Microsoft Visual Basic

This page covers classic Visual Basic (VB 1 to 6), it does not cover Visual Basic as found in Microsoft’s .NET Framework.

  • Visual Basic 1.0 launched simultaneously with Windows 3.0 in 1991. (MacDonald/Socket 3)
  • Visual Basic 2.0 was launched in 1992. (Socket 3)
    • Adds ODBC support, MDI forms, and object variables. (Smiley)
  • Visual Basic 3.0 was launched in 1993. (Socket 3)
    • Adds integration with Access’ Jet Engine. Also adds OLE automation and reporting. (Smiley)
  • Visual Basic 4.0 was launched alongside Windows 95 in 1994. (Socket 3)
    • Allows one to create add-ons, adds classes and OCXs. (Smiley)
  • VBScript is included with Internet Explorer 3.0 in 1996, ASP is included with IIS 3.0. (Smiley)
  • Visual Basic 5.0 was launched in 1997. (Socket 3)
    • Includes a compiler, WithEvents, and the ability to create ActiveX controls. (Smiley)
    • Also in 1997, Office 97 launches and includes Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). (Smiley)
  • Visual Basic 6.0 was launched in 1998. (Socket 3)
    • “Introduces WebClasses, windowless controls, data designers, new reporting designers, and the ability to create data sources.” – Smiley.
  • Visual Basic, the classical version, has a successor in VB.NET in 2002. (MacDonald)
    • “The only problem was that to get all these new features, Microsoft had to throw away almost all of classic VB.” – MacDonald.

Bibliography