Swati Computer

VB

What is Visual Basic

Visual Basic (VB) is a user-friendly event-driven programming language and environment developed by Microsoft. It offers a graphical user interface (GUI) where programmers can easily modify code by dragging and dropping objects and specifying their behavior and appearance. Derived from the BASIC programming language, VB is both event-driven and object-oriented.

Recognized for its simplicity and efficiency, VB is often referred to as a rapid application development (RAD) system. It’s commonly employed for prototyping applications that will eventually be coded in more complex but efficient languages.

How Visual Basic is used

Visual Basic (VB) is structured to empower programmers in crafting executable files (exe files) within its environment. It facilitates the creation of programs serving as interfaces to databases, offering tools for application development and software completion while allowing flexibility for modifications and revisions.

Among the most prevalent forms of Visual Basic today is VBA, tailored for programming Microsoft Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint. However, it is limited to modifying existing apps and cannot generate new ones.

VBA finds widespread utility among users seeking to streamline repetitive tasks via macros, which automate a wide array of activities from word and data processing to custom chart and table generation. For instance, users may craft macros to swiftly populate spreadsheets with a single click. Professionals in computing leverage VBA and macros for more intricate tasks, such as replicating extensive code segments or defining specialized languages.

Businesses and organizations harness VBA to tailor Excel to their unique needs, extracting specific statistics or information from spreadsheets. VBA’s utility extends beyond Microsoft applications through a technology known as Component Object Model (COM) interface, facilitating cross-computer communication and enabling its utilization in enterprise-specific applications.

Benefits of using Visual Basic

  • Simple, English-like syntax that is easy to learn
  • Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for user-friendly GUI development
  • Rapid application development supported by straightforward syntax and intuitive design tools
  • Versatility for creating various applications and interacting with different languages
  • Strong community of users and developers for support
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) support for easier code writing and maintenance
  • Cross-platform compatibility for Windows, Windows Phone, and other platforms