Visual Basic (VB) is one of the oldest programming languages still in use today, having been developed in 1991 by Microsoft to compete with other programming languages of the time such as C++, Fortran, and COBOL.
Visual Basic, Microsoft’s interpreted, object-oriented programming language, has been around since the early ‘90s and has stayed popular ever since due to its flexibility, ease of use, and wide array of available resources.
Checkout These Amazing Books
$68,520
As of November 29, 2021, an average salary of a Visual Basic Developer in the United States is $68,520. The salary range of a Visual Basic Developer typically falls between $61,298 and $76,815. Data from salary.com
Whether you’re new to the Visual Basic platform or just looking to expand your programming knowledge with some books on specific topics, this list of 10 best Visual Basic books will have you covered.
Highlights
• With Visual Basic books like these, no programming topic will ever fall beyond your understanding
• You will not need to look elsewhere when learning Visual Basic
• The books cover tutorials on anything Visual Basic related
• These books explain complex programming concepts
• The books demonstrates how Visual Basic can be applied to solve everyday problems
DISCLAIMER: MoneyMintz is reader-supported. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may sometimes earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
List of the Best Visual Basic Books
1. Learn Visual Basic
by Philip Conrod, Lou Tylee
Best Suited For : Beginners to Intermediate
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Learn Visual Basic 2019 Edition: A Step-By-Step Programming by Philip Conrod, Lou Tylee — Philip Conrod has authored, co-authored and edited over two dozen computer programming books over the past thirty years. Philip holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s certificate in the Essentials of Business Development from Regis University. Today, Philip serves as the President & Publisher of Kidware Software LLC which is based in Maple Valley, Washington.
Lou Tylee has a BS, MS and PhD in mechanical engineering. He has written several books about programming.
If you’re looking to start programming in Visual Basic, Learn Visual Basic 2019 Edition is a great way to get started. The book has been around for decades and is one of the best-selling Visual Basic books in history. It covers every aspect of Visual Basic from writing basic programs to designing Windows applications and more. Definitely worth picking up as a beginner’s book.
Reviews
As an introduction to Visual Basic, the book is well-written, easy-to-read, and up-to-date with plenty of practice exercises.
Perfect for those who want to learn to use Visual Basic. Very detailed, more files are available for download, which is a big plus.
The book is full of lots of exercises and problems combined with the solution. In my opinion, for any one trying to learn Visual Basic should start with this book.
2. Visual Basic in Easy Steps
by Mike McGrath
Best Suited For : Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Visual Basic in Easy Steps: Updated for Visual Basic 2019 6th Edition by Mike McGrath — Mike McGrath gained extensive knowledge of computer languages while working as a developer contracting for companies around the world. He has written many In Easy Steps books on various topics.
This book by Mike McGrath provides an excellent introductory overview of Microsoft’s popular programming language.
The book is filled with practical examples, as well as step-by-step instructions. Beginning with a tour of how to develop a simple Windows program using Visual Studio, it goes on to explore data management, screen layouts, and event handling.
The chapters follow a logical progression that builds on skills learned in earlier sections. Each chapter closes with exercises to help readers review concepts and solidify their understanding of key points covered in previous lessons.
Reviews
This book was exactly what I needed to begin to adapt to the programming world I once knew. The examples are well written and explained, and best of all they work! Most everything you need to get started is in this book.
The author explains concepts well using examples and exercises. I am new to programming and I recommend this book.
Read: Best PowerShell Books to Learn for Newbies and Experienced
3. Programming with Microsoft Visual Basic
by Diane Zak
Best Suited For : Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Programming with Microsoft Visual Basic 2017 (MindTap Course List) 8th Edition by Diane Zak — Diane Zak holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. She has also done her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and a Master of Arts degree in Adult and Continuing Education. She most recently served as professor at College of DuPage in Illinois.
This textbook, which is a primer on computer programming, focuses on teaching users how to program with Microsoft Visual Basic. The topics covered in this book include object-oriented programming, events, and controls.
This textbook also contains many exercises that readers can complete to test their knowledge.
This study guide is meant to be used in an academic setting and come complete with lecture notes and a set of practice exams.
Reviews
This is a good book to get help for college classes and exercises. The MindMap makes the learning and memorization easy and fun.
4. Visual Basic and Algorithmic Thinking for the Complete Beginner
by Aristides S. Bouras
Best Suited For : Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Visual Basic and Algorithmic Thinking for the Complete Beginner (2nd Edition): Learn to Think Like a Programmer by Aristides S. Bouras
Aristides S. Bouras was born in 1973. Aristides is an engineer who has worked as a software engineer. He has a degree in Computer Engineering from the Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, and a Dipl. Eng. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Democritus University of Thrace. He has written several books on computational thinking through the use of Python, Java, C#, PHP, C++, and Visual Basic programming.
If you’re looking to get started with programming and want to choose a language that will help you learn how to think like a programmer, go with Visual Basic.
The syntax is straightforward, it’s possible to dive right in without any previous knowledge of programming languages, and—bonus!—it’s very easy to use within Microsoft Office.
In other words, there aren’t many hurdles standing between you and building your first program (which is always satisfying). This book is a great choice if you want a solid introduction to coding that touches on all important concepts.
Reviews
This book provides a clear, concise and organized teaching method that allows for the fact the user is a complete beginner in programming. I am a big fan of this book.
The basics of Visual Basic programming are presented in a detailed manner in this book, which are easily understandable for beginners. This book also provides practical guidance in using the Visual Studio IDE. This book is very easy to follow and go along with.
5. Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours
by James Foxall
Best Suited For : Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself 1st Edition by James Foxall — James Foxall is President and CEO of Tigerpaw Software, a commercial software company. He has a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Management of Information Systems. James has written about 15 books that have been published around the world.
This is definitely one of my favorite Visual Basic books. The book starts by introducing Visual Basic, teaching you all its basics and programming concepts.
You’ll be able to complete Visual Basic application development projects by applying your new knowledge to real-world scenarios.
This book uses a simple learning method: each chapter deals with a specific concept, accompanied by hands-on examples and an exercise section at the end of each chapter that lets you practice what you’ve learned so far.
Code snippets accompany most explanations, so you can see exactly how everything works as it should do. It is definitely one of the best books out there! If you want to learn Visual Basic faster than ever before, give it a try now!
Reviews
This is a basic level book that I recommend everyone to read before they start with Visual Studio VB.NET. One of the best books on programming that I have come across in recent years.
I highly recommend this book to a fresher wanting to learn Visual Basic. The book contains very precise explanations, with hands-on practice.
This book won’t make you a master, but it is a great way to ease yourself into being productive with Visual Basic in the shortest possible time.
6. An Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic
by David Schneider
Best Suited For: Beginners to Intermediate
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic, 10th Edition by David Schneider — David I. Schneider has spent over 32 years teaching at the University of Maryland. He has published 28 books in the last 18 years, including his Visual Basic Series with Prentice Hall. His best-selling Visual Basic texts have been successfully used for many years and have been consistently praised by students and instructors alike.
This textbook is an excellent way to learn programming, and some of its authors (including Schneider) are working on a new edition that should be released within a year.
The current edition comes in two versions: one for Windows and one for Apple Macs.
If you want to create programs only for Windows computers, use that version; if you’re interested in writing apps that will run on Macs as well as PCs, go with the other book.
Either way, it’s probably your best choice if you’re looking to learn Visual Basic from scratch. It covers everything from variables and flow control statements to using arrays and collections, creating classes, and developing Internet-based applications with Microsoft ActiveX technology.
7. Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic
by David Schneider
Best Suited For : Beginners / College Students
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic, 11th Edition by David Schneider — David I. Schneider spent 32 years teaching at the University of Maryland. He has published over 28 books. He is the author of several best-selling texts, including his Visual Basic Series. His best-selling Visual Basic books have been successfully used for many years and have received consistent praise from both students and instructors.
This is one of my favorite books to recommend to people who want to learn programming with a visual-based language. The examples in Schneider’s book are well organized and very easy to follow along with.
There are also helpful tips and insights scattered throughout that will make your learning experience even more fun.
This book is a must-have if you want to learn basic programming skills in Visual Basic!
Reviews
Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic, 11th edition, is an improved version with plenty of additions over the 10th edition. I strongly recommend this book for programming students.
8. Starting Out With Visual Basic
by Tony Gaddis, Kip Irvine
Best Suited For: Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Starting Out With Visual Basic 8th Edition by Tony Gaddis, Kip Irvine — Tony Gaddis is the principal author of the Starting Out With series of textbooks. Tony has over two decades of experience teaching computer science courses. He was voted as “Teacher of the Year”. His books, Starting Out With series, include introductory books covering C++, Java Microsoft C# Python, Microsoft Visual Basic Programming Logic and Design Alice and App Inventor all published by Pearson.
Kip Irvine holds MS and DMA degrees from the University of Miami. His published textbooks include “COBOL for the IBM Personal Computer”, “Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers”, “C++ and Object-Oriented Programming”, and “Advanced Visual Basic .NET”.
Rich in concise, practical examples, Starting Out With Visual Basic covers the tools and features of Visual Basic, and when and how to use them. The authors introduce the fundamentals of Visual Basic in clear, easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to novice programming students.
Students not only learn how to use the various controls, constructs, and features of Visual Basic, but also why and when to use them. The 8th Edition includes updates for compatibility with Visual Studio 2017.
Reviews
Starting Out With Visual Basic 8th Edition is a good book for students willing to learn Visual Basic as it covers plenty of exercises and examples for students to follow and learn.
9. Visual Basic and Databases
by Philip Conrod, Lou Tylee
Best Suited For : Beginners
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Visual Basic and Databases 2019 Edition by Philip Conrod, Lou Tylee — Philip Conrod has authored over two dozen computer programming books over the past thirty years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s certificate in the Essentials of Business Development from Regis University.
Lou Tylee holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Electrical Engineering. He has taught computer programming courses for over 15 years at the University of Washington.
This is one of my favorite books on Visual Basic. It covers more than just how to make a database, it also covers other ways you can use databases and how they work with different components such as Excel, etc.
The book is concise yet comprehensive, making it a good choice for beginners and those who have some experience with Visual Basic. This book will teach you what you need to know about databases to be successful with Visual Basic.
Reviews
The presentation is first class and the contents in this book is logically presented. It covers all the topics well. The book is good for using both Access and SQL.
Read: 18 Best Books to Learn Cyber Security for Beginners and Security Professionals
10. Microsoft Visual Basic 2017 for Windows, Web, and Database Applications
by Corinne Hoisington
Best Suited For : Beginners / Students
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Microsoft Visual Basic 2017 for Windows, Web, and Database Applications: Comprehensive by Corinne Hoisington — Corinne Hoisington is a full-time professor of Information Systems Technology at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Virginia. With more than 25 years of experience, she has been recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award winner in Computer Programming. She has written over 30 textbooks.
This is an introductory guide to Microsoft’s popular programming language that offers a complete tutorial on all of its major features. This book will also help you understand how Visual Basic can interact with HTML and CSS, as well as XML and database management systems.
If you’ve been eyeing a future in web development, then it’s probably time to start learning how to program – so why not do it with one of Microsoft’s most popular tools?
This book was written specifically with students in mind. Hoisington teaches basic concepts like variables and loops while offering tips on debugging and using Visual Basic as a front-end interface – which is becoming more common now that Microsoft has made its software compatible with Apple products.
11. Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365
by Richard Mansfield
Best Suited For : Beginners to Advanced
Click Here for Customer Reviews on Amazon
Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 by Richard Mansfield — This book by Richard Mansfield is one of my favorite books on VBA.
This book is perfect for beginners who are seeking to understand everything about programming in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It includes everything from basic programming skills to more advanced skills like using functions and forms.
Though it isn’t a huge book, its 15 chapters provide more than enough material to make you proficient at VBA. The fact that it is written in a very user-friendly manner with clear examples makes things even better! All in all, an excellent beginner’s guide!
Free Resources to Learn Visual Basic
If you’re looking to learn Visual Basic online for free, there are a number of great websites and tools available to you. From quality blogs that can teach you everything from beginner level through advanced Visual Basic topics, to web development toolkits with preinstalled VB code libraries and tutorials—these free resources have it all. And best of all?
These sites are updated constantly, so even if they’ve been around for awhile, chances are they still contain useful info! So without further ado…here is our list of awesome (and totally free) Visual Basic learning resources:
You can find plenty of online resources to learn Visual Basic. There are some popular platforms where you can learn Visual Basic such as Udemy, Coursera, and Alison to name a few.
FAQs
What is Visual Baisc used for?
Visual Basic is a third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft for its Component Object Model (COM) programming model first released in 1991. It was designed to let beginners quickly write simple applications for Windows using a variety of easily available tools. Visual Basic .NET was released in 2001, and later renamed to Visual Basic 2005 after Visual Studio 2005. With its decline in popularity, it is still actively supported although Microsoft focuses on promoting C# as part of .NET.
Is Visual Basic still used in 2022?
Visual Basic has been around for 25 years, and according to John McBride of Microsoft, it will be an important part of Microsoft’s strategy going forward well into 2022. Visual Basic is one of three programming languages used in Microsoft’s .NET platform.
Is Visual Basic good for beginners?
If you’re new to programming, Visual Basic is a great choice. It’s easy to learn, relatively simple and straightforward, and doesn’t take a lot of time to master. For example, Paul Grevink’s Visual Basics Primer is intended for beginners—and it only takes about six hours or so to read through. Additionally, Visual Studio comes with lots of different tools to make your life easier when writing code.
Is Visual Basic difficult to learn?
Visual Basic is one of those coding languages that’s pretty easy to learn. The creators of Visual Basic did a great job at making it simple enough for just about anyone to pick up, regardless of their skill level with programming.
Is Python similar to Visual Basic?
The topic of programming languages is complex and often misunderstood, making it difficult to know what to choose for a new application.
To help clarify things, we’ve compared two of today’s most popular programming languages: Python and Visual Basic. When you’re deciding which language is best for your application, understanding how they compare can make all the difference.
We’ll show you key differences between these powerful languages below so that you can have a deeper understanding of each when designing your next project.
Founded in 1990 by Guido van Rossum, Python is considered one of programming’s great success stories—and it only continues to grow in popularity as more and more developers embrace its simple syntax, logical structures, and clear rules for coding practice. Read on to see how these features are used in tandem with Visual Basic in various applications; you might be surprised at just how well they mesh.
Having been created in 1991 by Microsoft developer Charles Simonyi, Visual Basic is a proprietary rapid application development (RAD) language developed specifically for Microsoft platforms. You might recognize some similarities between its name and that of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, Windows—but while these two may have similar names, they are actually quite different animals.
Should I learn VBA or Python first?
Both VBA and Python are excellent programming languages to learn for data scientists. Python is generally considered more friendly to beginners than VBA, but also requires a steeper learning curve. Master both VBA and Python and you’ll be well on your way to mastering data science!
Is Visual Basic still in demand?
Visual Basic, or VB as it’s known, is a language that was developed by Microsoft to facilitate rapid application development (RAD). It was introduced in 1991 and enjoyed huge success; by 2005, its market share among new programmers had fallen to less than 2%. But while demand for VB has been waning in recent years, there are still a few jobs you can find related to Visual Basic.
Read: 19 Best Kubernetes Books For Beginners and Experts
Conclusion
Visual Basic has loads of great books on topics like database programming and other topics. When you’re looking for information on specific topics within Visual Basic, these books will cover everything you need.
It’s important to have a good grasp of Visual Basic if you want to become an expert programmer.
Thankfully, there are some great books out there that can help with this. We’ve included a list of the best Visual Basic Books for you above. If you’d like more information on our Visual Basic training courses, visit our website or drop us an email!
Latest Articles
- Get Custom African American Character Illustrations with Any Hairstyle
- Transform Your Look with Rasaline’s Expert Hairstyle and Fashion Advice
- Study Smarter, Not Harder: Your Ultimate Guide to Academic Success
- 7 Essential Tools to Boost Your Productivity at Work and Home
- 8 Daily Routines of Highly Productive People You Can Copy
