Visual Basic
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Definition
Visual Basic can be defined as integrated development environment (IDE), and an event-driven and third-generation programming language. The language is developed by Microsoft for the purpose of the COM programming model.
It was initially released in the year 1991 and was declared a legacy in the year 2008. The language was developed in a manner that made it easy to use and learn.
History of Visual Basic
The first version of visual basic, VB 1.0, was announced in the year 1991. The creation of user interface through a drag and drop design was inspired a beta generator that was developed by Alan Cooper at Tripod, which was Cooper’s company.
Microsoft entered into a contract with Cooper and his partners to create Tripod into a system that is programmable for Windows 3.0. This system was developed under the code name of Ruby, which has no relationship with the Ruby Programming Language.
Tripod did not have any programming language at all. Microsoft then decided to use Ruby in combination with basic language to develop visual basic.
The interface of Ruby contributed the “visual” component of the Visual Basic programming language. This was then amalgamated with the Embedded BASIC engine that was developed for the ceased “Omega” database system of Microsoft.
The introduction of version 5.0, in the month of February in 1997, Microsoft exclusively released a visual basic that was compatible with 32-bit Microsoft Windows versions. The programmers who had a preference for writing programs in 16-bit could do it in versions between 4.0 and 5.0. In addition to that the programs written Visual Basic 5.0 can be converted to Version 4.0 programs in an easy manner. The version 5.0 also has the ability of compilation with native execution code of Windows, and introduction of custom user controls.
The introduction of Visual Basic 6.0 was made in the middle of 1998. This version also came with a number of enhancements, including the striking ability of creating web based applications. The extended support for Visual Basic 6.0 was ceased in the month of March in 2008. The basic parts of development environment of Visual Basic 6, however, still run in all the 32-bit Microsoft windows, including Windows 8.1.
After the cessation of mainstream and extended support for Visual Basic 6.0 caused a number of programs to show concern. The community members then created a lobby of users and a petition was signed by them. The basic aim of this petition was to ensure that the product remains alive. However, the petition did not attain its aim effectively.