Microsoft Visual Basic Professional 6.0 with Plus Pack [Old Version]

True, you can use C++ (written in Microsoft Visual C++ or some other environment) to write programs that execute faster. You can use Visual J++ or a Java IDE if you like that style of object-oriented programming. But there's little debate that Visual Basic offers the best balance of feature richness, ease of use, and performance. Furthermore, if you have a bit of familiarity with fundamental programming concepts (you know something about control structures, have a handle on data structures, and have some idea of what object orientation is all about), you'll find that Visual Basic has a relatively flat learning curve. It rewards experimentation, and plenty of fine documentation exists.

Visual Basic supports all of Microsoft's solutions for database access, distributed computing, componentized software, and half a dozen other major software applications. You can use Visual Basic to write Component Object Model (COM) objects, ActiveX Controls, ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) for database access, and WebClasses to provide customized responses to events that occur during Web sessions. The professional edition supplements the standard Visual Basic features with visual tools for creating database schema on Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases. The Professional Edition also integrates with Microsoft Visual SourceSafe and the rest of Microsoft's tools for development of software by teams. --David Wall

Amazon.com Product Description
As Microsoft releases the sixth version of its award-winning development tool, more than 50 percent of all professional developers are using the Visual Basic language. Visual Basic 6.0 is the most productive tool for creating high-performance enterprise and Web-based applications. Integrated Visual Database Tools and a RAD environment promote productivity, while native-code compilation provides fast applications.

This package includes the Windows 2000 Developer's Readiness Kit (also called the Plus Pack). Learn how to take advantage of new Windows 2000 features through in-depth, step-by-step training and technical resources. Get an overview of the Windows 2000 Web Services to build scalable Internet applications. Harness the power of the new COM+ services, including integrated-component management features, transaction processing between objects, and support for dynamic load balancing across servers. Use the Visual Studio Installer to create setup programs that feature easy installation and self-repair.