Visual Basic Training
Visual Basic is a programming language developed by Microsoft based on the original BASIC, or Beginners' Allpurpose Symbolic Instruction Code. Rather than relying on text only programming like its predecessors, Visual Basic programming is done using a graphical environment. Visual Basic is used primarily to create Windows software that can be run on computer systems that have Windows 95 or higher. There are several variations of the program, such as VB6.0, VBScript and VB.NET as well as parallel programs that can be used on Mac or other operating systems.
Most people can begin working with Visual Basic after only a few hours of instruction because it features a drag and drop window designer that is easy to use. Beginner courses in Visual Basic have very few prerequisites, usually only requiring that students have a general understanding of programming and are familiar with navigating through Windows based applications.
Visual Basic training comes in many forms to suit your needs. One or more Visual Basic classes may be part of a college or university's Computer Science Degree program, or may be offered as stand-alone courses by the school's Computer Science Department. Searching for Visual Basic training on Microsoft's official website can will help you find Microsoft sponsored weekend seminars, camps, or on campus training session in your area. A number of independent organizations also offer certified training in Visual Basic through online learning or at local technical schools. For those that want to learn Visual Basic as a hobby, and don't require certification, numerous books, CD-ROMs, and training manuals are available. Many websites also feature free online tutorials and lessons to help get you started and guide you through making your first program. Newsgroups, forums and chats where new programmers can seek advice from those with more experience are also available online.
Training in Visual Basic varies in length depending on the type of course you choose. Classes geared towards certification can take anywhere from three to eight months to complete. Free online lessons usually break topics down into smaller chunks so students can complete a lesson or a step of making their first program in an hour or two. Most beginner classes examine topics like understanding how various Visual Basics applications are used, creating the user interface for a new program, writing program code, saving and running a program, dealing with common errors and debugging. As students progress they will be introduced to other topics including adding more user-friendly features, using If statements, loops and menus, working with data types and variables, adding graphics and handling run-time errors.
When selecting Visual Basic training examine course outlines or any free lessons the program offers before you pay. That way you can ensure that the training covers everything you want to learn and judge the quality of instruction. Be sure to ask employers which programs they endorse if you want to work for a particular company after training. If you're choosing between on-campus programs consider whether or not the programs offer extra perks such as free lab time outside of class, assistance in creating a portfolio, or opportunities to meet potential employers.