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Introduction to Visual Basic Programming

This course is the second course in a series that aims to prepare you for a role working as a programmer. In this course, you will be introduced to the five main concepts in procedural programming: user input, console output, variable declaration and assignment, decision branching and iteration. Labs will allow the students to apply the material in the lectures in simple computer programs designed to re-enforce the material in the lesson. Learners will need to have a local machine with any one of the following operating systems; Windows 7 SP1 or higher, macOS 10.1.13 or higher, or almost any version of Linux from the last several years. The learner will either need to download the free community edition of Visual Studio or the open source .NET Core installation. We will walk you through the process of getting your local environment set up as part of the course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Console Input and Output

In this module, we roll up our sleeves and start coding! We will learn to use both Visual Studio to develop code and the command line. The Visual Basic Programs can be written on a Windows, Mac OS or Linux machine and I will show you how to do so. Our first programs will focus on reading input from the keyboard and outputting the results of the program to the console output.

Data Types

In the second module of this course, we will look at how computers store data during the execution of a program. We will look at storing whole numbers, decimal numbers, boolean values and strings. We will explore how you can convert between different types of variables. Lastly, we will look at how long a variable stays in existence and when it is visible to the pieces of the code.

Decision Branching

In the third module of this course, we will learn how to change the flow of a program’s execution based on a test. We will look at single tests utilizing if statements in our code. We follow up with multiple tests with the addition of the else clause. Lastly, we look at the case statement as an alternative expression of the flow of the program.

Iteration

In the fourth module of this course, we learn how to change the flow of our programs by repeating code iteratively. We will start with a look at loops that repeat a fixed number of times. We will follow up with writing loops that continue while a test is positive. Lastly, we will look at how we can modify the flow to immediately break from a loop or jump back to the test condition.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a hands-on environment with lab exercises to reenforce concepts and apply what is learned in lectures

Covers the fundamentals of procedural programming

Taught in a number of operating systems, increasing accessibility

Builds on prior programming knowledge and strengthens that foundation

Covers the five main concepts in procedural programming

Requires the use of proprietary software, Visual Studio, which may pose a barrier to some learners

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Reviews summary

Visual basic programming overview

Learners say that the Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course is an interesting and informative course for beginners who want to learn about the basics of Visual Basic Programming. The course is composed of well-explained modules and comes with quizzes. One complaint is that some of the quiz answers are incorrect.

Many students find the course to be interesting.

"This is interesting."

"Very interesting and informative course."

"It was a great introuction to VB for begineers..."

This course focuses on the basics.

"Compact and good!"

"Good Course well explained modules"

"It was a great introuction to VB for begineers..."

Some students complained that the quiz answers were incorrect.

"Some of the answers to quizes are incorrect."

One student reported that they had issues with broken software.

"The software IDE is broken and has been for many months."

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 Introduction to Visual Basic Programming with these activities:

Review Basic Math Concepts

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Review basic math concepts to prepare for the data manipulation aspects of procedural programming.

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Review math textbooks or online resources
Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Seek help from a tutor or classmate if needed

Review Variables and Data Types

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Review the concepts of variables and data types to refresh your understanding and prepare for procedural programming.

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Read notes or textbooks on variables and data types
Complete practice exercises or quizzes
Seek help from a tutor or online resources if needed

Watch Video Tutorials on Procedural Programming

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Watch video tutorials on procedural programming concepts to reinforce your understanding and gain a different perspective.

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Search for video tutorials on procedural programming topics
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Pause the videos and try to implement the concepts in your own code

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Write a Summary of the Course Concepts

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Write a summary of the key concepts covered in each module to improve your understanding and retention.

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Review the lecture notes and materials
Identify the main concepts in each module
Write a concise summary of each concept
Share your summary with a classmate for feedback

Read 'Head First Java'

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Read 'Head First Java' to supplement your understanding of procedural programming concepts and gain a different perspective.

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

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Discuss the book with classmates or a study group
Complete the exercises and projects in the book

Complete the Lab Exercises

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Complete the lab exercises at the end of each module to practice the concepts learned in the lectures and apply them to simple computer programs.

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Read the lab instructions carefully
Set up the development environment as per the instructions
Write the code for the lab exercise
Test the code and fix any errors
Submit the completed lab exercise for grading

Join a Study Group

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Join a study group to discuss the course material, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Work together on projects and assignments

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Organize and review course materials to improve your understanding and retention.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, slides, assignments, and projects
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning
Create a study schedule to allocate time for review
Highlight important concepts and make notes

Build a Simple Program Using Procedural Programming

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Build a simple program using procedural programming concepts to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.

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Choose a simple project idea
Design the program flowchart and logic
Write the code for the program
Test and debug the program
Present your program to the class or a study group

Career center

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

Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets quality standards. They develop and execute test plans, identify and report defects, and work with developers to resolve issues. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write and test code. This knowledge can be helpful for Software Quality Assurance Analysts, who need to understand how software works in order to test it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computers and software. They troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and provide training. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Support Specialists, who need to understand how software works in order to help users troubleshoot problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that allows software and applications to run. They are responsible for analyzing user needs, designing and developing systems, and writing and testing code. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course teaches the fundamentals, including writing programs that interact with users and output to a console or user interface. Whether you are completely new to programming or looking to add more fluency to your skillset, this is an excellent starting point.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to work with data types, variables, and conditional statements. This knowledge can be helpful for Data Scientists, who need to understand how to program in order to work with data effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations and improve business decisions. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you data types, variables, and how to code conditional statements. This will provide you with a solid foundation for working with data as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. They write user manuals, help files, and other materials that help users understand how to use products. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Technical Writers, who need to understand how software works in order to write documentation for it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. They monitor systems for security breaches and develop and implement security policies and procedures. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write secure code. This knowledge can be helpful for Information Security Analysts, who need to understand how software works in order to protect it from attack.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Software Developer

A Software Developer's main task is to design, develop, and maintain an array of computer software. Using their knowledge of computer science and software engineering, they turn ideas into applications by translating user requirements into instructions that computers can follow. Through this Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course, you will learn the basics of Visual Basic, a great choice for those looking to get started with the fundamentals of programming, including debugging and testing. This course may be useful to a Software Developer looking to add to their programming fluency.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with users to identify needs, develop solutions, and implement and manage systems. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Systems Analysts, who may work with programmers to implement systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze business needs and design and implement computer systems to meet those needs. They work with users to identify problems and develop solutions. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Systems Analysts, who may work with programmers to implement systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and design and implement solutions to improve business processes. They work with stakeholders to identify problems and develop solutions. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Business Analysts, who may work with programmers to implement solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course will teach you the basics of programming, including how to write code that interacts with users and outputs to a console or user interface. This knowledge can be helpful for Project Managers, who may work with programmers to implement project plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Web Developer

Web Developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look, feel, and functionality of websites. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course, while not directly focused on web development, provides a solid foundation in programming principles. Familiarity with programming fundamentals is an asset to Web Developers, who may work with other programmers to implement website functionality.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is secure. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course, while not specifically focused on database administration, provides a solid foundation in programming principles, including data types, variables, and conditional statements, which can be helpful for Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and that data is secure. This Introduction to Visual Basic Programming course, while not specifically focused on network administration, provides a solid foundation in programming principles, including data types, variables, and conditional statements, which can be helpful for Network Administrators.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Visual Basic Programming.

Software Mistakes and Tradeoffs

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Provides an in-depth look at the C# programming language, covering both basic and advanced topics. It can serve as a valuable reference for this course.

Software Mistakes and Tradeoffs: How to make good...

Kindle Edition

Visual C# How to Program, Global Edition

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Comprehensive guide to Visual Basic 2017, covering both basic and advanced topics. It can serve as a valuable reference for this course.

Introduction to Visual Basic Programming

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Visual basic programming overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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