaces
According to C++ programmers, a lack of something called "multiple inheritance" in VB.NET (and other
According to C++ programmers, a lack of something called "multiple inheritance" in VB.NET (and other
Send and Receive EMail using Visual Basic
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use Visual Basic to send and receive email?? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.
An About Visual Basic reader asked: How do I use Visual Basic to send and receive email?? A question and answer from About Visual Basic.