Definition of Visual Basic 6.0

Visual Basic is a programming language and integrated development environment (IDE). It derives from the much older BASIC programming language, and so is considered a useful and relatively easy programming language for the beginner to learn. Visual Basic (VB) is now integrated into many different software applications and also web applications. Visual Basic 6.0 was the final edition of Visual Basic, but was followed by Visual Basic .NET.

History

Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (BASIC) was developed and designed in 1964. The programming language was popularized in the 1970s and '80s simultaneously with the rise of the home computer. BASIC allowed users to program their own software or games. Visual Basic 1.0 was released in 1991 and expanded on the BASIC language. The first major updates improved ease of use, and the expansion to accommodate 32-bit operating systems. The final version, 6.0, was released in 1998.

Definition

Visual Basic 6.0 was the final edition of the software. This version improved the productivity and ability for web applications, which led to the development of Visual Basic .NET. Visual Basic 6.0 cannot be developed on Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008. Microsoft ceased mainstream support in 2005, and all support in 2008.

Features of Visual Basic 6.0

Visual Basic was developed to be easy to learn, with a quick learning curve and a diverse scope of possibilities. Using the Visual Basic software, you can either hard-code or use the developer software to assist you throughout. It's also used to create ActiveX controls (for web usage and other controls), .dll file extensions or executables for standalone operation.

Other Language Implementation

Software such as Microsoft Excel, as well as other Microsoft Office components, integrates a form of Visual Basic with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). VBA allows users to automate commands, processes and functions with VBA macros. Macros can be recorded and used within Microsoft Office, and edited in detail with VBA. VBScript and Visual Basic .NET also derive from Visual Basic.

Visual Basic .NET

Visual Basic 6.0 was surpassed by Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET). The first edition carried on the Visual Basic numbering with Visual Basic .Net (VB7). The .NET suffix was dropped from the software title in 2005, with VB 8.0. While there were similarities between Visual Basic and Visual Basic .NET, .NET radically changed the programming from object-based to object-orientated using the .NET framework.

End of Support for Visual Basic 6.0

In 2008, Microsoft officially ended support for Visual Basic 6.0. Windows 7 still supports the Visual Basic 6 runtime environment, though third-party software associated with VB6 will not be. Windows Vista supports Visual Basic IDE, though incompatibilities do arise with some development and programming. Microsoft has shifted all support towards the .NET framework editions of Visual Basic.

References

• Forest Moon: The Birth of Visual Basic
• InStepTech: Want to see what is new in VB6?
• Microsoft MSDN: Visual Basic Developer Center