Lesson 5

Coder's Log: 2008.06


I just finished Lesson 5...

Lesson 5: Using Branching and Recursion

This lesson explains how you can use conditional logic and looping constructs in your applications. You’ll also learn about an array and how you can use looping logic to read and write values from an array.

Video Duration: 26 minutes, 06 seconds

Notes:

Branching Statements - If/Then , Select Case
Arrays - collection/group or related values
Arrays should be the same data type
Recursion Statements - loop thru/navigate each item in an array one at a time
Recursion Statements - For Each / For ... Next / Do While ... Loop

Lesson 4

Coder's Log: 2008.05


I just finished lesson 4...

Lesson 4: Working with Variables, Expressions, Statements, and Operators

This lesson explains what a variable is and how to use them in your applications. You’ll also learn the difference between expressions and statements and how you can use operators, like the addition operator (+) in your code.

Video Duration: 29 minutes, 55 seconds

Notes:

• Visual Basic is NOT a case-sensitive language!
• Strings and Variables
• Numeric Data Types Integer/Double/Boolean
• Variable Name (no quotes) - e.g. a bucket/container
• String Literal (with quotes) - e.g. the content itself
• Explicit (programmer code) and implicit (handled by VB) data type conversions.
• Best practice is to do the conversion yourself (explicit).
  
• Parse
  
• Expressions vs Statements - "Expressions can be Evaluated... Statements can be executed."

Lesson 3

Coder's Log: 2008.04

I just finished lesson 3...

Lesson 3: Writing Code to Handle Events and Set Properties

This lesson gives an overview of an event handler and explains how to write code to react to events. You will learn how to set properties for controls, as well as how to use IntelliSense, add comments to your code, and use code regions.

Video Duration: 24 minutes, 44 seconds

Notes:

• Intellisense
• Comment your code.
• Method
• Event/event handler
• Region / roll-ups
• Enable line numbers

Public Class Form1

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

' This is a code comment.

TextBox1.Text = "Hello World"
TextBox1.Text = "Hello World"

' this is a hyperlink to comment:
' http://codext.blogspot.com/

End Sub

#Region " this is a region "

' this is a code region. in this case
' it contains nothing in particular...
' but we'll use regions in our project
' to better organize our code.
#End Region

End Class

Lesson 2

Coder's Log: 2008.03b

I just finished lesson 2. I followed the instruction video, then modified some of the strings (names, products, title) after the tutorial.

Lesson 2: Creating a Windows Application User Interface

This lesson covers the basics of the Visual Studio IDE. Topics include the Toolbox and Properties window, as well as controls such as the button, label, MenuStrip, StatusStrip, and ToolStrip.

Video Duration: 43 minutes, 11 seconds

Notes:

• Any FOOL can learn from his OWN mistakes, but a WISE man learns from the mistakes of OTHERS.
• Arrange controls in columns and rows.
• Use standard fonts and colors.
• Use standard names/descriptions for controls.
• Choose correct control for the given task.
• Set the Tab Order.

Lesson 1

Coder's Log: 2008.04

I just finished:

Lesson 1: Getting Started with Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition

This lesson provides an overview of the series, including the RSS Reader project. Additionally, you will learn how to create your first "Hello World" application.

Duration: 24 minutes, 26 seconds

New Look!

Coder's Log: 2008.03

I have just created a new header for my blog using Photoshop CS2. Cheers to all! 8)

Learning Resources for Visual Basic Express

Coder's Log: 2008.02

I have decided to shift from REALbasic to Visual Basic 2008 Express.

I found this learning site:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700732.aspx#beginners

This video series is designed specifically for individuals who are interested in learning the basics of creating applications using Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition. The series includes over 10 hours of video-based instruction that walks you through creating your first "Hello World" application to a fully functioning RSS Reader application. Learn how to write your first application today!!

Downloading all videos and project files...

CH1 - Hello World!

Coder's Log: 2008.01c
I have just finished Chapter 1, in which I learned to:

1. Create a new REALbasic project.
2. Build the graphical user interface.
3. Modify window and control properties.
4. Add program code.
5. Test and compile the application.

That was easy... I'll proceed to chapter 2.

REALbasic Professional Edition

Coder's Log: 2008.01b

As posted on the official page.
--

REALbasic is a rapid application development environment that enables developers to create high-quality, native software for Windows, Mac and Linux.

REALbasic includes:

• an integrated environment designed for developer productivity
• a modern, object oriented programming language
• a cross-platform object framework
• a cross compiler that produces native executables

REALbasic is used to create all types of applications, including database clients, commercial software, custom business solutions, educational products and more. In fact, REALbasic itself is written in REALbasic.

Download the trial here.

--

The book that I am using for reference utilized REALbasic 2006 for instruction (the latest version during the writing of the book). To date, REALbasic is on version 2008 Release 3.1. I was able to get a copy of version 2007 Release 5 for Windows, which I will use for the time being (shown below) because I believe it is not much outdated yet and it is closest to version 2006.

Baginning REALbasic

Coder's Log: 2008.01

After trying many programming packages, I have finally decided to learn REALbasic. To guide me in this quest is the book Beginning REALbasic: From Novice to Professional by Jerry Lee Ford Jr.


I hope I am in the right path....