Visual Basic 6
Visual Basic 6 (VB6) is a third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft, released in 1998. It is known for its rapid application development (RAD) capabilities, allowing developers to create Windows desktop applications with a graphical user interface (GUI) using a drag-and-drop form designer and a simplified BASIC-like syntax. VB6 was widely used for building business applications, utilities, and database front-ends, leveraging its integration with COM and ActiveX technologies.
Developers should learn VB6 primarily for maintaining or migrating legacy systems, as it was extensively used in enterprise environments from the late 1990s to early 2000s. It is relevant for roles involving legacy codebases, such as in finance, healthcare, or government sectors, where VB6 applications may still be in production. Knowledge of VB6 can also provide historical context for understanding the evolution of Microsoft's development tools and transitioning to modern alternatives like VB.NET or C#.