[VBnet General] How to use VBnet

VBnet is not really like any other Visual Basic site around. Instead of providing downloadable zips of stale code, the Code and FAQ Libraries are full of topical how-to pages that go into exceptional detail outlining the code and methodologies needed to achieve particular results.

Primarily an API-oriented site, each page consists of an introduction, an illustration of the project in action, and the full code to recreate the project. Any special considerations are detailed in the Comments section following the code.

Especially complicated forms are downloadable in zip format, and where provided, the link will be in the introductory paragraph. The zips contain only the empty form with some controls in place, not the complete project with code. If you're interested in why VBnet works this way, you owe it to yourself to spend a moment and read the VBnet Philosophy.

A great deal of time has been spent creating each code page for the ease of the developer - every page and link is hand coded. VBnet uses HTML's 'pre' style tags to format the code as it might appear in the VB IDE. You can simply browse the code, pick up a few tidbits of information, or recreate the project as it appears in the accompanying illustrations...your choice. No more wasted drive space with useless code. And VBnet's presentation invites customization; most are routines provided as a framework to implement as your imagination sees fit. When you do want to recreate a VBnet project, just launch VB, create the form and controls as detailed on the code page, then simply copy and paste the actual code into the project. Should you discover a problem - code that doesn't work - please email me via 'Send Comments' button.

Overview of VBnet Categories and Content

What's News	The latest news messages and code at VBnet, the VBnet Philosophy, and How to use VBnet.
Code Library	The site's main code pages, most detailing methods utilizing the Windows APIs. Topics include Algorithms, AVI (animation), Bitmaps, Browse Dialog, Callbacks, Combo API, Common Controls, Common Dialogs, 'Core' Routines, Disk/Drive Routines, Enumerations, FAQs, Files & File APIs, Helper Routines, Hooks, Icons, Intrinsic Control routines, Internet, List API, Locale & Regionalization Info, Menus, Network, Projects, Registry, Screen & System Metrics, Sorting, Subclassing, System Services, Text & String APIs, the Win32 Shell, Windows and Forms, and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). Also available is a complete listing of VBnet contents by topic, as well as a listing that answers popular "How Do I" questions.
Dev Resources	Issues and news of interest to developers, file updates, MS information, including: Information Pages (how-to's) Copyright Information for Canadians and Americans VBnet File and Utility Downloads Newsgroup Listings Site Search Engine Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base while inside VBnet Web Search Engines
API Reference	Concise listing of all APIs, Methods and API Constants and Types used throughout VBnet, sorted alphabetically and with complete links.
Links	It just wouldn't be a VB site without a ton'o'links, and they're all here .. the VBnet links section, a massive listing of Visual Basic-related sites broken into: MVP links - sites hosted by fellow MVPs in covering all areas of Windows development Just The Best - a small collection of exceptional links VB Sites Online Reference sites VB Corporate links ActiveX development Non-VB Links Link Submission form ..add your site to the links list.
Search VBnet	Full search capability for the site and a keyword list.