Is it worth buying Visual Basic 6 ?

Since SolidWorks uses Visual Basic 6 for its API, is it worth buying
the full Visual Basic 6 for more advanced programming? Most Visual
Basic 6 books have examples that require the full Visual Basic.

Since VB 6 is 3 releases behind the current VB, anyone purchase VB 6
recently? If so, from what reseller?

 

If you are serious about doing API programming, VB6 is worth it. I have
written some very complex programs in VB6 and have not hit a wall yet
that I couldn't get around. There are lots of support sites and lots of
good programmers to help you out. The SW API supports almost all
functions for VB. There are a few that you need C++ for, but they are
few and far between and there are always work arounds.

The VB6 development environment is robust and fully loaded with
debugging tools and management tools. Great setup. Highly recommended.

 

Fred, does SW support the newer versions of VB? It looks like VB 6 is
about 3 releases behind the current VB.

Im trying to find a reputable company online that is selling VB 6.
Since its an older version, I dont see many places offering it. Do you
know of a reputable source to purchase VB 6 ?

 

I cannot imagine that later versions would not support earlier versions
of VB. That would be ridiculous. VB4 worked fine and I bought into VB6
about 4 years ago and find no reason to go higher. VB6 has a much
better development environment than VB4. If I upgrade, it would
probably be to .NET but that is outrageously expensive. Don't know if
you can still purchase VB6. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

Microsoft has officially dropped support for VB6, and I would conclude
therefor that it is no longer in production. Any vendor you find will
be selling old inventory (not that it goes stale or has an expiration
date ;-) )

http://www.classicvb.org/

Dave

 

VB.Net 2005 Express Edition is a free unlimited license until November
2007 Download it and learn it. VB6 is on it's way out. There is
still a great following of VB6 mostly because the jump to .NET requires
a bit of retraining that most old timers either don't have the time for
or they don't have the patience for. Learn .NET now and you won't have
to retrain yourself in a few years.

Corey

 

Actually....MS decided to make all the express editions free forever.

From http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/support/faq/ :

10. How much will these products cost?


Effective April 19th, 2006, all Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions
are free permanently. This pricing covers all Visual Studio 2005 Express
Editions including Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, Visual J#, and
Visual Web Developer as well as all localized versions of Visual Studio
Express.

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition has always been and will continue to be
a free download.

11. Visual Studio 2005 Express was previously promotionally discounted
to free for a year, why did you decide to change the price to free
permanently?


Previously, we announced that Visual Studio Express would be available
for a promotional price of one year. We have now extended that period so
that Visual Studio 2005 will be free permanently.

 

Would I be able to use VB.Net 2005 Express with SolidWorks ?

 

The main advantages of using full VB (VB6 or VB.net):
--You can compile your script so it runs faster
--You can create addins (with toolbars and menu items)
--You have access to some items that VBA doeas not license (like common
dialog)

If you need any or all of these, go to full VB. Otherwise, stick to
VBA.

VB6 is most similar to VBA (macro language), making the transition
smoother. VB.net is current and has fewer issues with distributing
compiled applications. BTW "express" versions do not allow you to
compile your code.

VB6 is available dirt cheap on eBay. The one I bought was <$200 and a
full legal license which I registered w/ MS.

 

I just did some scrounging on VB 2005 and the Express edition. The best
and most coherent description I found is on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic_.NET

It looks like if you are just getting started, or if your programing is
pretty light, the VB 2005 (What used to be VB.NET) is probably a better
way to go. Some of my stuff has thousands of lines of code accumulated
over 10 years of SWAPI programming and, as the article points out, I
don't have time or energy to convert - this programming is not my day
job.

Still, it seems worthwhile to download and start learning for future
projects.

Does anyone out there have experience with VB 2005 and how it works
with the SWAPI?

 

.. "BTW "express" versions do not allow you to
compile your code."

I believe it does. I have created compiled Dlls and Exes could you
show me where you are getting this information. The thing you can't do
is create an install application. This isn't as necessary with .Net
since dlls don't have to be registered as they used to. I have
installed SolidWorks Addins by simply placing the files on the hard
drive and running them through Regasm manually and dropping them on
solidworks, it is really easy. The great thing is if you have an addin
project that has 6 dlls in it you only have to register the main dll
that is the addin itself all the supporting dlls don't need to be
compiled.

I have created a few addins for solidworks using VB.NET 2005 Express.
I have also worked with an addin using VB6. I find the interface for
VB.net 2005 is much more intuitive and has a code finisher that is
lightyears beyond what VB6 has. You can also add descriptions to your
methods that will show up in the code finisher so you know what each
sub does without having to go review it in your code or notes. You can
inherit objects so if you have an object that is close to what you need
a new class to be you can inherit it and add and block properties as
desired, greatly speeding up development. I feel hands down that
Visual Studio Express 2005 is going to be the best choice for a person
who is just getting their feet wet. It is extreemely powerful and
intuitive and feature rich, and won't require a paradigm shift in a few
years. Transition to macro language isn't too steep you are just more
limited in what you can do as compared with .NET.

 

Yes there is an SDK on the solidworks website that when installed will
create a base .NET addin with examples of how to interact with
SolidWorks including Menus and Toolbars.

 

Maybe I'm worng.

The VB versions that came on CD's that came with the books I bought did
not compile. I thought these were "Express" versions. Maybe they were
called something else.

 

I think they must be. I downloaded it from Microsoft.com and it has
everything you need to create a powerfull addin for SolidWorks. As I
understand the enterprise version has more Database tools and the
ability to create installation applications, plus it has Visual Source
Safe.( A PDM or PLM tool). For anything SwMonkey is going to be
delving into it will be more than adequate.