Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic by David Schneider – A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners in Programming

Introduction

Programming is the language of the future, and for Indian students and aspiring developers, mastering it begins with the right foundation. Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic by David Schneider, published by Pearson, is a time-tested guide that has been shaping programmers since 1991. This Tenth Edition is updated for modern learners, offering a clear, step-by-step journey into the world of Visual Basic 2015. Ideal for classrooms, self-study, or career shifts, this hardcover book is your companion to building logic, solving problems, and writing real-world code—no prior experience needed.

Book Overview

This comprehensive textbook is designed for absolute beginners. Schneider’s approach is methodical: he introduces a powerful problem-solving strategy early on and revisits it throughout the book. You learn not just syntax, but how to think like a programmer. The Tenth Edition balances theory with hands-on practice, featuring a broad range of real-world examples, section-ending exercises, case studies, and programming projects. Each chapter is focused and concise, covering crucial subjects without overwhelming you. Whether you are a college student in Bengaluru, a hobbyist in Mumbai, or a professional upskilling in Delhi, this book bridges the gap between curiosity and competence.

Key Highlights

• Proven Pedagogy: Used by instructors worldwide for over three decades, with continuous refinement.
• Problem-Solving Focus: A structured strategy is woven through every chapter to build logical thinking.
• Hands-On Learning: Hundreds of exercises, case studies, and programming projects ensure you code from day one.
• Modern Content: Updated for Visual Basic 2015, covering contemporary programming practices.
• Student-Friendly: Clear explanations, rich examples, and no assumption of prior coding knowledge.

Inside the Book

Open this book, and you will find a well-organized roadmap. It starts with the basics—variables, data types, and control structures—then gradually moves to arrays, procedures, and object-oriented concepts. Each chapter opens with learning objectives and closes with a summary, review questions, and programming challenges. Real-world case studies, such as creating a payroll calculator or a loan amortization table, make concepts tangible. The book also includes debugging tips, algorithm development exercises, and visual aids like flowcharts. You will write complete programs by the end of the first few chapters.

Key Topics

• Fundamentals of Visual Basic: User interface design, event-driven programming, and the VB 2015 environment.
• Data and Operations: Variables, constants, data types, arithmetic, and string manipulation.
• Control Structures: If-Then-Else, Select Case, loops (For, Do While, Until), and nested structures.
• Procedures and Functions: Sub procedures, function procedures, parameter passing, and scope.
• Arrays and Collections: One-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays, array lists, and sorting/searching techniques.
• Object-Oriented Programming: Classes, objects, properties, methods, and inheritance basics.
• File Handling: Reading from and writing to text files, sequential and random access.
• Database and Graphics: Introduction to ADO.NET, database connections, and simple graphics programming.

Reader Benefits

This book transforms you from a novice to a confident programmer. You will develop a structured approach to breaking down problems, which is a skill useful beyond coding. The exercises are designed to be challenging yet achievable, building your confidence step by step. Indian students will appreciate the clear language and practical examples that relate to everyday scenarios—like managing student marks, calculating GST, or creating a simple inventory system. By the end, you can build functional Windows applications and have a strong foundation for advanced programming languages.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand core programming concepts such as variables, control flow, and data structures.
• Apply a systematic problem-solving strategy to design algorithms and write efficient code.
• Create interactive Windows applications with graphical user interfaces using Visual Basic 2015.
• Debug and test programs effectively, using built-in tools and best practices.
• Work with files and databases to store and retrieve data in real-world applications.
• Grasp object-oriented principles and use them to build reusable, modular code.

Who Should Read

• College students taking their first programming course in engineering, BCA, B.Sc. IT, or related fields.
• Self-learners who want a structured, classroom-tested resource to learn Visual Basic from scratch.
• Teachers and instructors looking for a reliable textbook with abundant exercises and teaching support.
• Professionals in non-IT roles (like accounting or administration) who need to automate tasks using VB.
• Hobbyists interested in creating simple Windows applications for personal projects.

About the Author

David Schneider is a respected educator and author with decades of experience teaching programming at the university level. His textbooks are known for their clarity, practicality, and student-friendly tone. Schneider’s work has helped thousands of students worldwide learn to code, and he continues to update his books to reflect the evolving landscape of software development. His deep understanding of beginner psychology makes complex topics accessible without dumbing them down.

About the Publisher

Pearson is a global leader in educational publishing, with a strong presence in India. Known for high-quality textbooks across disciplines, Pearson collaborates with top academics to produce resources that align with Indian curricula. Their commitment to innovation and accuracy ensures that every book, including this one, meets rigorous academic standards. Pearson’s titles are widely used in Indian universities and training institutes, making them a trusted choice for students and professionals alike.

Conclusion

Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic, Tenth Edition is more than a textbook—it is a launchpad for your programming journey. With its proven methodology, hands-on projects, and clear explanations, it equips you with skills that last a lifetime. Whether you are preparing for exams, building a career, or simply exploring the world of code, this book from Bookshops.in is a wise investment. Order your hardcover copy today and take the first step toward becoming a proficient programmer.