how to program?

Question

i would like to learn to program in visual basic

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend visual basic, but here's some links to tutorials.

http://www.vbtutor.net/vbtutor.html
http://cuinl.tripod.com/tutorials.htm
http://www.profsr.com/vb/vbintro.htm
http://www.imt.net/~joe/matt/program/vb/Tutorials/
http://www.devdos.com/vb/

Answer 2

After 35 years in the computer industry I still sigh when someone says "Use this language instead of that" - and they invariably choose the uglier language to use.

VB is FAR nicer than basic but too many of you have not had enough experience to understand the pitfalls of a weakly typed language. Nor is the extremely concise syntax of C++ always your friend. Further, if you go into the workplace and MS Office is what you have to play with, you won't have C++; you'll HAVE to use VBA (a variant of VB).

Further, with very few exceptions, you can do ANYTHING in any language that you can do in any other. It is just that sometimes you have to be more organized to do it. And THAT is where - pardon me for saying it this - the "kids" of today have not learned the REAL skills required for programming.

If you can organize your thoughts and perform the mental leap between seeing the whole as such and seeing the interplay of the parts individually, then the language will matter not one red cent. And if you cannot organize your thinking, you can use ANY LANGUAGE YOU LIKE and STILL be a lousy programmer.

So... "How to program?"

1. Take a language course

2. Examine source code where you can find examples of it to see how others approach problems. Your best method of learning programming includes both a study of principles AND a comparison of approaches to see how others attack problems. BECAUSE ... in the end analysis, EVERY program is a solution to someone's problem.

3. Learn to be analytical. Which means you have to know how things work. Know how they fit together. Know how to MAKE things fit together.

Any IDIOT can write a program. Only someone who is capable of analytical thought and who has very serious organization skills can DEBUG a program quickly.

If this sounds harsh, maybe I'm just being cynical. If so, please forgive an old man who sees too many programs and products written by the uninitiated and passed off as quality work. When I have SEEN good work and can recognize it for what it is.

Answer 3

I wouldn't learn Visual Basic. It's not powerful enough.
C++ is better, it's not easier to learn, but you will be able to make better programs and even a good career. Look for the book "C++ for Dummies" for a nice, easy tutorial.

Good luck!!! ;-)

Answer 4

There are plenty of e-books on the net that you could definitely get a start from.

Answer 5

Take a course.