8 Visual Basic Books That Accelerate Your Coding Skills

Discover 8 Visual Basic Books authored by leading experts like Anne Boehm and Michael Halvorson, offering practical and authoritative guidance.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if I told you that mastering Visual Basic today still hinges on the right blend of solid fundamentals and practical application? Despite the rise of newer programming languages, Visual Basic remains a vital tool for Windows desktop, web, and database applications. Its accessibility makes it a favorite among developers keen on rapid development and clear code.

Authors like Anne Boehm and Michael Halvorson bring decades of programming and writing experience to their books, making these resources trusted companions for anyone serious about learning or deepening their Visual Basic skills. Their works strike a fine balance between theory and hands-on instruction, reflecting real-world programming challenges.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and structured learning paths, you might find even greater value by creating a personalized Visual Basic book tailored to your background, skill level, and goals. This approach complements these foundational texts by focusing on what matters most to you. Consider creating a personalized Visual Basic book to build on these insights with content customized for your journey.

Best for mastering Windows Forms development
Anne Boehm, with over 40 years of technical writing experience, brings a deep passion for making complex computing topics accessible. Since joining Murach Books in 1981, she has specialized in enterprise programming and .NET technologies. Her expertise shines through in this detailed guide to Visual Basic 2015, designed to help you quickly get comfortable with Windows Forms development and .NET Framework 4.6 features.
Murach's Visual Basic 2015 book cover

by Anne Boehm··You?

2016·904 pages·VB.NET, Desktop App Development, Visual Basic, .NET Framework 4.6, Software Development

Drawing from over four decades of technical writing, Anne Boehm crafted this edition to accelerate your mastery of Visual Basic 2015 within the Visual Studio 2015 environment. You'll learn to develop Windows Forms applications using .NET Framework 4.6 classes, with the book carefully organizing complex programming concepts into approachable lessons. Chapters guide you through practical coding techniques, UI design, and event-driven programming, making it suitable for those aiming to build robust desktop applications. This book suits you if you want a thorough grounding in Visual Basic with hands-on examples, though if you're looking for web or mobile development, other resources might be more fitting.

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Best for stepwise VB programming beginners
Michael Halvorson is an award-winning author with over 35 books to his name and nearly two decades of experience in Visual Basic development, including nine years at Microsoft as a writer, editor, and localization manager. His expertise makes this book a trustworthy resource for anyone wanting to learn Visual Basic 2010, as he draws on his extensive background to guide you through the tools and techniques necessary to build professional applications.
544 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Software Development, Programming, Integrated Development Environment

Michael Halvorson's decades of experience with Visual Basic, including nine years at Microsoft as a writer and localization manager, shines through in this detailed guide. You learn to navigate the Visual Studio 2010 IDE, master core programming concepts like inheritance and data management, and build polished user interfaces and web features. The book provides clear examples on debugging, using ADO.NET, and leveraging new tools like Query Builder, making it practical for developers aiming to create professional Windows and web applications. While it's thorough enough for intermediate users, even newcomers can follow along with its stepwise approach to build solid programming skills.

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Best for personal coding plans
This personalized AI book about Visual Basic is created based on your programming background, skill level, and the specific fundamentals you want to master. Using AI, it focuses on your interests and goals to provide a tailored learning path through Visual Basic's core concepts. By addressing what matters most to you, this custom guide helps make complex topics clear and accessible, making your learning experience more effective and engaging.
2025·50-300 pages·Visual Basic, Programming Basics, Visual Basic Syntax, Control Structures, Object Oriented

This tailored book explores the fundamentals of Visual Basic programming, carefully aligned with your background and learning goals. It covers core concepts such as syntax, control structures, object-oriented programming, and event-driven design, providing a clear pathway through topics that matter most to you. By focusing on your specific interests and experience level, the book reveals practical examples and explanations that deepen your understanding of Visual Basic's capabilities. Designed to match your unique learning pace, this personalized guide bridges foundational theories with hands-on coding practices. It examines essential programming elements while offering a custom approach to mastering Visual Basic’s versatile environment, helping you build confidence and skill in writing effective, maintainable code.

Tailored Guide
Code Mastery
3,000+ Books Created
Best for newcomers seeking clear basics
Mike McGrath gained his extensive knowledge of computer languages while working as a developer contracting to companies around the world. As an established In Easy Steps author with several guides to his credit, he brings authoritative expertise to this Visual Basic guide. His practical background drives the book’s clear, example-rich approach, making it accessible for those new to programming and Windows application development.
2019·192 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Visual Studio, Programming, Software Development

Mike McGrath's extensive experience as a software developer contracting worldwide clearly informs this guide, making Visual Basic approachable for newcomers. The book offers a carefully structured progression through Visual Basic 2019, with code samples and screenshots that bring each concept to life, particularly useful in chapters focusing on creating interactive Windows applications. If you want to understand Visual Basic from the ground up without prior programming knowledge, this book delivers a solid foundation. However, if you're an advanced programmer looking for deep dives into complex architecture or optimization, this might not be your primary resource.

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Best for practical, fast application building
James Foxall, President and CEO of Tigerpaw Software and author of 15 books, brings his deep expertise in business process automation to this practical guide. His background in managing technology solutions for thousands of users worldwide informs the book's focus on building reliable, feature-rich Visual Basic applications. Foxall's dual degrees in business and information systems underpin his clear, structured teaching style, making this book a solid choice for anyone starting with Visual Basic 2015.
2015·608 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Programming, Software Development, Windows Applications

James Foxall's extensive experience as CEO of Tigerpaw Software shapes this practical guide to Visual Basic 2015, aimed at those new to programming or transitioning languages. You’ll learn to develop fully functional Windows applications through 24 digestible one-hour lessons, covering essential topics like event handling, object-oriented programming, database interaction, and user interface design. The book’s structured approach includes tips and cautions that help you avoid common pitfalls, such as the startup form renaming bug, making it a reliable reference as you build projects. If you want a clear path to mastering Visual Basic with a focus on real application development, this book fits well, though experienced developers may find it less challenging.

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Best for database programming fundamentals
John Connell is a Visual Basic developer at a leading Chicago bank, renowned for creating powerful, user-friendly database applications. He also educates aspiring programmers at De Paul's downtown campus and has contributed to Wrox Press courses. His hands-on expertise and teaching background shaped this book, making it a practical guide for mastering database programming in Visual Basic 6.
880 pages·Visual Basic, VB6, Database Programming, ADO, DAO

Drawing from his extensive experience as a VB developer at a major Chicago bank, John Connell crafted this book to guide you through the essentials of database programming with Visual Basic 6. You’ll learn everything from database design principles and SQL fundamentals to working with DAO and mastering the newer ADO technology, all presented through practical, ready-to-use examples. The book is tailored for those aiming to build robust database front ends, whether you’re new to programming or have some experience. While it moves quickly, the lucid tutorial format ensures you grasp core concepts applicable to both new applications and legacy systems.

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Best for rapid project completion
This personalized AI book about Visual Basic is created based on your programming background, skill level, and the specific challenges you want to tackle. You share your goals and areas of interest, and the book is written to focus on helping you complete projects quickly and effectively. By targeting the steps and knowledge you need most, this approach offers a clear pathway through Visual Basic development tailored specifically to your experience.
2025·50-300 pages·Visual Basic, Project Planning, Code Structuring, Debugging Techniques, User Interface

This tailored Visual Basic book explores a focused, step-by-step pathway designed to accelerate your project completion within 30 days. It examines practical actions crafted to match your programming background and desired learning pace, helping you navigate the core aspects of Visual Basic development with clarity and purpose. By addressing your specific goals, this personalized guide delves into essential coding techniques, debugging practices, user interface design, and application deployment, all aligned to your experience level. It reveals the nuances of Visual Basic that matter most to you, offering a tailored approach that bridges foundational concepts with real-world application, ensuring your learning journey is efficient and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Project Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Corinne Hoisington brings over 25 years of teaching experience and recognition as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in computer programming to this book. Her extensive work delivering keynotes worldwide for Microsoft and other major organizations informs a text that guides you through Visual Basic 2017 with clarity and authority. Hoisington’s dedication to education shines through as she equips you to build robust Windows, web, and database applications, grounded in practical skills and industry standards.
2017·752 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Programming, Software Development, Windows Applications

What makes this book different is Corinne Hoisington's extensive background as a professor and recognized Microsoft MVP, which anchors the material in real classroom experience and industry relevance. You learn how to build Windows, web, and database applications using Microsoft Visual Basic 2017 through a methodical, visual approach that balances theory with hands-on programming assignments. The content covers core programming concepts, Windows interface design, and database integration, providing practical skills to develop functional applications. If you’re aiming to deepen your programming expertise or prepare for a career in app development, this book offers a solid foundation without overwhelming you with jargon or unnecessary complexity.

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Best for advanced Visual Basic learners
Philip Conrod brings over thirty years of experience in computer programming and IT leadership to this extensive Visual Basic tutorial. His background as a CIO and author of more than two dozen programming books uniquely positions him to create a resource that balances practical programming skills with real-world application development. This book reflects his commitment to helping learners build a solid foundation in Visual Basic, covering everything from core language features to advanced topics like web and database programming.
2019·906 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Visual Studio, Programming, Software Development

After analyzing decades of programming education, Philip Conrod developed this tutorial to guide you through Visual Basic 2019 with clarity and depth. You’ll learn to harness object-oriented programming, master the Visual Basic IDE, and build diverse Windows applications including games, calculators, and database tools. The book offers practical exposure to advanced topics like web access and multimedia, making it ideal if you’ve already got some Windows and programming background. Whether you’re a college student or prepping for advanced placement, this text lays out detailed examples and exercises to solidify your skills without overwhelming you.

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Best for absolute Visual Basic beginners
Bryan Newsome is a senior programmer and Microsoft Certified Application Developer for VB.NET with decades of experience starting from Visual Basic 5. His deep familiarity with Visual Basic versions and the .NET platform informs this book, designed to help you start programming with clear, patient guidance. Newsome’s focus on mentoring and providing practical solutions shines through, making this a reliable starting point for anyone new to Visual Basic or programming in general.
Beginning Visual Basic 2015 book cover

by Bryan Newsome··You?

2015·624 pages·Visual Basic, VB.NET, Programming, Software Development, Object Oriented

Unlike most beginner programming books that overwhelm you with jargon, Bryan Newsome’s approach in this book focuses on guiding you through Visual Basic 2015 starting from zero experience. Drawing from his extensive background as a Microsoft Certified Application Developer and long history with Visual Basic, Newsome patiently unpacks foundational skills like flow control, data structures, and object-oriented programming. You’ll also get hands-on with practical topics such as databases, graphics, and web programming using ASP.NET and SQL Server. This book suits anyone eager to build solid programming basics and gradually master Visual Basic’s application in Windows and web contexts, without prior coding knowledge required.

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Conclusion

Across these eight titles, three clear themes emerge: accessibility for beginners, practical application through project-based learning, and comprehensive coverage of both desktop and database programming. If you're just starting out, "Visual Basic in easy steps" and "Beginning Visual Basic 2015" offer clear introductions without overwhelming jargon.

For those aiming to build real-world applications quickly, "Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours" pairs well with "Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 Step by Step" for a structured yet fast-paced approach. Meanwhile, developers interested in database integration will find "Beginning Visual Basic 6 Database Programming" and "Microsoft Visual Basic 2017 for Windows, Web, and Database Applications" particularly insightful.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Visual Basic book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and build practical skills that stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Visual Basic in easy steps" if you're new. It offers clear, approachable lessons that build your foundation without jargon.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Visual Basic?

No, several titles like "Beginning Visual Basic 2015" and "Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours" are designed for beginners with step-by-step guidance.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-friendly guides, then progress to specialized books like "Murach's Visual Basic 2015" for Windows Forms and "Beginning Visual Basic 6 Database Programming" for databases.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Visual Basic?

Some do, like "Learn Visual Basic 2019 Edition," but others such as "Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 Step by Step" accommodate complete beginners with detailed instructions.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Visual Basic 2015 in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself" offers practical, project-based lessons ideal for applying skills quickly.

How can I tailor these expert book insights to my specific needs?

Personalized Visual Basic books complement these expert works by focusing on your background and goals. They help apply general principles directly to your projects. Explore creating your own tailored Visual Basic book for targeted learning.

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