Microsoft is a very renowned and popular name in the world of computers. This is the company that introduced several technological innovations to the world. The majority of people have heard of Microsoft, and have used one or more software products coming from this company. Despite all these, there are numerous users out there who have no idea what exactly Visual Basic programming language is all about. These beginners can easily download free visual basic programming software and become familiar with it.
If you’ve ever searched for “download visual basic”, you may have found yourself on Microsofts website. One could ask why would I need to download visual basic when I already have it installed on my computer when they already gave me the software and didn’t say anything about needing to download it?
Microsoft Visual Basic
Beginner-friendly coding environment
Visual Basic is a programming language that comes with an integrated development environment. Designed by Microsoft, Visual Basic download makes coding a simple and enjoyable experience. Suitable for all users, including beginners and hobbyists, this language is object-driven and gives you access to a database of syntax constructs and elements. You can create a range of Windows applications and front-end systems.
What is Windows Visual Basic?
Visual Basic is an object-driven development environment and computer programming language created by Microsoft. The system offers a graphical user interface that lets them edit code by dragging and dropping elements, so users can change app appearance and behavior. The object-oriented language is based on BASIC and considered to be suitable for beginners learning to code.
Microsoft intended to make the language easy to master and support fast coding. That is why it’s referred to as a RAD or rapid application development system. With its help, coders can create prototypes of applications before writing them in a more efficient but difficult language. Additionally, Virtual Basic also offers syntax that is more straightforward and connected to a database.
Since its release in 1988 as Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, the language has given way to Visual Studio.Net, Visual Basic.NET, and Visual Basic for Applications. While all of these frameworks have gained popularity, Visual Basic is still extremely beneficial. Its drag-and-drop functionality makes developing code simple, even for programmers with limited experience.
What is the use of Visual Basic?
The third-generation programming language has been designed to help developers create Windows apps. It features an environment in which programmers can write code in .exe or executable files. They can also use the language to make in-house front-end systems for accessing large databases. Since the language supports ongoing modifications, you can continue coding and revising your work when required.
That said, Microsoft Visual Basic download does have some limitations. The software isn’t suitable for you if you wish to create programs that require a lot of processing time. That means you cannot use VB to develop games or heavy apps because the graphic interface of the system needs a lot of memory and space. Moreover, the language doesn’t support other operating systems and is limited to Microsoft.
Clean and simple interface
After the installation is complete, you will come across the graphic-development environment of Visual Basic. It is simple and organized, such that beginners, as well as hobbyists, can access and use all its functions without a problem. The interface comes with a progress bar, buttons, labels, as well as a few editing tools that can help you automatically adjust programming modules.
When developing a Windows 10 application, you can start using the available controls, elements, and forms to create the app’s user interface. Microsoft Visual Basic download, like other programming languages, supports the use of common constructs. And you can use those elements and constructs while writing code to define the behavior of your application.
However, since the language has an event-driven environment, you will note a few differences in the constructs that you use to create your application. Additionally, the language gives you access to databases with the help of ActiveX Data Objects and Controls. Using the database, you can create various applications, including simulation programs, calculators, simple games, and more.
What are the main features of Virtual Basic?
Unlike other programming languages, Microsoft Visual Basic for applications download offers faster rapid app development. It features string processing and is integrated with C++, MFC, and F# functionality. The system also supports multi-targeting as well as the Windows Presentation Framework, so developers can conceive different Windows apps, desktop tools, metro-style programs, and hardware drivers.
Click to launch
One of the most significant features of using Visual Basic to develop programs is that it lets you create executable files from the get-go. These files are easy to export and can be used to check the progress of the application and make changes wherever required. Moreover, the program inputs the XAML code for users, so they can instantly launch an application by clicking a button.
Enjoy various themes
Though the program restricts itself to Microsoft operating systems only, it does offer a range of Windows themes so programmers can experiment. You can create software that is in sync with the operating system on which you wish to run the final application. Since the integrated development environment also gives you access to databases, you can drag elements from there and drop them in your code.
Get error alerts
Considering the fact that beginners often use Visual Basic for application coding, Microsoft has included a helpful functionality called IntelliSense. When writing code, this function automatically flags errors in code and suggests changes wherever necessary. Moreover, users can create fully-functional programs using these suggestions and adding corrected code from the available database.
Is Microsoft Visual Basic free?
Yes. Microsoft Visual Basic download is free to use and suitable for beginners. The development environment is regularly updated with features, and the latest version includes the option of adding comments in various lines. That means you can now add lines within a segment as well as after line continuations.
Are there any alternatives?
While Visual Basic is user-friendly, it does have limitations in terms of space and memory required. In case you’re looking for an updated tool, you should check out Visual Studio. Other similar development environments that you can explore are Dev-C++, Python, and Java Development Kit.
Should I download Microsoft Visual Basic?
If you’re a novice looking to enter the field of coding, you should download Microsoft Visual Basic. The object-driven development environment is designed to make coding a simpler experience. It includes automatic error check, option to launch application instantly, as well as access to a database of objects and constructs. For professionals, it is a great language that can help them code quickly to develop a Windows app prototype.
PROS
- Free to download and use
- User-friendly interface
- Access to a database via AOD
- Automatic error checks
CONS
- Requires a lot of space and memory
- Not suitable for developing games
Kodu
Game programming environment for kids
Brought by Microsoft, Kodu is a game utility that is designed especially for kids to effectively learn basic programming principles. This 3D game development platform enables the young creators to build the world’s terrain filled with characters and props which you will then program its behaviors and games rules using a visual programming language.
Users can freely download it on the Microsoft Store but, if you own an older version of Windows, you can download the desktop build that it provides on its developer’s page. Bear in mind though that it requires Microsoft .NET Framework for this to successfully work.Play Video
What is the Kodu app?
Kodu is a Microsoft experiment that’s still in development. This means that you should expect a few bugs and the odd crash, but other than that it’s perfectly usable. Actually, what you’ll find here is going to be radically different from any other coding editor. It’s a kid-oriented programming environment that allows any users to build their own games, without writing a single line of code.
Moreover, it features an eye-catching design that makes it feel like a game by itself. It includes lessons and sample games to get you started and make things even easier. You’ll find a handful of ready-made objects, characters, and obstacles, which you can arrange with a keyboard and mouse as well as program it with a special card system.
How does Kodu work?
Once you’ve launched the Kodu Game Lab, you’ll be greeted by an elegantly designed user interface with few options displayed. To start creating a game, just click the ‘New World’ button which will lead you to an interface that presents a single block of green terrain. The game development tools are displayed at the bottom of the screen while placed on the top-left corner are the controls.
If you wish to add characters and objects in your world, just hover your mouse and click on the ‘Object Tool’ button that’s illustrated in a small robot head. Then, click on any empty part of the green terrain, it will prompt a pie menu. It’ll then allow you to add objects like rock, apple, pipe, tree, underwater creatures as well as characters that users will be able to control.
Great to begin with
Kodu is an intuitive children-oriented game tool with which users can easily create their own videogames without any coding skills required. There are some obvious limitations to Kodu, as it’s intended for kids with little or no experience in coding. Nevertheless, it’s a fun and colorful way to get them started in the hobby of making video games.
PROS
- Original visual programming environment
- Powerful yet easy to use editor
- Includes lessons and sample games
- Can also be run on an Xbox360
CONS
- Limited selection of objects
- Still in development stage
Alice
Create Animation and Learn Programming with Alice
Alice is a programming environment designed to make the creation of animation easy. It can be used by wide variety of age ranges and has an educational as well as creative dimension.
The Simple and Educational Way to Animate
With Alice, even beginners can create CGI animated clips by using characters, backgrounds and props from a pre-existing library and placing them into animated narratives through simple programming. Alice also includes a character-building system for those who feel confident designing their own animated figures. It is suited to anyone who wants to make a quick piece of CGI animation, but it is particularly suited to educational environments. A wide range of students, be they children or older users, can understand Alice and use it either for fun, or as a way of learning about the wider field of programming.
Learn Programming while you Tell Stories
Creating animated stories is a fun pursuit for users of many ages, and thanks to Alice, it can also serve as an introduction to programming. Users of many different ages who want to learn about animation or programming can benefit from Alice.
PROS
- Accessible interface.
- Has a good variety of ready-made models.
- A quick way of creating animation.
- Can be used to teach programming.
CONS
- Smaller children will find it complicated.
- Lacks the capabilities of professional animation software.
- Some ready-made models are rather crude.
- Character-builder is limited.
Conclusion:
Learning a new computer program can be difficult, but there are some that are easier than others. The Visual Basic programming language is one of the easiest for beginners to learn simply because it teaches you how to write code with an easy-to-follow process.