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WY006-01 WY006-Sample WY006-Sample-v3.cls January 29, 2004 17:49
Chapter 1
11. After clicking Next, you will be allowed to select the amount of the documentation you want to
install. For example, if you did not install C++ there is probably little reason to install that
documentation.
If you have the spare hard drive space, it is a very good idea to install the full documentation. MSDN does
not always include specific examples or documentation for Visual Basic .NET; therefore you may find what
you are looking for under SQL Server documentation, or even C#.
12. After the MSDN documentation has been installed you are returned to the initial setup screen
again and the Service Releases option is now available.
It is a good idea to select Service Releases to check for updates. Microsoft has done a good job of making
software updates available through the Internet. These updates can include anything from additional
documentation to bug fixes. You will be given the choice to install any updates via a Service Pack CD or the
Internet. Obviously, the Internet option requires an active connection. Since updates can be quite large, a
fast connection is highly recommended.
Once you have performed the update process, Visual Basic .NET is ready to use. Now the real fun can
begin! So get comfortable, relax, and let us enter the world of Visual Basic .NET.
The Visual Basic .NET IDE
You don’t actually need the Visual Basic .NET product to write applications in the Visual Basic .NET
language. The actual ability to run Visual Basic .NET code is included with the .NET Framework. You
could actually just write all of your Visual Basic .NET using a text editor such as Notepad. You could also
hammer nails using your shoe as a hammer, but that slick pneumatic nailer sitting there is probably a lot
more efficient.
However, by far the easiest way to write in Visual Basic .NET is by using the Visual Studio .NET
Integrated Development Environment, also known as the IDE. This is what you actually see when
working with Visual Basic .NET—the windows, boxes, and so on. The IDE provides a wealth of features
that are unavailable in ordinary text editors—such as code checking, visual representations of the
finished application, and an explorer that displays all of the files that make up your project.
The Profile Setup Page
An IDE is a way of bringing together a suite of tools that make developing software a lot easier. Fire up
Visual Basic .NET and see what you’ve got. If you used the default installation, go to your Windows Start
menu and then Programs (All Programs on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003)
➪ Microsoft Visual
Studio.NET 2003
➪ Microsoft Visual Studio.NET 2003. A splash screen will briefly appear and then you
should find yourself presented with the Start screen’sMyProfile tab, as shown in Figure 1-5.
This screen allows you to do some basic configuration of the IDE so that it serves you better. Since this
IDE serves all the Visual Studio .NET languages, there are some settings to tailor it to our particular
development interests. However, the default settings are acceptable for most users. Make any changes
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