Book Description
This Special Edition provides beginning programmers with a helpful format that simplifies the programming learning experience.

• Presents short chapters that illustrate quick learning progress-even through complex topics
• Open and friendly style makes extensive use of icons and illustrations to present technical material in an easy-to-read manner
• Coverage includes an introduction to QBasic language elements, as well as advanced topics such as data structures, subroutines and functions, and disk file processing

Customer Reviews (22)

Book for starters
The book is for starters, those who have never programmed before. I wanted to program Microchip PICs and I wanted to do it in Basic. So I decided to learn Basic first and I did that with this book. I can now program PICs at ease. I feel that I have good background in Basic and that I could move easily onto Visual Basic if need be. To master higher level math you need to have a solid background in math's basics, same is with programming. QBasic and this book sure provides starting point.

review
The math book was in great shape and my daughter is using it in her school work.The book arrived in a timely manor and the cost of the book was less than it would has cost me at her school.

Outdated book, but valuable for some uses
The book itself is the "learn by programming" which works for some people and not for others. The others is mainly looking for answers for there problem which this bokk probably will not give you. However if you are inituative and can see outside the box you learn a lot of programming from the book and it is from the most basic to advanced topics included. The book is totally outdated since qbasic is replaced by visual basic. I however find it useful when I use an old scrapped PC which I build over to control units for all and everything, from alarmsystems to ROV control, even industrial control systems. Is it for the hobbyist... No not anymore, but for those few who still uses DOS machines it is a great tool

A Remarable Book For Young Teens.
Greg Perry makes learning in this edition easy, and very enjoyable for people who want to learn qbasic. Even today there are many people that use the language, especially young teens.

The latest compiler has taken on a new image and GUI from a third party software vendor written for windows, if your not using the program that was provided with MS-DOS and windows 3.1 many years ago. Greg's book clips away functions and keywords that you will learn directly in qbasic. Each chapter takes you through a series of techniques that are common among all computer languages; things such as loops, data sorting, printing, and graphics.

One very good aspect of the book I like is that you can skip to chapters that describe keywords, and use them quickly, without any real knowledge of the language. The general layout in book is pretty good too.All the block print for programming is highlighted in blue, which clearly defines many short lessonsthroughout the chapters, and the rest of the book.

If you never programmed before, I would recommend this language, along with Greg's book. I've read and learned programming from titles in C/C++, but qbasic is a real delight. It's not all that difficult, and the syntax is very sparse, unlike C, where the scope of it's variables can go out of range. Semi-colons play a big part in C too, which adds fustration for most people.

The keywords are just like the english language with symbols, which anyone can learn very quickly. In just a few short hours, you can have a full color application up and running with greg's book, it's a truely remarkable presentation in learning to program. If you desire programming with windows, then qbasic will prepare you for Visual Basic which is known for rapid application development, and is gaining popularity around the world.

A fine book for programming starters
This book is an excellent starter for those who want to start learning how to program. You don't need to buy the software because more than likely your computer will have QBasic. I had sold the book and regreted doing so, and now I purchased it again because it also makes a great reference. ... Read more

Book Description
Programming in DOS is a breeze with QBasic, the streamlined, economical version of the universal BASIC language that's been driving computers for years.Even before the arrival of the IBM PC, BASIC was the language of choice for writing programs; after all these years, it's proven itself to be an enduring way to work in DOS 5.0 or higher.QBasic Programming For Dummies steers clear of highfalutin technical terms and programming jargon.Instead, you build a programming foundation in QBasic step-by-step with this book's clear, easy-to-understand language.From fundamental program organization through advanced topics on data types and arrays, graphics, and debugging, QBasic Programming For Dummies is an invaluable guide to mastering the QBasic programming language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Book. A++++++
This book helped me learn everything I needed to know about Qbasic. The examples were very helpful. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Qbasic.

Great Book!!!!! A+++++++
Its a great book. It allowed me to learn everything I needed to know in a way that was easy to understand. I definatelly recommend this book.

Good Reference, Poor Order
I've owned this book for awhile, and don't find it any helpful. First, the author starts with advanced topics, then uses examples that take much longer than they need to be just to illustrate a point. I think it takes about 5 chapters before the PRINT function, one of the simplest and best to experiment with, is learned. This book is not for beginners,.... Otherwise... I can see why one of the other reviewers could not grasp it. I couldn't, even with some experience. But now I program in C++, and QBASIC is MUCH weaker.

Good starter book. The advanced might find something new.
This book is a good book for the beginners, but the advanced can find something new, as well.

Very good for the absolute beginner.
This book goes through QBasic very thoroughly but does not go very far into the language. If you have no knowledge of QBasic what-so-ever, then this book probably isn't for you. I learned quite a bit from this bookmyself, but I only read it once since the concepts are so simple. There areprobably better beginner books which go into more detail, but I can't nameany. I would probably recommend those more than this, however. ... Read more

Book Description
Intro Programming course is estimated currently at 150-200,000 and growing.Visual Basic is taking over where BASIC, Qbasic, and QuickBasic once dominated, in the Introductory Business Programming course.That trend will continue as VB continues to encroach on other less progressive languages such as COBOL and the Basic variations listed above within CIS and Business departments.The courses that can be supported by this text are not specific to any one type of institution, since VB in a Business course is largely a functional topic needed by all types of students from 2-4 year, to Vo-Tech, to extended, to even adult education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

good for a classrom book
good book as a classroom study, not so good as a self learner. lot's of info missing that you would get in an interactive environment, such as the exercise answers. and no website available for more info as many others provide. as a class text this is understandable as the students normally wouldn't have all the answers available to them except thru the teacher.

Programming in Visual Basic 6.0
I NEVER ordered this book but you sent it and charged me for it anyway. I returned it upon its arrival but had to go to extreme hastles to communicate with you people. Have you re-embursed my account yet? That's the first time I've ever had a problem with Amazon, but I still love you.

good service but need better packaging
the book was received in a good, timely manner at a cheap price
at a fraction of the cost of a new book, i am doing all my assignments and learning more about vb
the only thing that would need improvement is packaging
a cd came along with this book but since the packaging was done in an envelope it was broken in half which has prevented me from doing work at home
otherwise, this is a good seller and would deal with them again if they improve their packaging
thanks

A good investment
Concise, precise and with hands-on examples of entire projects. This book is scattered with coloured screenshots to illustrate their instructions so you never have to guess what the authors mean. Targetted at the absolute beginner (in programming) but as it is a breeze to read, the more advanced reader is sure to pick up a few VB gems on his stroll through it.

Excellent book to start VB6.0
I was lucky to stumble across this book in Amazon.com and didn't really know what I was getting. Once reading through the first chapters and trying some of the exercises I realize this is great. The book teaches you the correct way to program in simple descriptive language. I have now leant what I need to start my own small projects and have ordered the Advanced VB6 from the same authors, looking forward to getting it. The book also comes with the learning VB6.0 CD which gets you started. ... Read more

Book Description
Assuming no prior computer programming knowledge on the part of the reader, this book uses Visual Basic 6.0 to explore the fundamentals of programming in general and to explain how to use Visual Basic as a front end to take control of major applications such as Microsoft Office. A broad range of examples, case studies, exercises, and programming projects gives readers significant hands-on experience.Introducing good programming practices that are in-step with modern programming methodology, this book uses well-chosen examples to illustrate every new concept. It includes carefully designed examples that both reinforce the text and challenge the reader to make original connections. The book also incorporates real, current, and sometimes humorous data throughout to add fun and interest to the overall presentation. The fourth edition of An Introduction to Programming with Visual Basic 6 has been revised to include the relevant new features of VB6.0, an expanded discussion of debugging and error-prevention, and updated and revised real-life data.An essential reference for every programming professional. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

If there had to be only one...
I've always been interrested by the computer world and one day decided to teach myself programming. I picked up this book and started to read. At that moment, I didn't even know what a programming language was. I read it from cover to cover and didn't have the impression to learn something but suddenly I found myself programming small applications. I read other books then and today I'm a MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer). During my whole journey on the learning of programming, this one was the clearest book I've read. So, if you're a complete beginner in programming, get this book fast ! I would even recommend you to read it BEFORE moving to .NET books. If you already are a programmer coming from another language, it may not be the right choice.

College text used - not happy
I have my VB final due tommorrow.I have to agree with another reviewer.The examples don't explain what you need to know for the projects.My teacher is very smart but she grades hard.Between that and this difficult to learn from book our class has gone from 22 students to get this 4. There are 4 of us left in what should have been a beginner type programming class.
I am going to buy a Thompson Learning VB book instead.I am sure it will be better.
The only guy who did well with this book already had C++ I and II.

Great get-to-the-point book on VB
I had to use this book for a VB programming class. I really like the style. Instead of laboring the point, Schneider briefly presents information on a topic, then uses examples to explain the details. If you are learner by tutorial, then this book is NOT for you because it is not a lot of hand-holding. But if you can read something, see an example, then grasp the concept, then you will enjoy reading this text and find it very beneficial.

My class project was to build a conctacts database, and this book has some great examples of how to build a database application both in the front end (forms and controls) and back end (coding SQL and VB data-handling commands).

Not for raw beginners
Most of the reviewers for this book seem to have had some previous programming experience, and thus, armed with an understanding of programming generally, i.e. the jargon, the logic, and general concepts, this book might well deserve a good wrap. However, it has been my first exposure to programming and I am finding that it is not a great help to a raw beginner.

This is the prescribed text for a uni subject I am doing, and I know of other students who have been very critical of the book also.In fact, the lecturer recommended that those with no prior experience refer to other books for a better explanation of the concepts!

I do not want to be a programmer - and I am not someone who enjoys spending every spare moment experimenting with code - my interests lie in other areas of IT. Having said that, I have put as much effort into this subject as any other that I have done.

Specifically, I have found that the book skips over the basics, and makes a lot of assumptions about the reader's prior knowledge. I often find myself leafing backwards and forwards through the book looking for information that I know I have previously read, but cannot find again without wasting a great deal of time because of its poor layout. There is a dearth of explanation - I know that the best way to learn programming is to do it, but if what you're doing isn't working you need to understand why and be able to fix it without wanting to throw the computer out of the window ;-)

I am searching now for some books that will help me to finish the subject.I don't want to go into the exam on a wing and a prayer, I'd actually like to do well. This book on its own is not going to get me there.

Perhaps, it's different these days, as kids leaving school may have already studied computing subjects before going to uni, but for mature age students new to programming, there is a lot of catching up to do before this book would be helpful. I hope this has been of assistance to anyone else in the same boat.

Better than most others for syntax
During the 80's I took some courses in PASCAL,COBOL etc so I know how to program,I just wanted to learn VB syntax and how to work in a Windows enviroment. Trying the self study route I wasted a great deal of money on those "Teach yourself in 24 Minutes All You Need to know" books. The most common problem I encountered was VB books were either too basic or too complicated!
I decided to enroll in a college course and this was the text book. If you are new to programming and can't write out a sequence of steps in plain english as to what you want the computer to do this is not the book for you!
This book moves along at a fast clip (as did the course I took)and I saw plenty of students fall by the wayside. They needed practice in writing the logic of a program and this book speeds through that essential part. You can get a good feel for VB up to an intermediate level but this is not an advanced book. Plenty of explanations and programming projects are given that will be interesting as long as you're a beginner to VB. ... Read more

Book Description
Contemporary in approach and highly accessible novice programmers, this challenging guide uses QBASIC to help users learn the fundamentals of computer programming. Written from an engineering point-of-view, it requires no prior computer experience or knowledge of specific engineering principles. Offers focused discussions on what kinds of data computers can manipulate, how to organize those data, what kinds of operations the computer can carry out, and how to instruct the computer to do the right operations in the right order to accomplish a particular task. Presents clear explanations of all DOS concepts and commands with numerous examples, and contains case studies to highlight the important applications of programming concepts and techniques. ... Read more

Book Description
Part of the highly successful Shelly Cashman Series, text teaches students how to design and write programs that will be error-free, reliable, and easy to modify. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Painfully boring, and introduces bad habits to boot...
Stay away!I used this in a course I took, but there has to be a better QBasic book out there than this one.

The positives:If you've done any BASIC programming before, you can probably skim a lot of the book instead of having to actually (try to) read it.

The negatives:This book makes programming confusing and even induces bad habits if you're going to be programming in other languages later (such as Visual Basic).Many variable names use dots (such as Pay.Rate$), which will make it confusing when you get to Visual Basic and find that dots mean something else entirely.The variables also use the obsolete symbols for declaring variable type (such as $ for string and % for integer), and most variables are declared in-line rather than explicitly, which is a bad habit to get into.(It's not that the authors don't know Visual Basic, as there's a short intro to Visual Basic at the end of the book.Hence it's that much more puzzling why the book doesn't introduce programming habits that can carry forward into VB.)

Besides serious concerns like this, the simple fact is that this is an incredibly boring book.The color scheme is ugly; the layout is irritating.You can't read more than a paragraph or two without having to skip your eyes all over the place, as the text is constantly interrupted by tables and charts and illustrations and other such garbage.The book uses more different font types than a sixth-grader trying to spruce up his first term paper.Trying to go through one chapter can bring on a migraine.

If you have to learn QBasic, look for some other book; if you use this one, don't say I didn't warn you.(And if you're taking a course which uses this one, point out your concerns to the professor/instructor, as I plan to!) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for Beginners
Even if you've never programmed before "Crash Course in Q Basic"offers a no-frills quick introduction into this easy programming language.Take it one step at a time and soon you'll be writing simple programs. Bythe end of the book you'll have a good knowledge of the language and beable to write moderately complex programs. I teach basic programming tobeginners and recommend this book as an excellent reference.

A very good book for beginning programmers.
This being my first programming book after learning GWBASIC, I found this book to be very well written considering the size of the book. If you just don't have much time to spend learning QBasic, this book takes you on a Crash Course(surprise) through the fundamentals of the language with plenty of examples demonstrating the topic effectively. I STRONGLY recommend this book if you want to learn QBASIC. ... Read more

Product Description
Preface of book:The majority of the sections of this text (beyond chapter one) are composed of three basic components1. An explanation or theory of a programming concept.2. A complete program demonstrating the concept. (A student disk is available with all of these programs on it.)3. One or more programming assignments which reflect the concept being taught. The more programs the student writes, the mroe he/she will learn about programming. Liek playing a musical instrucment, practice is absolutely necessary. P ... Read more