xviiIntroduction
Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 is an important upgrade and enhancement of the popular Visual
Basic programming language and compiler, a technology that enjoys an installed base of
millions of programmers worldwide. Visual Basic 2010 is not a stand-alone product but
a key component of Microsoft Visual Studio 2010—a comprehensive development system
that allows you to create powerful applications for Windows, the Web, handheld devices,
and a host of other environments. Whether you purchase one of the commercial editions of
Visual Studio 2010 (described later in this Introduction) or you download Visual Basic 2010
Express for a free test-drive of the software, you are in for an exciting experience. The latest
features of Visual Basic will increase your productivity and programming prowess, especially
if you enjoy using and integrating information from databases, entertainment media, Web
pages, and Web sites. In addition, an important benefit of learning Visual Basic and the Visual
Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is that you can use many of the same
tools to write programs for Microsoft Visual C++ 2010, Microsoft Visual C# 2010, Microsoft
Visual Web Developer 2010, and other popular products.Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 Step by Step is a comprehensive introduction to Visual Basic
programming using the Visual Basic 2010 software. I’ve designed this practical, hands-on
tutorial with a variety of skill levels in mind and by following the premise that programmers
learn by doing. In my opinion, the best way to master a complex technology like Visual Basic
is to learn essential programming techniques through carefully prepared tutorials that can
be completed on your own schedule and at your own pace. And although I have significant
experience with college teaching and corporate project management, this book is not
a dry textbook or an “A to Z” programmer’s reference. Instead, it is a practical hands-on
programming tutorial that puts you in charge of your learning, developmental milestones,
and achievements. By using this book, programmers who are new to this topic will learn
Visual Basic software development fundamentals in the context of useful, real-world
applications; and experienced Visual Basic programmers can quickly master the essential
tools and techniques offered in the Visual Basic 2010 upgrade.Complementing this comprehensive approach is the book’s structure—4 topically organized
parts, 20 chapters, and 56 step-by-step exercises and sample programs. By using this book,
you’ll quickly learn how to create professional-quality Visual Basic 2010 applications for the
Windows operating system and a variety of Web browsers. You’ll also have fun!Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................... .xvii
Visual Basic Versions............................................... .xviii
Downloading Visual Basic 2010 Express.......................... .xix
Finding Your Best Starting Point in This Book........................... .xix
Hardware and Software Requirements................................ .xx
Prerelease Software................................................. .xxi
Installing and Using the Practice Files................................. .xxi
Installing the Practice Files...................................... .xxi
Using the Practice Files........................................ .xxii
Uninstalling the Practice Files........................................ .xxvi
Conventions and Features in This Book............................... .xxvi
Conventions................................................ .xxvii
Other Features.............................................. .xxvii
Helpful Support Links............................................. .xxvii
Visual Studio 2010 Software Support........................... .xxviii
Support for This Book............................................. .xxviii
We Want to Hear from You................................... .xxviii