The suite of software programs known as "Visual Basic" is popular with programmers, and has been for years, with visual basic training being a commonly applied solution for a business. Visual Basic is what's known as an "object oriented programming language." It uses some powerful and effective design to provide versatility to coding, with VB for an application studio environment and later, VBScript for the web.

For those who need to learn the basics about Visual Basic for business reasons, the web can be a fast and efficient way to get this knowledge cheaply and easily. The concepts behind Visual Basic can be taught pretty well online, starting with the most fundamental aspects of the language, such as how and why programmers create simple functions. Readers can find Visual Basic info for:

1. Preparing a staffer for certification or Visual Basic training courses.

2. Helping to set up a team for getting skilled in Visual Basic programming over a period of time.

3. Assisting management in preparing any kind of in-house training resources from the information available in public web spaces, for whipping up Visual Basic education and training for beginners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn Visual Basic concepts and the VB role in programming

One way to prepare beginners for a possibly lengthy tenure with Visual Basic is to help them to understand the idea of using Visual Basic for crafting all kinds of projects. Knowing how this programming language is constructed helps set up a student for further Visual Basic learning or for help with a Visual Basic training course.

I recommend: This handy intro page from VBTutor illustrates how the language basically works with compilers that translate the syntax into "machine language." Knowing about the basis of Visual Basic helps beginners to understand its uses and limitations. Use resources like the beginners VB forum at Tek-Tips to get basic questions answered about the general role of this "object-oriented" language.

Use code samples to get knowledge about basic Visual Basic training and use

Beginners can also get some 'learning through osmosis' with online sites including code samples. Looking at code samples can help inform users about ways that programmers work with Visual Basic reference resources: sample code can also provide some specific basic lessons on VB and get students accustomed to 'reading' this sometimes complex code.

I recommend: A lot of the links at Planet Source Code allow the beginner to explore the most basic variables, operators and function calls of Visual Basic through code samples. Find more similar resources at the Code Project website.

Get additional resources from more Visual Basic training sites

A whole lot more public websites help in taking VB beginners on their first steps through the language. Try browsing some of these sites with attention to the resources and materials gathered there for embarking on a Visual Basic journey that could last a lifetime.

I recommend: Freetutes.com offers this kind of tutorials (much like the course content of a beginning Visual Basic training class) specifically for beginners who may not be used to the methodology of creating programs with Visual Basic. Get a lot more links to practical advice for novice VB workers at sites like HitMill.

As far as programming languages go, it can be relatively easy to learn visual basic. With proper visual basic education and training, you can be creating programs in no time at all.

Programmers use visual basic to create a variety of types of programs, including executables (.exe files), ActiveX Controls, DLL files and Windows applications. A basic visual basic training course will teach you how to do these things.

With visual basic training you can:

1. Create your own programs and products to market and sell with visual basic programming. Simply identify a need that consumers have and create a program that addresses this need.

2. Create revisions to programs that use visual basic. A simple visual basic education will allow you to manipulate software that others create. This is great if you are looking for employment within a company.

3. Assist others with their visual basic programming. You can act as a consultant to others when they need visual basic programming help.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn visual basic by yourself with a visual basic tutorial

If you've always found that it's easy for you to learn technical things, you may be able to teach yourself visual basic. Many online resources can help you learn how to program in visual basic. You may want to try this first and then apply for additional visual basic education and training if you feel you need it.

I recommend: Tutorialized.com offers a series of tutorials as an introduction to visual basic. VB6.us allows you to read in-depth tutorials on the specific thing you want to do. Both sites include step-by-step instructions and images to help you understand what you have to do.

Look for online visual basic training courses

Online courses help you to increase your skills and knowledge without interrupting your current job. When you take an online course, you can easily complete your studies in the evenings and weekends.

I recommend: Penn Foster Career School offers an affordable program to learn visual basic programming in the comfort of your own home. Serebra also offers courses in visual basic.

Take classes in visual basic to earn certification

Certification ensures potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to get the job done. This will look good on your resume and may increase your chances of getting a job.

I recommend: UC San Diego Extension offers a Microsoft Visual Basic .Net Programming Certificate to those who qualify. You can also receive certification through University of Maryland University College.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Study other forms of programming as well. Even though visual basic is still popular among programmers, Microsoft discontinued support in March 2008. While the programming community has tried to petition for continued support, Microsoft has refused. This means that other programming languages may be more relevant in the future.

Since Visual Basic and other programming languages are always changing and evolving, current and prospective programmers must keep up with Visual Basic education and training news and trends. Visual Basic was developed from the Basic programming language in the 1980s. The modern Visual Basic.NET framework added many new applications and tools to the programming language.

Choosing to learn Visual Basic can provide many opportunities for professional growth in the programming world. Visual Basic is a flexible and popular language that is used to develop graphical user interfaces. With some understanding of technology and programming, it's relatively easy to learn Visual Basic. To keep up with news and trends in Visual Basic education and programming:

1. Find reliable sources of news and information about Visual Basic programming;

2. Keep up with news and trends in programming courses and training;

3. Explore different trends in visual basic training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep up with news about programming languages and Visual Basic training

Keep up with news in the world of programming. Even if you're just getting started in working on a career in Visual Basic, awareness of programming news can help to choose learning and career paths.

I recommend: News Central at Visual Basic Explorer offers news about technology and programming, with specific news feeds about Visual Basic. Sign up for a free newsletter. Developer Fusion offers developer news for various programming languages. World-Newspapers features a list of computer magazines related to programming languages.

Find out what's new in Visual Basic training classes

There are many ways to learn Visual Basic, with new methods of training and delivery offered regularly. Keep up with news about VB training to help decide which method of training is right for you.

I recommend: Programmers Heaven offers a listing of new training opportunities related to Visual Basic and other programming languages. To get ideas about the right kind of training and insight from current developers about opportunities for job growth and professional satisfaction, check out the Visual Basic developer jobs forum at Indeed.

Research trends in Visual Basic training course options

There is a number of ways to learn Visual Basic. Some include instructor-led training at traditional and online schools, CD ROM and web-based self paced instruction, free learning from books and tutorials. The right method depends on your existing computing and programming skills, availability, learning style and budget. Keep up with trends in instruction to make the right choice.

I recommend: Learning Tree offers a variety of onsite, instructor-led courses in Visual Basic and other programming languages. For those unable to take part in classroom work, Edulearn offers self-paced CD ROM training. If you already have an understanding of programming, search for free courses at Intelligentedu. Online Degrees Today lists schools that offer VB training.