What is Visual basic? and what is it used for? can it be used to game programming?

I have an ebook that is called MS Visual Basic Game Programming for Teens. The other ebook that i have required you to buy a software for $700 which was ridiculous!! So im hoping you don't need to purchase anything for this ebook! Do i also need directX? please help!

What is Visual basic? and what is it used for? can it be used to game programming?
You can do 99% of anything that any other language does, in visual basic. VB is my language of choice.





Here is a link to a free version of VB. It will do everything you need it to do including games. After you learn more about programming, you will need to upgrade to at least the standard version which is about 150 bucks. Here is the link:


http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/expres...





This is not a trial offer my MS. You are allowed to use the program as long as you wish.





A simple warning to you is that if you have never programmed before you are entering one of the hardest aspects of any programming language: game development.





DirectX and OpenGL can both be used on the express version of VB (in the link above).





But, If you do not understand the basics of programming yet I will promise you that you will become discouraged and stop your interest in programming.





I suggest that you learn the basics- advanced concepts of programming. To start I would have you read a book called vb 2005 step by step.





After you read that book it will be evident which areas of programming interest you. Buy some more books in that area, get it down pat and then dive into the games.





P.S. the directX SDK and OenGL SDK which help you while you are programming are also free.
Reply:I can't imagine how they could justify a $700 program. All you should need is a text editor, which you can find for free. There are some advanced ones out there which would make things easier for $10 or so.
Reply:visual basic is a programming language.





"FreeBASIC – FreeBASIC is an open source (under GPL), 32-bit compiler. It is designed to be syntax compatible with QuickBASIC, while expanding on the language and capabilities. It compiles for DOS, Microsoft Windows and Linux, and is being ported to other platforms."





I don't know much about FreeBASIC, but it might help with some of the cost issues.
Reply:Visual Basic is a GUI (Graphical Unit Interface) based programming language. Visual basic is used for making several programs. Eg, Microsoft's Calculator is written by Visual Basic. As I have done visual basic, it is the easiest language in terms of code writing. I'm not sure about making games by it. See, mesage boxes and dialog boxes are all created using Visual Basic. Visual Basic is a designing type program that consists of designing programs' look i.e grapichal interface that the user sees as well as code writing.
Reply:You may find your answer here





http://www.freetutes.com/VisualBasic