Visual Basic Programming: Inheritance and Polymorphism from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

File Input and Output

In this module, we look at how we can persist data to files so that it will exist beyond a single execution of a program. We will look at how we can write data to files in both text and binary formats. We follow-up with ways to read that data back into the state of an executing program.

Inheritance

In this module, we look at how to implement the is-a relationships we modeled earlier in our UML diagrams through the use of Inheritance. Inheritance provides additional ways to abstract code in taxonomies where base classes share code with specialized versions of the classes. We will add a discussion about exceptions work in Visual Basic now that we can discuss inheritance.

Polymorphism

In this module, we extend our implementation of the is-a relationships so that our code can work with specializations of a class without knowing the specifics of the specialization. This level of abstraction is known as polymorphism. Polymorphism provides additional ways to abstract code to work on objects in a taxonomy.

Interfaces

In this module, we continue our deep dive into the implementation of the is-a relationships. In our early work, we developed taxonomies for the purposes of abstraction. Now we want to think about the situation where a class could be in several taxonomies. This level of abstraction is known as an interface in modern programming. Interfaces provide signatures but not implementation so that we can use Polymorphism on objects that fall in multiple taxonomies.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers advanced string operations and dates, which are essential skills for data manipulation in programming

Introduces modeling classes, development of classes, and collections, which are fundamental concepts in object-oriented programming

Provides hands-on labs to reinforce the concepts learned in the lectures, enhancing practical application

Assumes learners have a basic understanding of programming concepts and a local machine with a specific operating system

Requires learners to have access to Visual Studio or .NET Core installation, which may not be readily available to all learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Visual Basic Programming: Inheritance and Polymorphism with these activities:

Review Git and GitHub

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of Git and GitHub to enhance your collaboration and version control skills for this course's programming projects.

Browse courses on Git

Show steps

Revisit the basics of Git commands
Practice creating and managing repositories
Explore GitHub's features for collaboration

Review 'Head First Java'

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of Java concepts by reviewing the popular 'Head First Java' book, which offers a friendly and approachable introduction to the language.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on key concepts
Complete the exercises provided in the book
Optional: Discuss the book with classmates or a mentor

Join a Java Study Group

Show steps

Enhance your understanding and connect with fellow learners by joining a Java study group to discuss concepts, work on problems, and share knowledge.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Find or form a study group
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Collaborate on projects and assignments

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore Python Data Structures

Show steps

Supplement your classroom learning by following guided tutorials to deepen your understanding of Python data structures and their applications.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Follow online tutorials on lists, tuples, and dictionaries
Implement these data structures in practice exercises
Research advanced data structures for Python
Optional: Contribute to open-source projects using these data structures

Attend a Java Programming Workshop

Show steps

Enhance your practical skills by attending a Java programming workshop that aligns with the topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and participate in the workshop
Apply the knowledge gained to your course projects

Coding Challenges on LeetCode

Show steps

Sharpen your problem-solving abilities by tackling coding challenges on LeetCode, focusing on topics covered in the course.

Show steps

Select challenges relevant to the course curriculum
Solve problems independently
Review solutions and learn from others' approaches
Optional: Participate in LeetCode contests

Develop a Java-based Application

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge by creating a Java-based application that demonstrates your understanding of object-oriented programming and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Design and plan your application
Implement the application using Java
Test and debug your application
Optional: Share your application on GitHub

Contribute to Open Source Java Projects

Show steps

Gain real-world experience and contribute to the community by contributing to open source Java projects related to the course topics.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Identify suitable open source projects on platforms like GitHub
Review the project documentation and codebase
Propose and implement improvements or fixes
Optional: Mentor other contributors or maintain the project

Career center

Learners who complete Visual Basic Programming: Inheritance and Polymorphism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Architect

Software Architects design and implement solutions to complex software problems. They need to have a strong understanding of object oriented programming concepts, such as inheritance and polymorphism. This course covers these topics in great detail, making it a potentially useful course for people who want to become Software Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Web Developer

Web Developers work on both the front and back end of websites and web applications. Knowing how to implement and make use of advanced string operations and dates is helpful when working as a Web Developer and this course covers these topics. This course also covers development of classes and collections which are used by web developers to structure the code in their applications, making this course a good fit for those who want to become Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and maintain an organization's computer systems and networks. They need to have a strong understanding of object oriented programming concepts, such as inheritance and polymorphism. This course covers these topics in great detail, making it a potentially useful course for people who want to become Information Technology Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers research, design, develop, and test software and computer systems. They need to have a strong understanding of object oriented programming concepts, such as inheritance and polymorphism. This course covers these topics in great detail, making it potentially useful for people who want to become Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses and organizations to analyze their needs, identify problems, and develop solutions. They need to be able to understand and work with data in a variety of formats. This course covers advanced string operations and dates and file input and output, which can help build a foundation for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. This course can help build a foundation for those who want to become Computer Programmers by introducing the concept of polymorphism and inheritance. The labs in this course help learners to apply the materials in the lessons to simple computer programs which can help teach learners how to use more complex programming methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators implement and maintain databases. In order to do this, they need to have a good understanding of file input and output which is an important topic covered in Visual Basic Programming: Inheritance and Polymorphism. This course also covers the modeling of classes which is helpful for understanding how to structure a database.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer hardware and software. They need to be able to understand and explain complex technical concepts. This course can help build a foundation for those who want to become Technical Support Specialists by covering advanced string operations and dates and file input and output.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and white papers. They need to be able to understand and explain complex technical concepts. This course can help build a foundation for those who want to become Technical Writers by covering advanced string operations and dates and file input and output.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists work with large data sets and use scientific methods to extract knowledge and insights. They need to have a strong understanding of managing and working with data, which this course can help build a foundation for through its topics on file input and output, modeling classes, and development of classes and collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts work with businesses and organizations to analyze their needs, identify problems, and develop solutions. They need to be able to understand and work with many different types of data. This course can help build a foundation for those who want to become Systems Analysts by covering advanced string operations and dates and file input and output.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers develop and execute plans to complete projects. They need to be able to understand and work with many different types of data. This course can help build a foundation for those who want to become Project Managers by covering advanced string operations and dates and file input and output.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course covers inheritance and polymorphism, which can help build a foundation for this career field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers work on the programming aspects of a piece of software or application. As a class that thoroughly covers topics like advanced string operations, classes modeling, development of classes, and collections, Visual Basic Programming: Inheritance and Polymorphism may be helpful for aspiring Software Developers to take.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and solve computing problems. They typically need higher degrees, like a master’s or PhD. That said, this course may be useful for undergraduates looking to build a foundational knowledge in computer science and to prepare for higher education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist