Visual Basic
In general, Visual Basic 6.0 is simple to learn and use.
Its interpreting debugger is great ... you can actually change
code while it is running and it works as expected.
(Uh, actually, it also hangs a lot.
Be sure to save before using!)
However, there are 2 major drawbacks.
- The minimum distribution package is greater than 1 floppy.
This is because the VB 6.0 run-time
(1.3 Meg by itself) must be included.
- Every time you create a new form or code file,
you must remember to specify the directory where you want it stored.
There is no default setting to specify that new code for a specific
project should default to a specific directory.
As a result of the lost time and pain caused by these 2 defects alone,
I recomend not using VB 6.0 for anything
more complex than simply learning to program.
(Of course, I'm not allowed to practice what I preach since
my company won't let me use anything else !(
Notes
Help and Examples
(Especially, the Lack of it)
Installation (Requires installation of IE 4.72)
Converting VB 3 apps to VB 6 (Lots of work here)
Distribution (Usually 3 floppies, 2 min,
too complex for simple programs)
Library Source Code - A number of routines that I use
References
xx
Other than MSComm32.ocx, it is not clear what MS VB6 Pro provides
that the standard edition is missing.
According to the .bas help,
ActiveX Documents, ActiveX Designers, and User Controls
are also included.
Also Database Access is missing in the standard edition.
Loading VB 6.0 loads IE 4.7, there is no choice.
Some VB 6.0 programs that you write require that
you distribute IE 4.7, otherwise, your
programs won't work.
(BTW, IE 4.7 works pretty good - but
IE 4.40.308 was worthless.
It should never be used. Ever.)
Author: Robert Clemenzi -
clemenzi@cpcug.org