8 VB.NET Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Unlike most VB.NET books that focus narrowly on syntax, Anne Boehm’s decades of technical writing experience shine through in this edition. You’ll quickly grasp how to use Visual Studio 2015 and Visual Basic 2015 together with .NET Framework 4.6 to build Windows Forms applications. The book’s 900-plus pages are organized to take you from fundamental controls to advanced class structures, with chapters dedicated to database connectivity and debugging techniques. If you want a grounded, thorough guide that balances breadth and depth without overwhelming jargon, this is a solid choice, especially suited for developers aiming to master desktop app development.

Michael Halvorson brings nearly two decades of Visual Basic expertise to this guide, blending his Microsoft experience with a clear, hands-on teaching style. You learn everything from navigating the Visual Studio 2010 IDE to mastering data management, user interface design, and debugging techniques, all tailored to VB.NET development. The book is structured so you can build professional Windows and web applications step by step, with practical examples and chapters on advanced topics like ADO.NET and Query Builder. If you’re aiming to deepen your VB.NET skills with a thorough, example-driven approach, this book offers solid grounding without unnecessary complexity.

This personalized VB.NET book explores the depth and breadth of VB.NET programming tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers essential language features, object-oriented programming, and application development, focusing on the aspects that match your experience and interests. By synthesizing core concepts and advanced techniques, the book reveals a customized pathway through the complexities of VB.NET so you can master the language more efficiently. This tailored resource addresses your specific challenges, helping you build practical skills for Windows, web, and database applications with confidence and clarity.

Mike McGrath gained his extensive programming knowledge through global developer contracts, which shines through in this 6th edition updated for Visual Basic 2019. You’ll find clear explanations and a progressive build-up of concepts that take you from no prior experience to confidently creating interactive Windows applications. The book’s code examples and screenshots illuminate key Visual Basic elements, such as event-driven programming and GUI design, making abstract ideas tangible. If you’re starting out in Windows programming or need a refresher on the latest VB techniques, this book provides a structured, accessible path without overwhelming jargon.

James Foxall challenges the conventional wisdom that learning Visual Basic must be daunting by offering a structured, manageable approach in just 24 lessons. Drawing on his extensive leadership in software automation and his deep understanding of Windows application development, Foxall guides you through building practical, feature-rich VB 2015 applications with clarity and precision. You'll gain hands-on skills from navigating forms and controls to mastering object-oriented programming and debugging, all supported by downloadable examples. This book suits you if you're new to programming or transitioning from another language, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon or assumptions.

Corinne Hoisington draws on over 25 years of teaching experience and her expertise as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional to deliver a thorough guide to Visual Basic programming for Windows, web, and database applications. You’ll explore fundamental programming concepts alongside practical demonstrations that clarify how to build professional-quality apps using Microsoft Visual Basic 2017. The book’s chapters include numerous coding exercises that push you to apply what you’ve learned, such as creating database connections or handling user input in Windows forms. If you want to build a solid foundation in Visual Basic with a focus on real programming tasks, this book provides the depth and structure needed to develop your skills confidently.

This tailored book offers a focused 30-day journey through VB.NET, designed to match your background and learning goals precisely. It explores essential concepts, practical project work, and daily exercises that build on each other to deepen your understanding of VB.NET programming. The personalized approach ensures each lesson aligns with your interests, making complex topics approachable and relevant to your development path. By guiding you through hands-on projects and step-by-step challenges, it reveals how to apply core programming principles effectively in real-world scenarios. With a strong emphasis on gradual skill-building and contextual learning, this book bridges expert knowledge with your unique requirements, fostering both confidence and competence in VB.NET.

Philip Conrod's decades of experience as an IT leader and prolific author culminate in this detailed guide to Visual Basic 2019. You’ll explore core programming concepts like object-oriented design, exception handling, and database integration through ADO .NET, all framed within practical projects such as games and calculators. The book’s strength lies in its extensive hands-on examples—over 100 applications—that help you translate theory into working Windows programs using Visual Studio 2019. If you're comfortable with basic programming ideas and eager to build real desktop applications, this book offers a thorough pathway; however, absolute beginners might find its scope demanding without prior exposure.

Bryan Newsome draws on decades of hands-on experience with Visual Basic, starting from version 5 to the latest .NET platform, to guide you through mastering Visual Basic 2015 from scratch. This book assumes no prior programming knowledge, gradually introducing you to core concepts such as flow control, data structures, object-oriented programming, and database access using ADO.NET and SQL Server. You’ll find detailed chapters on building Windows and web applications with Visual Studio 2015, including practical coverage of graphics and ASP.NET integration. If you’re new to coding and want a structured, clear path into Visual Basic development, this book delivers a thorough foundation without overwhelming jargon.

Diane Zak brings a rare combination of practical teaching experience and deep technical knowledge to this detailed guide on Visual Basic 2017. Drawing from her years as a professor and author, Zak methodically introduces you to programming fundamentals with clear examples and interactive exercises that suit different learning styles. You’ll learn not only syntax but how to plan and build functional VB.NET applications, supported by MindTap’s digital tools that reinforce concepts through practice and assessment. Whether you’re new to programming or looking to solidify your foundation, this book lays out a structured path to mastering Visual Basic’s latest features without overwhelming you.