When is the next version of VB coming out? (Visual

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I am about to start re-learning visual basic. The last time I used it was version 2 about 10 years ago. Is VB .net 2003 going to be around for a while, or is there a new version that might be worth waiting for?

Thanks,

John Littell

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Visual Studio 2005 (which includes Visual Basic.NET, C#, and Visual J#) is coming out right around the corner (probably Q3 2005).

The good news is that it’s more of an update to VB.NET (2003) than a total reworking of the language (like going from VB6 to VB.NET). So if you decide to learn VB.NET (2003) you’ll be quite comfortable with 2005.

The biggest challenge for most VB developers learning .NET is understanding the concepts and application of Object Oriented Analysis and Design. That was really hard for me at first, but I finally got the hang of it. I even switched to C# and found it even more comfortable to work with OO concepts there than in VB, although realistically they’re about the same with that type of thing.

Hope this helps!

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Mark,
Thank you for your information. It is much appreciated. Do you happen to know if Visual Basic 2005 will be released as a standalone package?

Thanks again,

John Littell

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Yes, I believe Visual Basic 2005 will also be released as a standalone package. In addition to the “full” edition of VB, they will also be releasing an Express version (priced around $50 US) for beginners or light users to learn the product. Check the Microsoft websites for more details…

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Mark,

Thanks, that sounds like a plan.

John

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VS .NET 2005 is due for release in Nov 2005.

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Thanks Howard. Only five months to wait.

John

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Hi

Visual Basic 2005 Beta is actually downloadable now !!
Check the MSDN or Microsoft sites for details.

I have a copy and am becoming more interested in it day by day.
One of its functionalities is the drag and drop database connections which looks really easy.

I wish this would have been out some time ago before I went heavily into Access.

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Dave,
Your mention of “drag and drop database connections” looks interesting as Visual Basic for Access (not plain VB which I will have to relearn) is my primary language.

Thanks for the info,

John

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VS 2005 does have worthwhile enhancements over VS 2003 but still, as I understand it, lacks a means to protect compiled code from prying eyes.

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Check out Dotfuscator. A lightweight version of this has been included with Visual Studio since 2003 (possibly even since 2002 – I just can’t remember).

This tool/add-in will accomplish the goal of protecting your code.

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I knew about that.

Obfuscation is not a secure method of code protection.
Not to mention, the way dotfuscator works, it adds an extra layer of possibilitues for breaking code.
I’m looking for real compiled protection, and that can be supplied only by .NET itself, by MSFT has decided that they they do not care to protect our code.

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That might be Microsoft’s contribution to the “open source” movement — its customers’ code.

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