Visual Basic is one of the most popular programming languages today for several reasons: it is easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to write applications. However, there are many issues with this “old-fashioned” language. The following tools and resources can help you enhance your productivity.
I. Supporting Software:
1. Notepad++: This is a great text editor for programming code. Using it, you can manage your code snippets very easily. Download it at: http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/
2. Code Smart 2005 for VB6: An add-in that provides additional support for VB 6 and VB 5, very useful for managing sources with multiple forms and modules. This software is extremely valuable for VB developers. Download it at: http://www.axtools.com/
3. VBLibrary: A program made in Vietnam that includes guides for using 120 basic functions, some API functions, and dozens of unique tricks that are very beneficial for programmers. Download it at: www.caulacbovb.com (Note: The 120 basic functions are from anhdung on www.manguon.com, but this “group” claims to be made in “their own way.” Regardless, we appreciate their contributions to the Vietnamese VB programming community.)
4. API-Guide: This is quite famous and is used to look up and guide API functions with examples. Download it at: www.allapi.net
5. ApiViewer 2004: Similar to the API Text Viewer included in the VB installation, but with a better interface, more functions, and additional features. Download it at: http://www.activevb.de/rubriken/apiviewer/index-apiviewereng.html
II. Some Notable Sources:
1. Animated GIF format images in VB: http://www.vb-helper.com/HowTo/anigif.zip
2. A collection of 13 beautiful button styles; if you don’t use these, it would be a “waste” for an entire program:
http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=37471&lngWId=1
3. A relatively attractive CheckBox template:
http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=62116&lngWId=1
4. Like idea 3, this is also a very beautiful button style, reminiscent of “Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van”: http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=61476&lngWId=1
5. A very professional tooltip: http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=59810&lngWId=1
6. A noteworthy source is a very beautiful menu source, especially customizable with fonts, similar to Windows XP: http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=40518&lngWId=1
7. Skin All (a self-given name but completely accurate, as “the name says it all”) with 16 customizable interfaces along with the source, this deserves the title of “Top Source”: http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=40685&lngWId=1
III. Some Useful Websites:
1. www.visualbasic.ar: A website with some beautiful interface styles that may be needed by developers during software creation.
2. www.vbcode.com: A website focused on sources and code snippets specifically for VB, no registration needed, with some sources and code snippets also sent via email.
3. www.planetsourcecode.com (or www.pscode.com): Similar to www.vbcode.com but this site has more sources and code snippets, and appears to be more “bustling” than www.vbcode.com, although the login process can be a bit annoying.
4. www.allapi.net: A website for online lookup of API functions (previously introduced in the software section).
5. www.vovisoft.com: A Vietnamese website very suitable for beginners.
6. www.caulacbovb.com: This is a Vietnamese forum focused on VB, very good but not as “busy” and “lively” as larger forums.
7. www.manguon.com: This is an IT forum that operates in various fields, quite lively.
8. http://www.edu.net.vn/Default.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=6&mid=6: There are many resources to learn VB, including both eBooks and sources, especially noteworthy are many collections of useful sources, although they are relatively large in size.
Le Nguyen Dung
Email: [email protected]
