Introduction to Visual Basic.NET Programming

Author: Tianjin Electronic
Publisher: Tianjin Electronic Press
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: [Editor's Recommendation] High Awareness: Master More Knowledge in Less Time. Environmental Teaching Method: An Atmosphere of Computer Knowledge, an Environment of Computer Culture. Commercial-Level Examples: Rich and Practical Examples, with Insightful Guidance. Knowledge Novelty: Regularly Updated Content, Explaining New Knowledge.
I. Environmental Teaching Method
Learning cannot be isolated; it must be viewed in the context of the broader world. When you understand the background of the knowledge you are learning, you will find that it becomes intuitive and effortlessly understood. The book is filled with computer (common sense), computer stories, experience summaries, and operational tips, immersing you in an environment of computer knowledge and allowing you to fully experience the charm of computer culture. In fact, after meals, flipping through this series of books will feel like reading a novel, and you will unconsciously learn many things. Our books do not require "learning" or "memorization," but rather mastery through ease and naturalness.
II. Commercial-Level Examples
Creating an example with a software might not be difficult, but creating a commercial-level example requires good creativity, proficiency in usage, and extensive experience. This textbook series will significantly shorten the time it takes for you to meet these conditions. Each book provides detailed explanations of commercial-level example creation, sharing the multimedia development, website construction, and printing experience accumulated by Hongen over the years. Through meticulous production processes and high-level technical guidance, you will truly become a professional.
III. Knowledge Novelty
This is a series of books that is regularly updated. What you see is the latest version, and we periodically update to explain new knowledge and new software. When you hold this book, you are already at the forefront of computer application. In fact, the content you see is more advanced, up-to-date, and practical than what your friends around you have mastered.
Preface: If you have chosen this textbook, you must be aspiring to become an excellent programmer or a computer expert—at the very least, hoping to make a living through it. The purpose of launching the "Way of Programming" series is to help ambitious individuals like you turn your dreams into reality. "The way of programming is long." Those who have some knowledge of computers probably know that the industry is evolving rapidly, and "I might have missed a few lazy mornings and been left behind by new technologies." Is it only the exceptionally intelligent who can strike gold in this lucrative industry? In fact, as long as you grasp the "way," you can boldly go for it. So, where is the "way"? Let us calm down and clarify the following points:
1. Programming is Just a Tool for Implementation
Reading articles on the history of computers, we can clearly see that the invention of computers by mathematicians did not mean they all knew how to program. Today, we still see similar phenomena: many master-level computer technology researchers are not proficient in programming. Meanwhile, media hype and the lucrative treatment in reality often mystify programming. Computer technology includes aspects such as information management, multimedia, computer networks, artificial intelligence, and computer-aided design. Programming is merely the process of expressing algorithms in theoretical research or practice for these specific technologies. Programmers may not have a deep understanding of computer technology, but to become a programming expert, they must solidly master a wealth of computer technology. Therefore, the first thing to understand is that programming is just a tool for implementation, while the methods and thinking for solving problems are more important.
2. Learning Programming Without Forgetting the Basics
If you want to become an excellent programmer, it is recommended that you, in addition to learning programming languages and development tools, also solidly study foundational courses such as: assembly language, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, and operating system principles. You can also supplement your learning with courses on computer networks and database principles. Mastering these fundamental knowledge will broaden and smooth your path in programming. Of course, this only lists a few basic courses.
3. Do Not Chase Trends, Cultivate Inner Discipline
Do not be misled by trendy new technologies and buzzwords, or you will suffer the fate of a bear shelling corn. Technologies like .NET and XML are indeed tempting, offering a sense of satisfaction in a short time. However, if your foundation is not solid, you will be like walking in a thick fog—only able to see the immediate surroundings and unable to see further. These "well-packaged" foreign imports hide many underlying principles. To truly learn technology without falling into obscurity, you must first solidly master C, C++, and the foundational knowledge mentioned earlier. Although this is a tough process (do not dream of mastering it in 221 days—unless you are born into a computer science family). With this foundation, learning these trendy things will only take a few weeks.
4. Programming Is Not Difficult! The Way Lies in the Basics
Compared to learning English, programming is actually much easier. After all, a programming language's "vocabulary" consists of only a few dozen words, and its grammar is not complex. What takes time is learning the foundational computer knowledge, but the "way" lies within, so it must be studied. The "Way of Programming" series is designed as scripture for those who seek to cultivate the "way of programming technology." We hope that while studying this series, you can also take foundational courses mentioned earlier or study them in advance.
The "Way of Programming" series is divided into two levels: introductory and advanced. Each level covers a range of widely used programming languages and development tools. The introductory level is designed for those with no programming background or only a little experience, covering basic syntax to basic applications with comprehensive attention. The advanced level is designed for those with programming experience, aiming to improve programming skills and in-depth application of development tools in specific professional directions, including database, network, Internet, multimedia, etc. Using .NET technology, programmers can develop powerful programs with higher efficiency. This textbook is specifically written for beginners of Visual Basic .NET, suitable for readers with no programming experience or those with experience in Visual Basic or other programming languages.
The textbook is divided into 12 chapters, primarily using an example-based teaching method. The first half of the book explains basic syntax, program structure, and object-oriented knowledge through specific examples, avoiding the problem of beginners learning only theoretical knowledge without practical application. The second half mainly introduces the development of applications using Visual Basic .NET, such as Windows Forms programs, multimedia programs, database applications, network programs, and ASP.NET Web applications. Finally, a case study of an online bookstore is used to summarize the knowledge of Visual Basic .NET.
The textbook is also accompanied by a multimedia teaching CD-ROM, which includes demonstrations of most examples in the book, aiming to help readers learn Visual Basic .NET more intuitively and effectively. Additionally, the source code files for all examples in the textbook are also included on the CD-ROM.