Conclusion

Congratulations on reaching the end of this introduction to .NET!

We began with a look at what .NET means to Microsoft, then found out what it means to the people that matter: developers. We uncovered the .NET Framework and learned how it supports applications you can create in Visual Studio .NET.

After that, we got all hands-on, with a look at creating a couple of common applications in VB .NET: first off, a regular Windows program, and then a quick Web project. Finally, we explored some of the core language differences that developers moving from VB6 need to know.

Yes, it s changed. Yes, it s a pretty big change. But you don t have to scrap everything you know. Rather, build on it. Explore, embrace, be excited. It s new, it s exciting, it has possibilities.

When you re ready, start to move forward in this book. Pick up the basics with the Essentials sections, then learn to fly with the super-advanced tips that follow. If you d prefer to be guided through some of the topics first, pick up Karl Moore s Visual Basic .NET: The Tutorials first. It ll guide you step by step to ensure that you get a solid grounding from the outset.

But, whatever you do, don t give up. It s that sole ability that marks every great programmer.

This is Karl Moore, welcoming you to .NET!