Microsoft Visual Basic.Net

Visual Studio 2008

Every day, software developers solve tough problems to create applications that improve the lives of others. 

The Microsoft Visual Studio system is a suite of development tools designed to aid programmers whether they are rookies or seasoned pros face complex problems and create innovative solutions. Visual Studio's role is to improve the development process to make those breakthroughs easier and faster to achieve.

Visual Studio 2008 provides advanced development tools, debugging features, database functionality, and innovative features for quickly creating cutting-edge applications across a variety of platforms.

VB Versions

The .Net environment has undergone several upgrades since it was first introduced in 2002. First there was Visual Studio .Net, then Visual Studio 2005 and now Visual Studio 2008 on the .Net Framework 3.5.

If you are coming to VB 2008 from 2005 or .Net you won't see a really big difference. Applications will be converted easily with no loss of functionality.

However, if you come to VB 2008 from VB 6 you'll find that things are a lot different. There are many new programming concepts to master especially when you get to the more advanced techniques such as Web applications. And your VB 6 projects will usually have to be completely re-worked. The new syntax is different enough that VB 6 apps must be run through a conversion utility which may convert 80% of the code, leaving you the rest to convert manually.

So, the suggestion here is: use Visual Basic 2008 to learn the language and write all your new apps with this version. It will really benefit you in the long run. As for existing apps, except for the small ones, leave them the way they are.

Visual Studio Environment